What should be done before administering a PVP to a horse?

Before administering a PVP (Preferred Veterinary Practice) to a horse, completing a thorough veterinary assessment is essential. This step ensures that the veterinarian understands the horse's overall health status, any pre-existing medical conditions, and specific needs of the animal. Such an assessment allows the veterinarian to evaluate factors such as vitals, behavior, and any signs of distress or sickness, which are crucial for safely administering treatment or procedures.

A thorough assessment also helps in creating a tailored approach that aligns with the principles of Fear Free practice. Understanding the horse's temperament and previous experiences with veterinary care can significantly affect how the horse responds to treatment. Additionally, identifying any pain or anxiety elements can enable strategies to minimize stress during the procedure.

While consulting with the owner and caretakers can provide valuable insights, and observing the horse's basic health is important, these actions do not replace the need for a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a veterinarian. Each of these steps is part of a larger process, but the core requirement remains the thorough veterinary assessment to ensure safe and effective care for the horse.