Pre-Purchase Radiographs

Pre-purchase radiographs provide valuable additional information about a horse’s musculoskeletal health. Combined with a comprehensive clinical examination, they help buyers make informed decisions with greater confidence.

When investing in a horse, having as much information as possible can make all the difference. Pre-purchase radiographs (X-rays) provide valuable additional insight into the health of a horse’s bones and joints, helping both buyers and their veterinary surgeon make a more informed assessment.

While a clinical pre-purchase examination assesses how a horse looks, moves and sounds on the day of the examination, radiographs allow us to evaluate structures that cannot be seen or felt externally.

Why Consider Pre-Purchase X-Rays?

Radiographs are not essential for every horse purchase, but they can provide important information, particularly when:

• Purchasing a higher-value horse.
• Buying a competition or performance horse.
• Purchasing a horse intended for breeding.
• There is a history of previous lameness or injury.
• The horse has clinical findings that warrant further investigation.
• The buyer simply wishes to minimise uncertainty before making a significant investment.

In many cases, radiographs provide reassurance that no significant abnormalities are present. Occasionally, they identify changes that may influence the purchase decision or prompt further discussion about a horses price.

What Can X-Rays Show?

Radiographs can help identify a variety of conditions affecting bones and joints, including:

• Developmental orthopaedic conditions.
• Arthritic or degenerative joint changes.
• Bone cysts and areas of abnormal bone development.
• Previous fractures or evidence of old injuries.
• Changes associated with athletic wear and tear.
• Certain conformational abnormalities.

It is important to remember that X-ray findings must always be interpreted alongside the horse’s age, intended use, clinical examination and history. Many horses with radiographic abnormalities remain completely sound and perform successfully throughout their careers, while some horses with normal radiographs may still develop future orthopaedic problems.

Choosing the Right Radiograph Package

Every horse purchase is different. We offer a range of imaging options to suit your individual requirements.

Limited Screening

A targeted series of radiographs focusing on joints that commonly influence purchase decisions. This option is often suitable for lower-value purchases or where there are specific concerns, or breed tendency.

Standard Pre-Purchase Series

A comprehensive screening examination of 25 Xrays, covering the major joints commonly assessed in sport horses. This is our most popular option for buyers seeking a balanced level of information.

Extensive Performance Horse Series

Designed for higher-value competition horses, racehorses or elite performance horses. 43 X-rays are included to provide the most complete assessment possible.

We will be happy to discuss which option best suits the horse, its intended use and your budget.

Digital Imaging

Our practice has three high-quality fully mobile digital xray machines, producing detailed images immediately during the examination. Digital images can be:

• Reviewed instantly by the examining veterinary surgeon.
• Emailed immediately to the purchasers vet for second opinion.
• Shared with owners, trainers or referring veterinarians.
• Stored securely for future reference.

Understanding the Results

One of the most common misconceptions is that a horse either “passes” or “fails” a pre-purchase examination or its radiographs.

In reality, there is no pass or fail.

Our role is to provide an independent professional opinion, interpreting both the clinical examination and any radiographic findings in the context of the horse’s intended purpose. We explain the significance of any abnormalities, discuss potential implications and help you make an informed purchasing decision.

Experienced, Independent Advice

Buying a horse is an exciting milestone and often a significant financial investment. Our experienced vets provide clear, objective advice to help you understand exactly what the radiographs show—and, just as importantly, what they do not show.

Whether you are purchasing your first horse or your next international competition prospect, our aim is to give you the information you need to buy with confidence.