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Massachusetts Equine Clinic

Pre-Purchase Exams

Purchasing a horse can be an overwhelming and nerve-racking experience, but with a pre-purchase exam all those worries can go away. The pre-purchase exam is a time to investigate the current health and basic soundness status of any potential prospect. Mass Equine performs hundreds of pre-purchase exams a year and will provide the guidance and knowledge needed to make you comfortable with your purchase.

Performance horse with rider on it's back.

What We Look for

Be it performance, breeding, beginner, school, trail or back yard companion horse, The Massachusetts Equine Clinic has experience with all and will tailor the exam to your needs. Deciding exactly what is needed during a pre-purchase depends on the history, intended use, breed. etc., and requires good communication between the purchaser and the veterinarian.

Here are some of the important things to evaluate during a pre-purchase:

  • Thorough physical exam with includes and not limited to: oral exam, respiratory exam, cardiovascular exam, palpation of back and feet, body condition, etc.

  • Hoof testers/foot exam

  • Lameness exam at walk, trot and canter on the straight and lunge, with and without tack.

  • Flexion tests of all 4 limbs

Close up photo of horse hoof with shoe

Diagnostic Tools

Diagnostics can aid in the evaluation of the horses internal health status. The following is a list of common diagnostics you may want to consider speaking with our veterinarians about:

  • Radiographs

  • Ultrasound

  • Bloodwork/Tox screen

  • Endoscopy

  • Rectal Exam

At Massachusetts Equine Clinic, we are here to help. Please call us at (508) 278-6511 or contact us below to schedule your pre-purchase exam.

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