Equine Pre-Purchase Exams in Gillette
Pre-purchase exams (PPEs) are thorough examinations done by a veterinary professional before a horse is purchased. This allows the potential owner to get a complete picture of an equine’s health and potential risk factors before deciding to move forward with a purchase.
Our Gillette based team is committed to conducting a complete and comprehensive examination during PPEs to ensure you can feel completely comfortable before deciding on a purchase. If you’re ready to conduct a pre-purchase exam for an equine, contact our office today.
Why Choose Red Hills Veterinary Hospital for Your Equine Pre-Purchase Exam
At Red Hills Veterinary Hospital, we provide a specialized approach during pre-purchase exams, combining clinical expertise with advanced diagnostic capabilities to ensure you’re getting as clear a picture as possible of an equine’s health profile.
Our experienced, dedicated staff knows how exciting getting a new horse is, and we pride ourselves on our professionalism and unbiased evaluations, ensuring that there is complete transparency for both buyers and sellers.
We realize that pet care is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Our vets practice a personalized approach to ensure each pet receives the best possible care. Each animal’s unique anatomy, condition, and health history plays a key role in what types of treatment our team recommends and performs.
Pre-Purchase Exam Services We Offer in Gillette
During pre-purchase exams, our team provides both standard and optional components of equine examination. This may include components such as:
A standing evaluation of the entire horse, including the heart, lungs, eyes, gastrointestinal tract, musculoskeletal system, and overall body condition.
A moving exam where the horse is observed on soft and hard footing, and if possible, under saddle.
A series of flexion tests to evaluate each limb region.
A standard set of X-rays. Additional X-rays can be taken if a buyer has specific concerns.
Blood work, including Coggins, additional chemistry work, and a Complete Blood Count (CBC) to evaluate organ function and blood cell values. A complete drug screen may be done at the owner's request.
Common Findings in Equine Pre-Purchase Exams
While the exact outcome of a PPE will vary from horse to horse, some of the most common medical issues found during these tests include:
Subclinical lameness
Early signs of arthritis
Dental abnormalities or malocclusions
Cardiac or respiratory irregularities
When an issue is diagnosed during a PPE, the next step involves a veterinarian discussing the short and long-term effects to both the buyer and seller. Additionally, the vet can provide treatment and care options so both parties can be fully informed.
Diagnostic Techniques & Technology
In order to ensure a PPE is comprehensively conducted, our team employs a variety of diagnostic techniques and state-of-the-art technological equipment. This may include digital radiography, ultrasound equipment, endoscopy, lab tests, blood work, and more.
Using this equipment can help uncover any hidden or subclinical issues that may not have even been known to the seller.
Additional Considerations During the Pre-Purchase Exam
It’s important to remember that PPE exam findings are intended to inform the prospective buyer about the complete medical profile of the equine, not to pass or fail the horse for a sale.
Before an examination, the buyer should consult with the vet performing the exam about their intended use for the horse, as this may play a factor in the veterinarian’s diagnosis.
Buyers must also remember that, while vets are highly trained and may be able to make a long-term prognosis, the exam is only a snapshot of the horse’s current condition, and can’t always predict future health issues.
Payment Options for Pre-Purchase Exams at Red Hills Veterinary Hospital
At Red Hills Veterinary Hospital, we offer flexible financing and insurance options for Pre-Purchase Exams. Sign up today with any of our payment plan partners or contact us for specific questions about insurance coverage. Read more about our financing options here.
Pay for treatments and routine visits over time with convenient monthly payments.
Scratch offers simple, transparent payment plans for your veterinary needs.
Protect your pet with insurance that covers exams, treatments, and emergencies. Contact us to learn which plans we work with.
Frequently Asked Questions About Equine Pre-Purchase Exams
Pre-purchase exams are not required before buying an equine, but they are highly recommended. These examinations allow buyers to get a more complete picture of a horse’s health and ensure that they can meet the intended use.
There’s no “pass” or “fail” necessarily during a pre-purchase exam. Instead, a veterinarian will provide an impartial view of the horse’s health so that the buyer has all of the information necessary to make an informed purchase.
When having a PPE conducted, use only a licensed veterinarian who does not have an affiliation with either the buyer or the seller. At [Business Name], we pride ourselves on our unbiased PPE examinations, so you can feel comfortable you’re getting the most complete picture regardless if you’re buying or selling.
Book an Appointment at Red Hills Veterinary Hospital
New pets are always welcome at Red Hills Veterinary Hospital. Our friendly veterinary staff looks forward to providing our neighbors in Citrus Heights and surrounding communities with the veterinary care they need.
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