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Importance of Pre-Purchase Exams for Horses: Expert Advice from Advanced Equine Of The Hudson Valley

Purchasing a horse can be an exciting time, but it’s essential to ensure that the horse you’re considering is healthy and sound. A pre-purchase exam is a thorough evaluation of a horse’s health and soundness conducted by a veterinarian before the sale is finalized. At Advanced Equine Of The Hudson Valley, we believe that a pre-purchase exam is an essential step in the horse-buying process, and we recommend that all buyers have one conducted before making a purchase.

What is a Pre-Purchase Exam?

A pre-purchase exam is a comprehensive evaluation of a horse’s health, soundness, and suitability for the intended use. It includes a physical exam, a lameness exam, and other diagnostic tests, depending on the horse’s age, history, and intended use.

Physical Exam

During the physical exam, the veterinarian will evaluate the horse’s overall health, including its eyes, teeth, heart, lungs, and digestive system. They’ll also examine the horse’s coat and skin for any signs of injury or disease.

Lameness Exam

The lameness exam is a critical part of the pre-purchase exam. It involves observing the horse’s gait and movement to detect any signs of lameness or other orthopedic issues. The veterinarian may also use diagnostic tools like hoof testers, flexion tests, and nerve blocks to identify the source of any lameness.
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Other Diagnostic Tests

In addition to the physical and lameness exams, the veterinarian may recommend other diagnostic tests based on the horse’s history, age, and intended use. These may include blood tests, radiographs (X-rays), ultrasound, or endoscopy.
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Why is a Pre-Purchase Exam Important?

A pre-purchase exam is an essential step in the horse-buying process for several reasons:

Protects Your Investment

Buying a horse is a significant investment, and a pre-purchase exam can help you make an informed decision and protect your investment. The exam can identify any health or soundness issues that may affect the horse’s ability to perform as intended, and it can help you negotiate a fair price based on the horse’s condition.

Ensures Horse's Health and Welfare

A pre-purchase exam is also crucial for the horse’s health and welfare. If the horse has any underlying health or soundness issues, you can address them before the horse is subjected to the stress of transport and a new environment. You’ll also have a better understanding of any ongoing medical needs the horse may have, such as special diets or medications.

Helps You Choose the Right Horse

Finally, a pre-purchase exam can help you choose the right horse for your intended use. If you’re looking for a horse for competitive riding, for example, you’ll want a horse that’s sound and free of any lameness issues. The exam can identify any issues that may affect the horse’s ability to perform at the level you require.

Schedule A Pre-Purchase Exam At Advanced Equine Of The Hudson Valley!

At Advanced Equine Of The Hudson Valley, we believe that a pre-purchase exam is an essential step in the horse-buying process. It can help you make an informed decision, protect your investment, and ensure the horse’s health and welfare. If you’re considering purchasing a horse, we encourage you to schedule a pre-purchase exam with one of our experienced veterinarians. We’ll work with you to evaluate the horse’s health and soundness and provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for you and the horse. Call Us Today!

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