What is a Pre-Purchase Exam?
The pre-purchase evaluation enables us to gather and interpret the information necessary to assist you in selecting the horse best suited to your needs.
For us to fairly evaluate the horse, the animal should be fit, conditioned, and in training for its intended use. A horse that has been laid off for some time will be difficult to evaluate for lameness.
At Sound Equine Veterinary Hospital, we want to help you make sure your next horse will meet all the physical demands of your training program.
Why should you consider a pre-purchase exam?
Pre-purchase examinations are often requested by a potential horse buyer.
The objective is to reduce the buyer’s risks when purchasing a new horse and determine the general health and athletic soundness of the horse for sale.
The examination is not meant to guarantee that the horse is sound but is an attempt, on the part of the examining veterinarian, to ascertain any preexisting problem or any potential problem that may affect future soundness (e.g., degenerative joint disease).
If you are considering purchasing a horse, contact us. We will coordinate with you and the seller to book a pre-purchase examination.
Pre-Purchase Exam Steps
Pre-Purchase exams assist you and your trainer with assessing whether a horse is fit for its intended use at the time of purchase, and consist of five steps:
- A standing evaluation of the entire horse, including the heart, lungs, eyes, gastrointestinal tract, musculoskeletal system, and overall body condition.
- A moving exam where the horse is observed on soft and hard footing, and if possible, under saddle.
- A series of flexion tests to evaluate each limb region.
- Elective radiographs and ultrasounds are often performed.
- Optional blood work—including Coggins, additional chemistry work, and a Complete Blood Count (CBC) to evaluate organ function and blood cell values. A complete drug screen may be done at the owner's request.
- A sedated dental examination is advised.
If the horse is a current client of Sound Equine Veterinary Hospital, a release of prior medical records will be needed to schedule. A deposit is also necessary to schedule a pre-purchase exam.