
Choose the Right Veterinarian
The prepurchase veterinarian works for and is paid by the buyer and should be impartial and have no financial stake in the sale. The buyer owns the rights to the obtained information, including radiographic images (X rays) and test results. | Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse
Overall Health
A basic prepurchase exam should include a thorough medical and performance history, as well as a complete full physical evaluation of the horse. | Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse
Checking for Colic Scars
During the initial physical exam, the veterinarian will look for clues to the horse’s health, such as any scars from past colic surgeries. | Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse
Dental and Oral Cavity Exam
The veterinarian should check the horse’s mouth for any issues or dental abnormalities. These can include evidence of tongue or cheek injury or missing or damaged teeth. This will also give your veterinarian a chance to verify the horse’s age. | Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse
Eye Exam
The veterinarian will examine the horse’s eyes for superficial lesions on the cornea, anterior chamber (the space between the cornea and the iris), and lens. | Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse
Respiratory Exam
The veterinarian should examine the horse’s lungs and respiration. A rebreathing exam involves placing a large plastic garbage bag over the horse’s nose. As the horse breaths in expired carbon dioxide, his brain signals him to take deeper and slower breaths, making it easier for the veterinarian to hear the lung sounds. | Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse
Lameness Exam
In addition to a general physical exam, most veterinarians recommend performing a lameness exam, especially if the horse is an athlete. The veterinarian will observe the horse moving in circles of varying size and on different surfaces (hard vs. deep) to check for unsoundness. | Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse
Flexion Test
Here the veterinarian flexes the horse’s hocks. After a short period of holding the joint in flexion, the veterinarian will have the handler trot the horse away. Then, the veterinarian observes for any changes in movement that could indicate discomfort. | Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse
Hoof Testers
Hoof testers add pressure to the foot’s sole and can indicate if the horse has any hoof discomfort or pain. | Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse
Radiographs
Radiographs (X rays) are a common part of many prepurchase exams. Your veterinarian will advise you on which joints or structures might need X rays. X rays can give insight into problems or abnormalities of bone, cartilage, and soft tissue. | Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse