Since the perfectly sound, perfectly put together horse does not exist, the pre-purchase exam calls on the detective and intuitive skills of the veterinarian to find any lameness and medical problems. The exam starts with the physical exam. The horse's eyes, heart, lungs, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal systems are all evaluated for possible problems that may hinder the horses future performance. A Coggins Test may be done to test for Equine Infectious Anemia, as well as other blood work to test for drugs and to determine the general health of the horse. Next is evaluation of the horse in motion. The horse is examined at a walk and trot in a straight line on a flat surface. Then he/she is moved on a lunge line and/or under saddle at a walk, trot and canter usually on firm footing with a good surface. Any indication of lameness or improper tracking is noted. The horse is also evaluated for any neurological signs that may be seen while the horse is moving. The next part of the exam is the "flexion tests", which is flexion of joints followed by jogging. It is acceptable for the horse to move stiffly or lame for a few steps after the flexion. The results to this test are interpreted by the veterinarian based on a few things. First is the horse symmetrical in its response compared to the other side. Second, how long does it take for the horse to warm out of the flexion (i.e. to not be stiff or lame). This information is used along with the physical exam as an indicator of a potential problem that may need to be x-rayed or evaluated further. Radiographs are routinely taken as part of the pre-purchase exam. A full set of x-rays gives you valuable information by which to aid in the decision of making the purchase, as well as to act as a baseline for that particular horse so that there can be comparisons for radiographs that might be taken in the future. There are some other pre-purchase tests that can be done if desired or warranted. These include:
Endocopy, if a respiratory noise is heard.
Drug Testing, to ensure that the horse has no medication in its bloodstream that would significantly affect the horse at the time of the examination.
Ultrasound
Riverbend Equine Medical Center PLLC PO Box 1498 Celina, Texas 75009 Phone (972) 382-8331