Phone: 979.732.9981 • Fax: 979.733.9755
Horse Special Examinations & Testing
Special Exams include
- Prepurchase exams
- Lameness evaluations
- Health certificates
- Travel certificates
- Pregnancy evaluation
Horses require specific examinations and testing throughout their lives. Horses that are traveling, competing, showing, or being sold usually require special health exams and certification. Dr. Ridlen can perform the needed examinations and complete the needed records and certificates. Please call to schedule an appointment for these procedures. Additionally, Dr. Ridlen can perform blood tests, including Coggins tests, as needed.
In addition, it is always a wise idea to have a prepurchase examination performed before buying a new horse. This helps rule out lameness and other problems that can affect the horse's performance after the purchase. A prepurchase exam may include a neurological exam, cardiovascular check, oral exam, and lameness exam. Diagnostic tests, including radiography, ultrasounds, a Coggins test, a fecal test, and general blood tests, may be needed. Dr. Ridlen will complete the exam and use portable equipment to perform some of the diagnostic tests. Once Dr. Ridlen has completed the complete examination and reviewed the tests, he will objectively report his findings so that you may decide on the purchase of the horse.
Other special exams focus on the legs and reproductive status of the horses. Dr. Ridlen can help diagnose the location and severity of lameness by examination and by performing specialized tests on your horse. These may include hoof examination, joint flexion testing, gait evaluation, the use of hoof testers, and even locally blocking a joint to identify the painful area. Radiographs will be taken using high-tech, portable equipment.
Finally, he can also tell you if your mare is pregnant using ultrasound, and evaluate shipped, cooled horse semen for numbers and motility.