The pre-purchase exam allows potential buyers to have a thorough understanding of the sale horse’s health and underlying medical conditions.
First, a clinical examination is performed, focusing on the horse’s eyes, heart, lungs, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal systems to identify underlying conditions.
Next, palpation of the limbs, back and neck is performed and hoof testers are applied. Flexion tests are then utilized. By isolating/flexing the leg joints and asking the horse to “jog off”, the horse can be evaluated for lameness isolated to specific areas. This helps to indicate which joint(s) or areas should be radiographed, or ultrasounded. An evaluation of the horse on a lunge line is also done to observe the horse at a walk, trot, and canter while bending both left and right. Ideally, we like to have the horse travel on both hard and soft surfaces, if available. Also, we advise that the horse should be evaluated when under saddle, in order to see how the horse will perform in it’s intended purpose.
After the clinical exam, further diagnostics are discussed with the buyer. It may be suggested that radiographs be taken if lameness was elicited during the exam. Many clients prefer to take full sets of radiographs as a baseline for comparison in case of future injury, or to utilize as an aid for selling the horse in the future.
Additional tests that may be included in the exam at the buyer’s request include drug screening or routine blood work, a neurological examination, endoscopy, ultrasound, or nuclear scintigraphy.
The veterinarian’s job is neither to pass nor fail the horse. Rather, it is to provide you with information regarding any existing medical problems and to discuss those problems with you so that you can make an informed pre-purchase decision. Your veterinarian can advise you about the horse’s current physical condition, but cannot predict the future. The decision to buy is yours alone to make, but your veterinarian can be a valuable partner in the process of providing you with objective, health-related information.
We often work with clients from out of town that are purchasing horses locally. We will work with your Veterinarian and send any information and radiographs or other diagnostics via email in a timely manner, so your Veterinarian can also consult on the purchase of the horse.
Please call the office to schedule an exam. Keep in mind that these examinations can often run up to two hours in length minimum, so please plan accordingly. Additionally, we require the seller to fill out a history questionaire form prior to the examination. Please contact our office for a copy of the form.
