Thank you for considering a pre-purchase exam! This is a very important step when buying a horse often overlooked by some owners but that can cost them dearly later. When considering the financial, emotional and time involved in owning and training a horse a pre-purchase exam is clearly a must!

We are happy to provide you and your prospective horse with a high standard pre-purchase examination by combining our expertise, our state-of-the-art diagnostic equipments and our time and dedication in discussing all the findings and helping you make a decision that attends to your needs. The pre-purchase exam offered by NW Equine is tailored towards the intended use of the horse but typically involves a detailed exam of the horses body and general condition, a complete physical exam, an ophthalmology (eye) and brief dental exam, a neurological evaluation and extensive lamemness examination. Digital radiographs (X-ray) can be performed on a limb or joint that responds to flexion or on several joints that are important for the particular work the horse will be expected to perform. Additional examinations such as reproductive, horse under saddle, ultrasounds, endoscopy among others can also be added at the buyers request. Blood work such as a complete equine health panel and drug screening (to know if the horse has received any pain medication, performance enhancing or behavior modifying drugs) are also available and recommended.  The exam typically takes from 2-5 hours depending on the case and amount of diagnostics requested.

Special promotional packages are available when doing extensive radiographs. All costs and estimates can be obtained by calling our office and during the examination with the veterinarian performing the exam.

In order for us to better appreciate and attend to your particular equestrian need the seller and the prospective buyer must fill out our pre-purchase exam form (s).  
 

Don’t Skip the Pre-purchase Exam… by the American Association of Equine Practitioners Horse ownership brings with it a big investment in time, money and emotion. Unfortunately, horses seldom come with a money-back guarantee. That’s why it is so important to investigate the horse’s overall health and condition through a pre-purchase exam conducted by an equine veterinarian. Whether you want a horse as a family pet, a pleasure mount, a breeding animal, or a high performance athlete, you stand the best chance of getting one that meets your needs by investing in a pre-purchase exam. Pre-purchase examinations are typically paid for by the buyer and are performed on their behalf. Pre-purchase examinations may vary, depending on the intended use of the horse and the veterinarian who is doing the examination. Deciding exactly what should be included in the purchase examination requires good communication between you and your veterinarian. The following guidelines from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) will help ensure a custom-tailored exam:

• Choose a veterinarian who is familiar with the breed, sport or use for which the horse is being purchased.
• Explain to your veterinarian your expectations and primary uses for the horse, including short- and long-term goals (e.g., showing, then breeding).
• Ask your veterinarian to outline the procedures that he or she feels should be included in the exam and why.
• Establish the costs for these procedures.
• Be present during the purchase exam. The seller or agent should also be present.
• Discuss with your veterinarian his or her findings in private.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions or request further information about your veterinarian’s findings in private.

The veterinarian’s job is neither to pass or fail an animal nor to classify it as “sound” or “unsound”. Rather, it is to provide you with information regarding any existing medical problems and to discuss those problems with you so that you can make an informed purchase decision. Your veterinarian can advise you about the horse’s current physical condition, but he or she cannot predict the future. The decision to buy the horse is yours alone to make; however, your equine veterinarian can be a valuable partner in the process of providing you with objective, health-related information.

Reprinted with permission from the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

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