Pre-Purchase Examinations: An Historical Perspective and Important Things to Consider

1. Historical
Perspective “Soundness exams,” “pre-purchase exams,” “purchase exams,” and “vettings,” according to one’s favorite expression, have been performed by veterinarians for >150 yr. Legal references to this procedure date back to 1842, when, in the English courts, the case of Kiddell vs. Burnard took place. “The term sound in a warranty of a horse or other animal implies the absence of any disease or seeds of disease in the animal at the time which actually diminishes or in its progress will diminish his natural usefulness in the work to which he would properly and ordinarily be applied.” Clarification of this statement was made by Baron Alderson. “The word sound means sound and the only qualification of which it is susceptible arises from the purpose for which the warranty is given. If, for instance, a horse is purchased to be used in a given way, the word ‘sound’ means that the animal is useful for that purpose; and unsound means that he, at the time, is affected with something which will have the effect of impeding that use.”¹ [...]