Lameness/Purchase Exams

Don’t Skip the Purchase Exam
Owning a horse can be 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 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 purchase exam.
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. 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 is
yours alone to make. But your equine veterinarian can be a valuable partner in the process of
providing you with objective, health-related information.
For more information about purchase exams, ask your equine veterinarian for “Purchase
Exams: A Sound Economic Investment,” a brochure provided by the AAEP in conjunction with
Education Partner Bayer Animal Health. Additional information can be found on the AAEP’s
website www.aaep.org/horseowner.
Reprinted with permission from the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Emergency

Tuesday:

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Emergency

Wednesday:

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Emergency

Thursday:

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Emergency

Friday:

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Emergency

Saturday:

Emergency

Sunday:

Emergency