The purpose of a pre-purchase exam is to perform a thorough clinical exam on behalf of the potential buyer. It is a single day assessment of overall health and soundness at that time. It is not a pass/fail exam and it does not guarantee the future wellness, health, or soundness of the horse. The veterinarian will provide all clinical information obtained to the buyer so the buyer can determine if the horse meets their individual needs and intended use.

 

The seller will be asked a series of questions regarding the horse’s health history and any behavioral concerns or vices.

 

The pre-purchase exam consists of a systematic and standardized physical exam. This starts with a hands off exam looking at conformation and any other overt abnormalities. This is followed by examination of the major body systems, including cardiothoracic, respiratory, dermatologic, ophthalmic, neurologic, and musculoskeletal systems, looking for any abnormal findings. The ophthalmic exam does not include dilating the pupil. The incisors will be assessed, but a detailed oral exam with a speculum that requires sedation is not included. It should be noted that incisors can help identify an age range, but a specific age cannot be determined without registration papers.

Following the static exam, a dynamic exam to evaluate the horse’s gait at the walk, trot, and canter is performed. This includes walking and trotting the horse in a straight line, in addition to observing the horse walking, trotting, and cantering on a lunge. After exercise the heart and lungs will be auscultated again to determine if any abnormalities appear with work. After this flexion tests will be performed.

 

Advanced diagnostics, such as radiography and blood work, are not included in the base pre-purchase exam, but can be added.   Packages are listed below.

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Pre Purchase Information

 

 Farm call                                                                                                                  $70/80/90

 

Examination                                                                                                                    $300

• Physical exam

• Ophthalmic exam

• Neurological exam

• Lameness/soundness exam including flexions

 

Radiograph Packages (in addition to base examination)  

                                                 

Package 1 (16 views-full series of each joint)                                                               $880

• Front feet

• Hocks

 

Package 2 (30 views-full series of each joint)                                                             $1760

• Front feet  

• Front fetlocks

• Hocks

• Stifles

 

Package 3  (42 views-full series of each joint)                                                             $2100

• Front feet  

• Front fetlocks

• Hocks

• Stifles

• Thoracic/lumbar vertebrae

 

Package 4 (Full repository set-full series of each joint)                                             $3000

• Front feet  

• Front fetlocks

• Carpus

• Hind feet

• Hind fetlocks

• Hocks

• Stifles

• Cervical vertebrae

• Thoracic/lumbar vertebrae

 

Bloodwork (optional)

• CBC/Chemistry                                                                                                     $175

• Drug Screen (NSAIDs, sedatives, muscle relaxants)                                    $400

• USDA Digital Coggins (Regular return is 7-10 days. ELISA is 24 hrs)                                                                                                                         $50 Regular/$100 ELISA

• 30 day Health certificate-REQUIRED for leaving out of the state (M-F)     $65

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Radiographs a la carte:

*Full radiographic series will be taken of each anatomic location listed

Front feet (4 views/foot) $300 per foot

Front fetlocks (5 views/leg) $375 per fetlock

Carpus (5 views) $375 per carpus (knee)

Hind feet (4 views/foot) $300 per foot

Hind fetlocks (5 views/leg) $375 per fetlock

Hocks (4 views/leg) $300 per hock

Stifles (3 views/leg) $225 per stifle

Thoracic spine  $375

Any additional images will be $75 per view.

 

*Each prepurchase will be required to fill out an information form prior to examination.*

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