Things You'll Need
- Phone Books
Instructions
Know that there are different levels of prepurchase exams. A simple exam may include a thorough physical, with flexion tests or palpation of a pregnant mare. An extensive exam may include blood tests, ultrasound and X-rays.
Don't use the same veterinarian to perform the prepurchase exam that the seller uses. This is a conflict of interest and can only create problems if the veterinarian knows about, finds, discloses or fails to disclose a problem. Even if you have to haul the horse to a different vet, do it.
Look up veterinarians in the phone book. Use an equine specialist.
Check with local horse owners or trainers for veterinarian recommendations.
Tell the vet the purpose for which you're purchasing the horse. If the horse will be used as a broodmare, then the vet should concentrate the exam on the reproductive system and not the soundness of the horse. Likewise, if the animal is a performance horse, soundness is extremely important.
Have the vet ask the seller or seller's agent if the horse has been given any type of drug within the past 24 to 48 hours. This is important because if a drug was used, it may mask the appearance of lameness.
Instruct your vet to draw blood. If the seller says no drugs had been used and drugs are found in the horse's system, the seller could be liable if the horse turns up lame soon after the purchase.
Request that you be informed of any suspected health problems. As a buyer, it's important to be aware of any defects the horse has. Depending on what they are and what you'll be using the horse for, this information will help you make your decision.
Don't get attached to a horse until after you get a prepurchase exam and decide you're going to buy the horse. It can save you lots of headache, money and heartache down the road.