PRE-PURCHASE EXAMS.....A GOOD CHOICE!

     Regardless of what type of horse you are looking for, a family pet, a pleasure mount, a breeding animal or a high performance athlete, you stand the best chance of getting one that will meet your needs by first investing in a pre-purchase examination.  The expense will be small in comparison to the loong term cost of keeping and caring for a horse, expecially one wih health problems.

     Every purchase examination is different.  The procedures your veterinarian recommends will depend upon the intended use of the horse.  Deciding what should be included in the purchase examination requires clear communication between you and your vet.

SOME GUIDELINES TO HELP YOU:

• Choose a veterinarian who is familiar with the breed, sport, or use for which the horse is being purchased.

• Explain to your vet your expectations and primary uses for the horse, including short and long term goals.

• Ask which procedures that he or she feels should be included in the examination and why.

• Establish the costs for these procedures.

• You should be present, along with the seller, in case there are any questions you may want to ask.  Don't be afreaid to ask questions or request further information.

• Discuss the findings with your vet in private.

     The veterinarian's job is not to pass or fail the animal.  It is to provide you with information regarding any existing medical problems and explain the possibility for future problems in accordance with the horse's intended use from a health standpoint.

     The purchase exam provides information about an individual horse on a given day at a particular moment.  Many factors contribute to a horse's past, present, and future health, and these factors may not be apparent at the precise moment of the examination.  Ultimately, avoiding the purchase of an unsuitable horse will save much disappointment and many dollars later.

PROCEDURES INCLUDED IN MOST EXAMS:

• Review the horse's medical history with the owner, including vaccination and deworming schedules, feeding and any supplements or drugs.  
• Monitor pulse, respiration, and temperature
• Listen to the heart and lungs
• Check nostrils, ears, and eyes
• Evaluate conformation
• Palpate body and limbs
• Draw blood sample for Coggins and other tests
• Examine teeth and mouth
• Evaluate feet visually and with hoof testers
• Watch horse travel in a straight line, in small circles and under saddle, at the walk, trot and canter, AND preferably before the horse has been warmed up.
• perform flexion tests on joints
• observe the horse's behavior

     If the preliminary examination should alert the vet to a problem or potential problem that may interfere with the horse's intended use, he may recommend further tests.  They are generally used to confirm a diagnosis and provide a clearer picture of the seriousness of the problem.

REPRODUCTIVE EXAMS:

     Stallions and mares being purchased for breeding will require special tests to determine their reproductive staus.  A stallion should be teased and semen collected to determine his libido and fertility.  The semen is evaluated for sperm count, motility and viability.

     The mare will undergo rectal palpation so the vet can examine the reproductive tract for signs of normal activity or any structural problems.  The vet may also recommend a uterine biopsy and culture to determine the health of the mare's uterus and the probability of her conceiving and carrying a healthy foal to term.

     You need to understand your vet's findings in order to make an informed decision about your purchase.  For example, if you don't understand the grading system for lameness, you need to ask questions until it becomes clear.  When you discuss the results with your veterinarian, keep the following points in mind:

• NO horse is perfect in every respect

• Some medical conditions or conformation faults are manageable or may never seriously affect the horse's performance

  • Learn what management options (such as shoeing, exercise or nutrition) are available and decide whether or not they are practical for your needs and budget.

• If in doubt about the finding, get a second opinion.
• Make your own determination as to whether a horse is a good investment based on all the available data.

     The decision to buy the horse is yours alone.  Even so, your veterinarian can be a valuable partner in the process by providing you with objective, health-related information.  

     Even if you should decide not to buy, consider the exam money well spent.  The investment can save you headaches, heartaches, and dollars.  It provides a perfect opportunity to find the right horse....one that is healthy and can meet your needs and expectations.

*This information was developed by the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

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