pre-purchase examination

Owning a horse can be a big investment in time, money and emotion.  Unfortunately, horses seldom come with a money-back guarantee.  The best chance of getting a horse that meets your needs is by investing in a pre-purchase examination. The veterinarian’s job is not to pass or fail an animal but 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 purchase decision.  We can advise you about the horse’s current physical condition, but we cannot predict the future.  The decision to buy is yours alone to make but we can be a valuable partner in the process, providing you with objective, health-related information.  A pre-purchase examination may include as few, or as many, of the following components that may be necessary for you to make an informed purchase decision:

• physical examination

• medical history                                                      

• hands on examination/palpation

• testing for hoof sensitivity

• assessment of the horse in motion

• flexion tests

• digital radiographs

• ultrasound

• reproductive work up

• endoscopy

• blood work