Pre-Purchase Examination (PPE) in Horses

What is a pre-purchase examination?

The pre-purchase examination (PPE) is an important part of buying a horse. It provides an objective assessment of the horse's health and its suitability for the intended use, whether for leisure riding, sport or breeding.

As part of this examination at the Hanseklinik für Pferde, we not only check the usual parameters such as heart, lungs and joint status, but also perform targeted flexion tests, lameness diagnostics and imaging to provide as much transparency as possible for buyer and seller.

‍

Scope and procedure of the pre-purchase examination

Our pre-purchase examination is adapted to the intended use of the horse, the buyer's wishes and any export requirements. The procedure follows the guidelines of the Gesellschaft für Pferdemedizin (GPM) and can include the following components:

‍

1. General clinical examination

• Check of heart, lungs and circulation
• Examination of eyes, skin, teeth and mucous membranes
• Assessment of nutritional status and general care

‍

2. Orthopedic examination

• Assessment of the gait on hard and soft ground
• Assessment of posture, musculature and limb conformation
• Palpation of joints, tendons and ligaments
• Flexion tests to check how the horse copes with load

‍

3. Diagnostic imaging

• Radiographs in accordance with the current Röntgenleitfaden (radiographic guideline)
• Assessment by experienced sport horse orthopedic specialists
• Optional additional radiographs for individual questions

‍

4. Additional examinations (if required)

• Blood test, including the option of storing samples (e.g. for later doping analysis)
• Endoscopy of the upper airways
• Dynamic endoscopy (overground)
• Ultrasound (e.g. tendons, ligaments, heart)

‍

International expertise and documentation

Pre-purchase examinations at the Hanseklinik für Pferde are carried out under the direction of Dr. Jens Körner, a specialist in sport horse orthopedics (ACVSMR and ECVSMR diplomas).

• Results are considered reliable worldwide and are suitable for export
• Advice on export requirements and country-specific laboratory tests
• Complete examination reports with image documentation

‍

Why the Hanseklinik?

• Specialization in orthopedic diagnostics and sport horse medicine
• Modern equipment for radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy and blood analysis
• Prompt delivery of results and digital documentation
• Individual advice on findings or further treatment

‍