Frequently
Asked Questions
What
is prepurchase examination? Why is it important?
The prepurchase examination is a
fact-finding mission to aid the purchaser in the
decision-making process. In
addition, the examination can serve as a guideline
for potential future care that may be needed for that
specific horse. The veterinarian that is performing
the examination is working for the buyer.
A typical prepurchase examination
performed by any of the veterinarians at GLEWC would
consist of all
pertinent history (buyer, seller & agent’s
information), the horse’s name, registration number,
age, sex, breed, weight, height, intended use, present
work status, any medical/surgical history, vaccination/deworming
status, vices and conformation abnormalities. In
addition, a very thorough physical examination will be
performed, which includes a lameness examination with
flexion tests. The buyer will receive a typed report
of the veterinarian’s examination.
In some instances, further diagnostics
are recommended to determine the horse’s soundness
and disease free status. These tests may include: radiographs
to screen for developmental or arthritic problems, a
coggins test (if not previous performed), blood work
to screen for any internal organ problems, drug testing
(to ensure no medications have been administered to mask
lameness/behavior problems), a fecal sample to detect
internal parasites and an upper airway endoscopic examination
to detect any breathing/performance related problems.
Discuss with your veterinarian whether additional diagnostic
options would be important for your particular situation.
Please call to set up an appointment when you have found
a new horse you wish to purchase to avoid buying a horse
that may require future, long-term non-preventative medicine
care.
