Buyer PrePurchase Form

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Buyer PrePurchase Form

Please complete this form as completely and accurately as possible so we can get to know you and your animal(s) before your visit.

Pre-Purchase Examination Information:

Note: A pre-purchase examination is a very important step in the process of purchasing a horse.  The cost of care for a horse often exceeds the purchase price of many horses in a relatively short time.  With this in mind, ensuring that you have done your due diligence to find a horse that will meet your expectations is very important.  It is important, however, to keep in mind that the Pre-Purchase Examination performed by a veterinarian is only one step in the process of finding a suitable horse.  Please keep in mind the following:

  1. The veterinarian cannot ascertain the horse’s athletic ability in a particular discipline, nor can they determine the horse’s suitability for the riding ability of the purchaser.  All buyers are strongly encouraged to thoroughly research the horse’s background, skills, ability, show record (if applicable) and perform several test rides on the horse prior to scheduling a Pre-Purchase examination.  Some riders may also choose to have a trainer who is knowledgeable in the discipline that they intend to use the horse for to also evaluate the horse and help the buyer determine if the horse’s temperament and ability is suitable for the intended purpose.
  2. The veterinarian can only evaluate what they see on the day of the examination.  The veterinarian can make observations about the horse and can make speculation about the potential future of the horse’s health, but cannot predict or guarantee what the horse will do in the future.
  3. In order to perform the best examination for the buyer, a level flat surface with firm ground that is large enough to lunge a horse on is ideal for performing the lameness portion of the pre-purchase examination. An arena with softer footing is also ideal. An area inside and out of direct sunlight will be necessary for an accurate ophthalmic and oral examination (a stall or shade shelter is usually sufficient). If inappropriate facilities and footing exist for a Pre-Purchase Examination, this will limit the ability of the veterinarian to perform a thorough lameness assessment. There is no discount on the examination if portions of the exam cannot be completed.
  4. In some cases, the horse’s temperament or training is not conducive to a safe and thorough examination.  In this case, the veterinarian reserves the right to perform the procedures and parts of the exam that can be safely done or to refuse to continue the exam.  No discount or refunds will be issued.
  5. In some cases, sedation may be required for a complete oral examination or for radiographs.  There is additional cost associated with sedation and this requires the permission of the seller.
  6. To obtain the best foot/navicular radiographs, in most cases the shoes need to be removed if the horse is shod.  If permission is not granted to remove shoes, this may compromise the quality of the foot radiographs.

Costs and considerations:

There will be a travel charge depending on mileage and a base exam and written report fee.

Radiographs incur additional costs if requested and are not included in the base exam price.

C-spine and back dorsal processes can be taken depending on a case by case basis. C-spine images are always sent to a radiologist for review.

Radiologist review – some buyers may choose to have radiographs reviewed by a board-certified radiologist in addition to the examining veterinarian. We can provide a quote for this based on the number of views taken and being submitted for review. Radiologist reviews typically take several days to be reported out.

Other diagnostics may include a CBC and chemistry, a Coggins, and a drug screen.

Ultrasound examination or other procedures can be discussed if indicated based on the baseline examination findings.

Please inquire with our office for an estimated cost of these procedures/tests.

In most cases, the veterinarian performing the exam may tailor recommendations for additional diagnostics and imaging based on the baseline exam findings.  It is important for the prospective buyer to be present or available for communication to approve to decline any additional testing.

Please sign to acknowledge this letter.

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