Pre-Purchase Exam Forms
Dear Client,
A purchase examination is a thorough physical examination stating an opinion of the horse on the day of the exam. The guidelines we follow in doing the examination are current with the standards set by the veterinary profession.
The exam is performed for the buyer and not the seller. It is the buyer’s responsibility to inform the veterinarian of the intended use of the horse and what past history they know. The buyer must also inform us of what radiographs, blood work, (CBC, profile, Coggins, drug testing), or diagnostics (endoscopy, reproductive work-up, etc…) are to be done. Purchase examination fees can be expensive, and it is the buyer’s option to decide what is to be done on a particular case. If a professional is acting as an agent for the buyer, he or she should be aware of what diagnostics are to be done.
When doing a purchase examination, we are asked to give an opinion as to whether a horse has any indications of problems. We cannot predict the future of any horse. We try to give the best opinion possible from examining the horse on that particular day. Horses are like people in that they have different pain tolerances. Therefore, it is impossible to be positive on any day that no sub-clinical problem exists. It should be understood that the veterinarian does not issue a warranty on any particular case, and if one is desired, this should be contracted with the seller.
The horse will not receive a “pass” or “fail.” The decision to buy can only be made by the buyer. It is not our job to state talent, suitability, disposition, or value. Only the buyer is able to decide if these parameters meet his/her satisfactions.
Please discuss any questions regarding the exam with us before you pay for the horse. Radiographs are a legal part of a medical record and are the property of the veterinarian. They are only mailed to veterinarians requesting them and only after the invoice has been settled.
Sincerely,
Maureen Sutter, D.V.M.
Shelbie Wedel, D.V.M.