770-788-7387
equineinfo@countrysidevets.com
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Pre-Purchase Exams

horse jumping fence
Don’t Skip The

Pre-Purchase Exam

Purchasing a horse is a big investment - in time, money and emotion. This is why we recommend having the horse's current condition and soundness assessed. Rather than a pass-fail type exam, the purpose of the pre-purchase exam is to help a buyer make a more informed decision. Exams can be as extensive as the potential buyer desires, however, the basis of a pre-purchase is a thorough, complete physical examination, as well as a lameness examination. Additional diagnostics include radiographs and ultrasound. It's ideal for the purchaser or trainer to be present. If they are unable to be present, the purchaser should be available by phone so any abnormal findings can be discussed immediately. Whether you are buying a horse to hit the trails or the show ring, we highly recommend a pre-purchase exam.

Schedule a

Pre-Purchase Exam

If you're in the market for a new horse, contact us today to schedule an equine pre-purchase exam. We'll evaluate your horse's health and athletic soundness so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase them. Horses are a big investment, so it's important to make sure you're getting the right one! Get in touch with us at Countryside today to get started.

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Dr. Dan Carter flexing an equine patient.
Horse barrel racing
Why Consider a

Pre-Purchase Exam

Expose health concerns, pre-existing conditions and potential management issues.
Have these issues and concerns fully explained so you can better determine if a horse is suitable for your needs.
Pre-Purchase

Horse Exam Tips

As the equine buyer, there are a few steps that you can take to prepare for a horse's pre-purchase exam and ensure it goes quickly and smoothly. First, request the horse's full health history from the seller — everything from vaccinations to deworming to x-rays — and have them send it to your examining veterinarian, such as Countryside. Then, it's important to ask yourself a few questions to determine if this purchase is the right investment for you, such as:

What will I use the horse for?
How long will I use or own the horse?
What are deal-breaker issues that the horse could have?
What is my budget for the exam?
Am I willing to pay for additional diagnostics?
Countryside Vet Tech listening to a horses heart
What Issues Might

An Examiner Come Across?

If you're having a horse assessed before purchase, there are a few issues that the examiner might come across. Here are just a few examples to be aware of:

1
Lameness: This includes issues with the horse's joints, including ligament and tendon tears, fractures, and inflammation. Untreated, certain lameness problems can lead to chronic conditions such as arthritis.
2
Infections: Horses can be susceptible to a number of infections, so it's important to rule out any potential health risks before purchase.
3
Cardiovascular: We listen to the heart on both sides of the horse for any subtle murmurs or arrhythmias to rule out cardiac problems.
4
Nutrition: Horses require a specific diet in order to stay healthy, and an examiner can help you make sure that the horse you're considering purchasing is on the right track nutritionally.
What does a

Pre-Purchase Exam Include?

A muscular/skeleton evaluation of swellings and old scars
A muscular/skeleton evaluation of swellings and old scars
Flexions and lunging
Testing for neurological soundness
Draw and hold blood for potential drug screening (Countryside stores for 30 days).

Additional recommended checks includes: ‍

Ultrasound
Radiographs
Included in the Exam
Choose Countryside for

Your Equine Exam Needs

If you're in the market for a new horse, it's important to have them checked out by a veterinarian first. At Countryside Veterinary Services in Covington, we offer comprehensive pre-purchase exams to fully assess a horse's condition and soundness before purchasing.
Contact us today to schedule an equine pre-purchase exam — we'll be happy to help you get started on the process of finding your new horse.

(770)-788-7387
From the Blog

News & Articles

As many of our clients know, we love sharing our knowledge and important equine health news. Our blog contains valuable educational resources in one easy location.

Nov 1

Preparing Your Horse for Winter: Essential Health and Wellness Tips

Preparing your horse for winter involves adjusting their feeding routine, supporting joint and dental health, and ensuring a warm, safe environment to help them stay comfortable and healthy throughout the colder months. Regular check-ups, proper grooming, and a focus on mobility will keep your horse thriving all season long.
More
Aug 1

Understanding Anhidrosis in Horses: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Anhidrosis in horses is a condition where they are unable to sweat properly, leading to potential overheating and health risks, especially in hot climates. Effective management includes providing a cool environment, adjusting exercise routines, and using dietary supplements to help mitigate symptoms.
More
Jun 1

Understanding Equine Skin Allergies and Hives During Spring

Spring's bloom can trigger skin allergies in horses, leading to hives and discomfort. Discover savvy strategies in this blog to keep your equine companion thriving through the season's pollen and pests.
More
Apr 2

Breathing Easy: Understanding and Managing Equine Asthma

Delve into the world of equine asthma, from its causes to management strategies, to ensure your horse's respiratory health shines bright.
More
Mar 4

Equine Poison Prevention Info

March is Poison Prevention Month and we've put together a guide of the most common toxic plants and shrubs in Georgia. This post also includes treats your horse will love (and those best left untouched).
More
Feb 5

The Art of Equine Acupuncture: Let’s get right to the point.

Explore how ancient wisdom meets modern equine health. Learn about acupuncture’s benefits and how it can aid in your horses performance, and well-being.
More
Jan 3

Colic Chronicles: What Every Horse Owner Should Know

Explore the depths of colic management and safeguard your horse's well-being. Learn to recognize crucial signs, understand the risks, and become a colic combatant! 🐎💡
More
Dec 6

We wish you a MARE-y Christmas

From their charming antics to the science behind their estrous cycle, read about managing mare moods, spotting signs of heat, and even balancing hormones with nutrition and supplements. Don't miss this sleigh-full of insights!
More
Dec 5

7.2 M Reasons to Celebrate Our Love of Horses

National Day of the Horse is December 13th and we're blogging about the deep emotional connections we share with these magnificent animals, a topic even the NIH is studying. Join us for this captivating read!
More
1 Nov

Preparing Your Horse for Winter: Essential Health and Wellness Tips

Preparing your horse for winter involves adjusting their feeding routine, supporting joint and dental health, and ensuring a warm, safe environment to help them stay comfortable and healthy throughout the colder months. Regular check-ups, proper grooming, and a focus on mobility will keep your horse thriving all season long.
More
1 Aug

Understanding Anhidrosis in Horses: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Anhidrosis in horses is a condition where they are unable to sweat properly, leading to potential overheating and health risks, especially in hot climates. Effective management includes providing a cool environment, adjusting exercise routines, and using dietary supplements to help mitigate symptoms.
More
1 Jun

Understanding Equine Skin Allergies and Hives During Spring

Spring's bloom can trigger skin allergies in horses, leading to hives and discomfort. Discover savvy strategies in this blog to keep your equine companion thriving through the season's pollen and pests.
More
2 Apr

Breathing Easy: Understanding and Managing Equine Asthma

Delve into the world of equine asthma, from its causes to management strategies, to ensure your horse's respiratory health shines bright.
More
4 Mar

Equine Poison Prevention Info

March is Poison Prevention Month and we've put together a guide of the most common toxic plants and shrubs in Georgia. This post also includes treats your horse will love (and those best left untouched).
More
5 Feb

The Art of Equine Acupuncture: Let’s get right to the point.

Explore how ancient wisdom meets modern equine health. Learn about acupuncture’s benefits and how it can aid in your horses performance, and well-being.
More
3 Jan

Colic Chronicles: What Every Horse Owner Should Know

Explore the depths of colic management and safeguard your horse's well-being. Learn to recognize crucial signs, understand the risks, and become a colic combatant! 🐎💡
More
2 Jan

All About Hoof Health

The foundation of a horse’s health is a strong, healthy hoof. Read on for insightful tips and proactive planning to ensure your horse has happy feet all year round.
More
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