Pre-Purchase Examination
When buying a horse you want to be assured that there are no hidden problems or conditions that might become a problem in the near future. A method for protecting against this is to have a pre-purchase veterinary examination conducted.
What is a Pre-Purchase Examination?
It is a comprehensive examination of the horse & can consist of several parts.
- Identification - brands, markings, microchip, distinguishing marks,age.
- Physical Examination - conformation. examination of eyes, limbs, heart, respiratory tract, dental, skin,hooves.
- Assessment of Gait - at the walk, trot, canter (at lunge).
- Examination of Joints - Flexion tests are applied to the pastern. fetlock, carpus, hock& stifle joints.Flexion tests may appear uncomfortable for the horse, but this is a standard test designed to show up hidden changes to joints that could affect performance. The horse is trotted out at the loose lead after each joint flexion.
- Extra Diagnostic Examinations
- Radiographs
- Ultrasound examination of the lower limb tendons
- Ultrasound examination of internal reproductive organs
- Endoscopy of upper airway
- Electrocardiograph of the heart
- Haematology (blood profile)
- Other selective pathological tests
A standard pre-purchase examination usually includes stages 1-4 of the above. Other stages & levels of complexity in the examination will be determined by the intended usage of the horse, value or at the client's request. It is strongly recommended that if at all possible the intending purchaser ride the horse and assess temperament & compatability before any pre-purchase is commenced.
The pre-purchase examination is conducted on behalf of the buyer and information is confidential between these two parties. Disclosure of any adverse findings to the vendor is only made with the consent of the buyer.
