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Pre-Purchase Exams

A Pre-Purchase Examination is a highly specialized evaluation of a horse's health and soundness. This exam evaluates the horse for existing conditions that could present issues for its intended use and identify issues that may require future management. We are not here to pass or fail a horse but to discuss our findings on that given day and to help you make an informed and educated decision.

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A pre-purchase examination also involves an in-depth gathering of pertinent historical information. It is requested that the buyer and seller both fill out our PPE disclosure forms prior to the exam whenever possible. These forms can be found here.

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Dr. Sotela will work with you to determine the best course of action based on your comfort level and financial goals. Customized recommendations on which parts of the horse to radiograph may vary depending upon findings during the clinical exam, discipline, intended level of work, breed, age, and resale considerations.

 

The pre-purchase examination includes assessment of:

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  • Cardiovascular – auscultation of heart murmurs or arrhythmias that may limit performance

  • Respiratory – auscultation and visual examination to detect signs and symptoms of lower or upper airway dysfunction

  • Ophthalmologic  – evaluation of the eyes for signs of disease, previous injury or visual dysfunction

  • Oral Health – dental/oral abnormalities that may impact performance or general health

  • Gastrointestinal - auscultation and palpation for ventral abdomen incision scar

  • Metabolic/Endocrine - Body Condition Score Analysis and overall visual appearance of health

  • Dermatologic  – skin diseases, cutaneous tumors

  • Neurological – observation for outward symptoms of neurologic disease or gait

  • Musculoskeletal  – examination for obvious injuries or subclinical abnormalities that may limit the horse’s performance for its intended purpose and future use

  • Confirmation assessment - muscular symmetry, limb and body palpation, range of motion, hoof testers

 

After the physical examination of the horse is complete, observation of the horse in motion and a series of flexion tests are performed to evaluate any subtle signs of lameness. The horse is evaluated on multiple surface types (soft ground, hard ground - straight lines and circles), in hand, on the lounge, and under saddle when possible.


Additional diagnostic testing and imaging can be obtained for more in-depth and specific information. These tests may be recommended depending on individual circumstances and include:

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  • Radiographic Evaluation – to evaluate the limbs, joints and spine.  Baseline radiographs may also be taken for future reference.

  • Ultrasound Assessment – to assess any soft tissue structures that may of interest following the clinical examination

  • Pre-Purchase Drug Screen – Toxicology testing to ensure that the horse is not under the influence of pain-relieving or tranquilizing substances at the time of the examination

  • Laboratory Tests – CBC/Chemistry/Fibrinogen, Lyme Titer, Coggins/EIA, Fecal, Metabolic Testing, EPM Titer

 

A formal report will be generated summarizing all of our findings and Dr. Sotela will help you make an informed decision about the overall health and soundness of your prospective horse. Our goal is not only to advise you of the current condition of the horse but also to help you create a plan to maintain and optimize health and future performance.  In executing a pre-purchase examination, it is important to note that we are working on behalf of the buyer, and any information obtained during this appointment is the buyer's property. 

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Pre-Lease Examination

 

We understand that leasing a horse can also be a significant investment. Therefore, when requested, the examination process for a pre-lease is the same as a PPE. We request previous medical records for review and may recommend radiographs or blood work based on our examination. Dr. Sotela is also available to review emailed radiographs on horses for possible purchase.

 

The following is a list of recommended views for a standard sport horse pre-purchase. We request radiographs to be of good quality, digital, and preferably sent in DICOM format. 

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Pre-purchase Radiograph Recommendations:

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Front Feet 

  • Anterior to posterior (AP) horizontal beam

  • Lateral to medial horizontal beam at level of coronary band

  • 60 degree dorsal to ventral of navicular bone, shoe removed

  • Skyline view (palmar to anterior of navicular bone), shoe removed

 

Front Fetlocks 

  • Anterior to posterior with beam 10 degrees downward

  • Lateral to medial flexed

  • Lateral to medial horizontal beam

  • Anterior lateral to posterior medial oblique with beam 10 degrees downward 

  • Anterior medial to posterior lateral oblique with beam 10 degrees downward

 

Hind Fetlocks 

  • Anterior to posterior with beam 10 degrees downward

  • Lateral to medial flexed

  • Lateral to medial horizontal beam

  • Anterior lateral to posterior medial oblique with beam 10 degrees downward

  • Anterior medial to posterior lateral oblique with beam 10 degrees downward

 

Hocks 

  • Anterior to posterior horizontal beam 

  • Lateral to medial horizontal beam 

  • Anterior lateral to posterior medial oblique 

  • Anterior medial to posterior lateral oblique 

 

Stifles 

  • Posterior to anterior

  • Lateral to medial

  • Caudo lateral to anterior medial oblique. 

 

Any other bony abnormalities including, but not limited to, splint exostosis etc. 


Consideration towards shoulder, elbow, carpal, cervical and thoracolumbar studies depending on horse’s intended use, pertinent previous history or clinical examination findings.

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