HESKA CORP
S-1, 1998-01-23
BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS, (NO DIAGNOSTIC SUBSTANCES)
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<PAGE>
 
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JANUARY 23, 1998
                                                       REGISTRATION NO. 333-
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                               ---------------
                                   FORM S-1
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                               ---------------
                               HESKA CORPORATION
            (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
       DELAWARE                   2836                     77-0192527
    (STATE OR OTHER        (PRIMARY STANDARD            (I.R.S. EMPLOYER  
    JURISDICTION OF            INDUSTRIAL              IDENTIFICATION NO.) 
   INCORPORATION OR          CLASSIFICATION 
     ORGANIZATION)            CODE NUMBER)
           
                                                       
                                                       
                            1825 SHARP POINT DRIVE
                         FORT COLLINS, COLORADO 80525
                                (970) 493-7272
  (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                   REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)

                               FRED M. SCHWARZER
                     PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                               HESKA CORPORATION
                            1825 SHARP POINT DRIVE
                         FORT COLLINS, COLORADO 80525
                                (970) 493-7272
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
                             OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

                                  COPIES TO:
       KAREN A. DEMPSEY, ESQ.                MICHAEL J. SULLIVAN, ESQ.
       SALLY A. BRAMMELL, ESQ.                  REX R. O'NEAL, ESQ.
     SHANNON M. HERNANDEZ, ESQ.                 LISA S. DUMAW, ESQ.
    PILLSBURY MADISON & SUTRO LLP               COOLEY GODWARD LLP
            P.O. BOX 7880                  5 PALO ALTO SQUARE, 4TH FLOOR
   SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94120              3000 EL CAMINO REAL
                                         PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA 94306-2155
 
                               ---------------
  APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
 
  If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box. [_]
 
  If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [_]
 
  If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
 
  If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [_]
                               ---------------
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    PROPOSED
                                                    MAXIMUM         PROPOSED
                                                   AGGREGATE         MAXIMUM
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF SECURITIES  AMOUNT TO BE  OFFERING PRICE     AGGREGATE        AMOUNT OF
        TO BE REGISTERED           REGISTERED(1)  PER SHARE(2)  OFFERING PRICE(2) REGISTRATION FEE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>           <C>            <C>               <C>
    Common Stock, $0.001 par
     value..................         5,750,000      $11.6875       $67,203,125        $19,825
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Includes 750,000 shares that the Underwriters have the option to purchase
    to cover over-allotments, if any.
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee based
    on the average of the high and low prices of the Common Stock as reported
    on the Nasdaq National Market on January 21, 1998 pursuant to Rule 457(c).
 
                               ---------------
  THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID
SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A         +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE   +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY  +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT        +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR   +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE      +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE    +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF  +
+ANY SUCH STATE.                                                               +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
                 PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED JANUARY 23, 1998
PROSPECTUS
 
                                5,000,000 SHARES
 
                         [LOGO OF HESKA APPEARS HERE]

                                  COMMON STOCK
                                  -----------
 
  Of the 5,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $.001 par value (the "Common
Stock"), of Heska Corporation ("Heska" or the "Company"), offered hereby,
4,500,000 shares are being offered by the Company and 500,000 shares are being
offered by a stockholder of the Company (the "Selling Stockholder"). See
"Principal and Selling Stockholders." The Company will not receive any of the
proceeds from the sale of the shares of Common Stock by the Selling
Stockholder.
 
  The Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol
"HSKA." On January 22, 1998, the last sale price of the Common Stock as
reported on the Nasdaq National Market was $11 1/2 per share. See "Price Range
of Common Stock."
 
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 7 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT
   SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE COMMON STOCK OFFERED
                                    HEREBY.
 
                                  -----------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     PROCEEDS TO
                                   PRICE TO UNDERWRITING PROCEEDS TO   SELLING
                                    PUBLIC  DISCOUNT(1)  COMPANY(2)  STOCKHOLDER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>      <C>          <C>         <C>
Per Share........................    $          $            $           $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total(3).........................    $          $           $           $
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) The Company and the Selling Stockholder have agreed to indemnify the
    several Underwriters against certain liabilities, including certain
    liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. See
    "Underwriting."
(2) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated at $350,000.
(3) The Company has granted the Underwriters an option to purchase up to an
    additional 750,000 shares of Common Stock, exercisable within 30 days after
    the date hereof, solely to cover over-allotments, if any. If such option is
    exercised in full, the total Price to Public, Underwriting Discount and
    Proceeds to Company will be $   , $    and $   , respectively. See
    "Underwriting."
 
                                  -----------
 
  The shares of Common Stock are offered by the several Underwriters, subject
to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to
approval of certain legal matters by counsel for the Underwriters and certain
other conditions. The Underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or
modify such offer and to reject orders in whole or in part. It is expected that
the delivery of the shares of Common Stock will be made in New York, New York
on or about      , 1998.
 
                                  -----------
 
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
 
                          CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
 
                                                               HAMBRECHT & QUIST
 
                                  -----------
 
                   The date of this Prospectus is    , 1998.
<PAGE>
 
                      [INSIDE FRONT COVER OF PROSPECTUS]
 
 
                                   [ARTWORK]
 
                   DESCRIPTION OF ART ON INSIDE FRONT COVER
 
       [PHOTOGRAPHS OF: MAN AND CHILD WITH DOG; CAT; A HESKA LABORATORY
     AND THE HESKA PERIODONTAL DISEASE THERAPEUTIC PRODUCT APPEARS HERE.]
 
[PHOTOGRAPHS OF: MAN AND CHILD WITH DOG, CAT, A HESKA LABORATORY AND THE HESKA
PERIODONTAL THERAPEUTIC DISEASE PRODUCT APPEARS HERE]
CAPTIONS READ: (1) THE COMPANION ANIMAL HEALTH MARKET IS APPROXIMATELY $3
          BILLION WORLDWIDE WITH $1.5 BILLION IN THE UNITED STATES; (2) ISSUED
          PATENTS: 13; APPLICATIONS PENDING: 80; (3) HESKA'S APPROXIMATELY 475
          EMPLOYEES HOLD 51 PH.D. AND 33 D.V.M DEGREES; AND (4) HESKA
          INTRODUCED 13 NEW PRODUCTS IN 1997. THERE ARE 15 PRODUCTS CURRENTLY
          ON THE MARKET WITH OVER 25 IN DEVELOPMENT.
 
Certain persons participating in this offering may engage in transactions that
stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the price of the common stock. Such
transactions may include stabilizing, the purchase of common stock to cover
syndicate short positions and the imposition of penalty bids. For a
description of these activities, see "Underwriting."
 
IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, CERTAIN UNDERWRITERS (AND SELLING GROUP
MEMBERS) MAY ENGAGE IN PASSIVE MARKET MAKING TRANSACTIONS IN THE COMMON STOCK
ON NASDAQ IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 103 OF REGULATION M. SEE "UNDERWRITING."
<PAGE>
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
  The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information, including "Risk Factors" and the consolidated financial statements
and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. Except as otherwise
noted, all information in this Prospectus assumes no exercise of the
Underwriters' over-allotment option. This Prospectus contains, in addition to
historical information, forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. The Company's actual results and the timing of certain events
could differ materially from those discussed or projected by the forward-
looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences
include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the sections entitled "Risk
Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" and "Business," as well as those discussed elsewhere in
this Prospectus.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
  Heska discovers, develops, manufactures and markets companion animal health
products. Heska believes that it is the first company to undertake a concerted
effort to use biotechnology to create a broad range of diagnostic, therapeutic
and vaccine products for companion animals, primarily dogs, cats and horses.
The Company currently has 15 products on the market and over 25 products in
research and development. The Company operates two full scale USDA and FDA
licensed facilities which manufacture products for Heska and other companies.
Heska has corporate partnerships with Novartis AG, Bayer AG and Eisai Co., Ltd.
and plans to expand its products and services through complementary
acquisitions, licenses and collaborations. In 1997, Heska launched 13 new
products, acquired three operating companies and had total revenues of $20.9
million.
 
  The companion animal health market is large and rapidly growing. There are
approximately 67 million cats, 57 million dogs and seven million horses in the
United States and more than another 100 million cats, dogs and horses in the
rest of the developed world. According to industry estimates, the worldwide
market for companion animal health products and diagnostic services exceeds
$3.0 billion, of which approximately $1.5 billion is in the United States. In
the United States, the introduction of novel products has been an important
factor in market growth. In addition to rapid growth, the Company believes that
the relative lack of biotechnology-based products and faster, less expensive
regulatory processes for new products make the companion animal health market
very attractive.
 
  The Company's goal is to become the companion animal health care company of
choice for veterinarians. The Company's strategy is to assist veterinarians in
providing comprehensive patient care by offering a broad line of diagnostic,
therapeutic and vaccine products. The Company believes that its recently
introduced products address unmet veterinary medical needs and are expanding
the companion animal health market. For example, in 1997, the Company
introduced a family of allergy diagnostic products that it believes is the new
state-of-the-art in allergy diagnosis. Heska also recently introduced a unique
therapeutic product for canine periodontal disease. In addition to these
recently introduced products, many of Heska's products currently in research
and development will also serve to advance the state of veterinary medicine.
For example, the Company is developing canine and feline flea control and
heartworm vaccines. The development of such vaccines would be a scientific and
commercial breakthrough.
 
  Heska sells its products in the United States directly to veterinarians
through its direct sales force of 33 people and 12 veterinary distributors
employing more than 300 field sales representatives. Heska also recently began
selling its products in Europe through veterinary distributors. In addition to
its direct sales force and sales agents, the Company markets its products and
builds Heska brand recognition through the use of trade shows, scientific
conferences and print advertising. The Company has sold its products to over
6,500 of the 25,000 companion animal veterinary clinics in the United States
within the last 12 months. The Company believes its market penetration will
continue to increase rapidly with the introduction and adoption of its new
products.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
 
  The Company also intends to continue to grow through the acquisition of
complementary products and businesses. The Company's recent acquisitions
include: the April 1996 purchase of Diamond Animal Health, Inc., a USDA and FDA
licensed biological and pharmaceutical manufacturing facility; the February
1997 purchase of Bloxham Laboratories Limited, one of the largest veterinary
diagnostic laboratories in the United Kingdom; the July 1997 purchase of the
allergy immunotherapy products business of Center Laboratories, an FDA and USDA
licensed manufacturer of allergy immunotherapy products; and the September 1997
purchase of CMG Centre Medical des Grand'Places SA, a Swiss company which
manufactures and markets allergy diagnostic products for use in veterinary and
human medicine, primarily in Europe and Japan. The Company believes that
significant acquisition opportunities exist in the companion animal health
market and plans to continue to actively pursue such opportunities.
 
  Heska has entered into agreements with three major pharmaceutical companies,
Novartis AG, Bayer AG and Eisai Co., Ltd., to provide funding for its research
and development programs. In April 1996, Novartis made a $36.0 million equity
investment in the Company. These partners have rights to market certain
resulting Heska products.
 
  The Company is located at 1825 Sharp Point Drive, Fort Collins, Colorado
80525 and its telephone number is (970) 493-7272. Heska and its subsidiaries
currently employ approximately 475 persons. As used in this Prospectus, "Heska"
and the "Company" refer to Heska Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and its
consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise. HESKA, the
HESKA logo, DIAMOND, the DIAMOND logo, BLOXHAM, the BLOXHAM logo, CENTER, the
CENTER logo and HESKA PERIODONTAL DISEASE THERAPEUTIC are trademarks of the
Company. This prospectus also includes trade names and trademarks of companies
other than Heska.
 
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
  The offering of 5,000,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock in the United
States and Canada is referred to herein as the "Offering."
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
Common Stock Offered:
    By the Company...........................   4,500,000 shares
    By the Selling Stockholder...............     500,000 shares
                                                ---------
        Total................................   5,000,000 shares
                                                ========= 

Common Stock to be outstanding after the 
 Offering....................................  23,354,015 shares(1)
Use of Proceeds..............................  The net proceeds to be received by the
                                               Company from the Offering will be used for
                                               research and development, sales and
                                               marketing activities, expansion and
                                               development of manufacturing operations,
                                               potential acquisitions, working capital and
                                               general corporate purposes. See "Use of
                                               Proceeds."
Nasdaq National Market Symbol................  HSKA
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Based on shares outstanding at December 31, 1997. Does not include
    3,495,254 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance at December 31, 1997
    under the Company's stock option plans, under which there were options
    outstanding as of that date to purchase an aggregate of 2,426,885 shares of
    Common Stock, and 24,992 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
    warrants outstanding as of December 31, 1997. See "Capitalization,"
    "Management--Stock Option Plan," "Description of Capital Stock--Warrants"
    and Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
  In addition to the other information contained in this Prospectus, the
discussion of risk factors on pages 7 through 13 of this Prospectus should be
considered carefully in evaluating an investment in the Common Stock. The risks
of investing in the Common Stock include the following factors: "Dependence on
Development and Introduction of New Products;" "Loss History and Accumulated
Deficit; Uncertainty of Future Profitability; Quarterly Fluctuations and
Customer Concentration;" "Limited Sales and Marketing Experience; Dependence on
Others;" "Highly Competitive Industry;" "Uncertainty of Patent and Proprietary
Technology Protection; License of Technology of Third Parties;" "Limited
Manufacturing Experience and Capacity; Reliance on Contract Manufacturers;"
"Government Regulation; No Assurance of Obtaining Regulatory Approvals;"
"Future Capital Requirements; Uncertainty of Additional Funding;" "Potential
Difficulties in Management of Growth; Identification and Integration of
Acquisitions;" "Dependence on Key Personnel;" "Potential Product Liability;
Limited Insurance Coverage;" "Risk of Liability from Release of Hazardous
Materials;" "Possible Volatility of Stock Price;" "Potential Adverse Market
Impact of Shares Eligible for Future Sale;" "Broad Discretion to Allocate
Offering Proceeds;" "Control by Directors, Executive Officers, Principal
Stockholders and Affiliated Entities;" "Anti-Takeover Effect of Certain Charter
and Bylaw Provisions and Delaware Law;" and "Forward-Looking Statements."
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
 
                   SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                          ----------------------------------------------------
                            1993         1994       1995      1996      1997
                          --------  -------------- -------  --------  --------
<S>                       <C>       <C>            <C>      <C>       <C>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT
 OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues:
  Products, net.........  $    --      $   --      $   --   $  8,013  $ 18,299
  Research and develop-
   ment.................     1,817       3,858       2,230     1,946     2,578
                          --------     -------     -------  --------  --------
    Total revenues......     1,817       3,858       2,230     9,959    20,877
Costs and operating ex-
 penses:
  Cost of goods sold....       --          --          --      6,648    14,245
  Research and develop-
   ment.................     2,427       3,685       6,031    14,038    19,990
  Selling and market-
   ing..................       --          --          --      2,493     8,693
  General and adminis-
   trative..............       540         904         864     4,540    10,937
  Amortization of
   intangible assets and
   deferred
   compensation.........       --          --          --      1,101     2,381
  Purchased research and
   development..........       --          --          --        --      2,399
                          --------     -------     -------  --------  --------
    Total costs and op-
     erating expenses...     2,967       4,589       6,895    28,820    58,645
                          --------     -------     -------  --------  --------
Loss from operations....    (1,150)       (731)     (4,665)  (18,861)  (37,768)
Other income (expense)..       (37)       (153)         99       886       476
                          --------     -------     -------  --------  --------
Net loss................  $ (1,187)    $  (884)    $(4,566) $(17,975) $(37,292)
                          ========     =======     =======  ========  ========
Pro forma net loss per
 share(1)...............                                    $  (1.35) $  (2.33)
                                                            ========  ========
Number of shares used in
 computing pro forma net
 loss per share(1)......                                      13,307    16,033
<CAPTION>
                                                     DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                 ------------------------
                                                  ACTUAL   AS ADJUSTED(2)
                                                 --------  --------------
<S>                                              <C>       <C>            
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable 
 securities....................................  $ 28,746     $77,300
Working capital................................    31,544      80,098
Total assets...................................    65,248     113,802
Long-term obligations..........................    10,308      10,308
Accumulated deficit............................   (67,568)    (67,568)
Total stockholders' equity.....................    43,672      92,226
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) See Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information
    concerning the computation of pro forma net loss per share.
(2) Adjusted to reflect the sale by the Company of 4,500,000 shares of Common
    Stock offered hereby and the application of the estimated net proceeds
    therefrom at an assumed public offering price of $11.50 per share. See "Use
    of Proceeds" and "Capitalization."
 
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
  The discussion in this Prospectus contains, in addition to historical
information, forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.
The Company's actual results and the timing of certain events could differ
materially from those discussed or projected by the forward-looking
statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences
include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the sections entitled
"Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" and "Business," as well as those discussed
elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
  In evaluating the Company's business, prospective investors should consider
carefully the following risk factors in addition to the other information
presented in this Prospectus.
 
DEPENDENCE ON DEVELOPMENT AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW PRODUCTS
 
  Many of the Company's products are still under development and there can be
no assurance such products will be successfully developed or commercialized on
a timely basis, or at all. The Company believes that its revenue growth and
profitability, if any, will substantially depend upon its ability to complete
development of and successfully introduce and commercialize its new products.
The development and regulatory approval activities necessary to bring new
products to market are time-consuming and costly. There can be no assurance
that the Company will not experience difficulties that could delay or prevent
successfully developing, obtaining regulatory approvals to market or
introducing these new products, that regulatory clearance or approval of any
new products will be granted by the United States Department of Agriculture
("USDA"), the United States Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"), the
Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") or foreign regulatory authorities on a
timely basis, or at all, or that the new products will be successfully
commercialized. The Company's strategy is to develop a broad range of products
addressing different disease indications. The Company has limited resources to
devote to the development of all its products and consequently a delay in the
development of one product or the use of resources for product development
efforts that prove unsuccessful may delay or jeopardize the development of its
other product candidates. Further, for certain of the Company's proposed
products, the Company is dependent on collaborative partners to successfully
and timely perform research and development activities on behalf of the
Company. In order to successfully commercialize any new products, the Company
will be required to establish and maintain a reliable, cost-efficient source
of manufacturing for such products. If the Company is unable, for
technological or other reasons, to complete the development, introduction or
scale up of manufacturing of any new product or if any new product is not
approved for marketing or does not achieve a significant level of market
acceptance, the Company could be materially and adversely affected. Following
the introduction of a product, adverse side effects may be discovered that
make the product no longer commercially viable. Publicity regarding such
adverse effects could affect sales of the Company's other products for an
indeterminate time period. The Company is dependent on the acceptance of its
products by both veterinarians and pet owners. The failure of the Company to
engender confidence in its products and services could affect the Company's
ability to attain sustained market acceptance of its products. See "Business--
Manufacturing," "--Government Regulation" and "--Collaborative Agreements."
 
LOSS HISTORY AND ACCUMULATED DEFICIT; UNCERTAINTY OF FUTURE PROFITABILITY;
QUARTERLY FLUCTUATIONS AND CUSTOMER CONCENTRATION
 
  Heska has incurred net losses since its inception. At December 31, 1997, the
Company's accumulated deficit was $67.6 million. The Company anticipates that
it will continue to incur additional operating losses for the next several
years. Such losses have resulted principally from expenses incurred in the
Company's research and development programs and, to a lesser extent, from
general and administrative and sales and marketing expenses. Currently, a
substantial portion of the Company's revenues are from Diamond Animal Health,
Inc. ("Diamond"), which manufactures veterinary biologicals and
pharmaceuticals for major companies in the animal health industry. Revenues
from one Diamond customer comprised approximately 29% of total revenues in
1997 under the terms of a take-or-pay contract which expires in June 1999. If
this customer does not
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
continue to purchase from Diamond and if the lost revenues are not replaced by
other customers or products, the Company's financial condition and results of
operations could be adversely affected.
 
  There can be no assurance that the Company will attain profitability or, if
achieved, will remain profitable on a quarterly or annual basis in the future.
The Company believes that future operating results will be subject to
quarterly fluctuations due to a variety of factors, including whether and when
new products are successfully developed and introduced by the Company or its
competitors, market acceptance of current or new products, regulatory delays,
product recalls, competition and pricing pressures from competitive products,
manufacturing delays, shipment problems, product seasonality and changes in
the mix of products sold. Because the Company is continuing to increase its
operating expenses for personnel, new product development and marketing, the
Company's operating results will be adversely affected if its sales do not
correspondingly increase or if its product development efforts are
unsuccessful or subject to delays. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
LIMITED SALES AND MARKETING EXPERIENCE; DEPENDENCE ON OTHERS
 
  To be successful, Heska will have to continue to develop and train its
direct sales force or rely on marketing partners or other arrangements with
third parties for the marketing, distribution and sale of its products. The
Company is currently marketing its products to veterinarians through a direct
sales force and certain third parties. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to successfully maintain marketing, distribution or sales
capabilities or make arrangements with third parties to perform those
activities on terms satisfactory to the Company. See "Business--Sales,
Marketing and Customer Service."
 
  In addition, the Company has granted marketing rights to certain products
under development to third parties, including Novartis AG ("Novartis"), Bayer
AG ("Bayer") and Eisai Co., Ltd. ("Eisai"). Novartis has the right to
manufacture and market throughout the world (except in countries where Eisai
has such rights) under Novartis trade names any flea control vaccine or feline
heartworm vaccine developed by the Company on or before December 31, 2005. The
Company retained the right to co-exclusively manufacture and market these
products throughout the world under its own trade names. Accordingly, if both
elect to market these products, the Company and Novartis will be direct
competitors, with each party sharing revenues on the other's sales. Heska also
granted Novartis a right of first refusal pursuant to which, prior to granting
rights to any third party for any products or technology developed or acquired
by the Company for either companion animal or food animal applications, Heska
must first offer Novartis such rights. Bayer has exclusive marketing rights to
the Company's canine heartworm vaccine and its feline toxoplasmosis vaccine
(except in countries where Eisai has such rights). Eisai has exclusive rights
in Japan and most countries in East Asia to market the Company's feline and
canine heartworm vaccines, feline and canine flea control vaccines and feline
toxoplasmosis vaccine. The Company's agreements with its marketing partners
contain no minimum purchase requirements in order for such parties to maintain
their exclusive or co-exclusive marketing rights. There can be no assurance
that Novartis, Bayer or Eisai or any other collaborative party will devote
sufficient resources to marketing the Company's products. Furthermore, there
is nothing to prevent Novartis, Bayer or Eisai or any other collaborative
party from pursuing alternative technologies or products that may compete with
the Company's products. See "Business--Collaborative Agreements."
 
HIGHLY COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY
 
  The market in which the Company competes is intensely competitive. Heska's
competitors include companion animal health companies and major pharmaceutical
companies that have animal health divisions. Companies with a significant
presence in the animal health market, such as American Home Products, Bayer,
Merial Ltd., Novartis, Pfizer Inc and IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., have developed
or are developing products that do or would compete with the Company's
products. Novartis and Bayer are marketing partners of the Company, and their
agreements with the Company do not restrict their ability to develop and
market competing products. These competitors have substantially greater
financial, technical, research and other resources and larger, more
established marketing, sales, distribution and service organizations than the
Company. Moreover, such
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
competitors may offer broader product lines and have greater name recognition
than the Company. Additionally, the market for companion animal health care
products is highly fragmented, with discount stores and specialty pet stores
accounting for a substantial percentage of such sales. As Heska intends to
distribute its products only through veterinarians, a substantial segment of
the potential market may not be reached, and the Company may not be able to
offer its products at prices which are competitive with those of companies
that distribute their products through retail channels. There can be no
assurance that the Company's competitors will not develop or market
technologies or products that are more effective or commercially attractive
than the Company's current or future products or that would render the
Company's technologies and products obsolete. Moreover, there can be no
assurance that the Company will have the financial resources, technical
expertise or marketing, distribution or support capabilities to compete
successfully. See "Business--Competition."
 
UNCERTAINTY OF PATENT AND PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGY PROTECTION; LICENSE OF
TECHNOLOGY OF THIRD PARTIES
 
  The Company's ability to compete effectively will depend in part on its
ability to develop and maintain proprietary aspects of its technology and
either to operate without infringing the proprietary rights of others or to
obtain rights to such technology. Heska has United States and foreign issued
patents and is currently prosecuting patent applications in the United States
and with certain foreign patent offices. There can be no assurance that any of
the Company's pending patent applications will result in the issuance of any
patents or that, if issued, any such patents will offer protection against
competitors with similar technology. There can be no assurance that any
patents issued to the Company will not be challenged, invalidated or
circumvented in the future or that the rights created thereunder will provide
a competitive advantage.
 
  The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries have been characterized by
extensive litigation regarding patents and other intellectual property rights.
There can be no assurance that the Company will not in the future become
subject to patent infringement claims and litigation in the United States or
other countries or interference proceedings conducted in the United States
Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO") to determine the priority of inventions.
The defense and prosecution of intellectual property suits, USPTO interference
proceedings, and related legal and administrative proceedings are both costly
and time consuming. Litigation may be necessary to enforce any patents issued
to the Company or its collaborative partners, to protect trade secrets or
know-how owned by the Company or its collaborative partners, or to determine
the enforceability, scope and validity of the proprietary rights of others.
Any litigation or interference proceeding will result in substantial expense
to the Company and significant diversion of effort by the Company's technical
and management personnel. An adverse determination in litigation or
interference proceedings to which the Company may become a party could subject
the Company to significant liabilities to third parties. Further, either as
the result of such litigation or proceedings or otherwise, the Company may be
required to seek licenses from third parties which may not be available on
commercially reasonable terms, if at all.
 
  The Company licenses technology from a number of third parties. The majority
of such license agreements impose due diligence or milestone obligations and
in some cases impose minimum royalty or sales obligations upon the Company in
order for the Company to maintain its rights thereunder.
 
  The Company's products may incorporate technologies that are the subject of
patents issued to, and patent applications filed by, others. As is typical in
its industry, from time to time the Company and its collaborators have
received and may in the future receive notices claiming infringement from
third parties as well as invitations to take licenses under third party
patents. It is the Company's policy when it receives such notices to conduct
investigations of the claims asserted. With respect to notices the Company has
received to date, the Company believes, after due investigation, that it has
meritorious defenses to the infringement claims asserted. Any legal action
against the Company or its collaborators may require the Company or its
collaborators to obtain a license in order to market or manufacture affected
products or services. However, there can be no assurance that the Company or
its collaborators will be able to obtain licenses for technology patented by
others on commercially reasonable terms, that they will be able to develop
alternative approaches if unable to obtain licenses, or that the current and
future licenses will be adequate for the operation of their businesses. The
failure to obtain necessary
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
licenses or to identify and implement alternative approaches could prevent the
Company and its collaborators from commercializing certain of their products
under development and could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
  The Company also relies upon trade secrets, technical know-how and
continuing invention to develop and maintain its competitive position. There
can be no assurance that others will not independently develop substantially
equivalent proprietary information and techniques or otherwise gain access to
the Company's trade secrets. See "Business--Intellectual Property."
 
LIMITED MANUFACTURING EXPERIENCE AND CAPACITY; RELIANCE ON CONTRACT
MANUFACTURERS
 
  To be successful, the Company must manufacture, or contract for the
manufacture of, its current and future products in compliance with regulatory
requirements, in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis, while
maintaining product quality and acceptable manufacturing costs. In order to
provide for manufacturing of its products, the Company acquired Diamond in
April 1996 and certain assets of Center Laboratories ("Center") in July 1997.
Significant work will be required for the scaling up of manufacturing of many
new products and there can be no assurance that such work can be completed
successfully or on a timely basis.
 
  In addition to Diamond and Center, the Company intends to rely on contract
manufacturers for certain of its products. The Company currently has supply
agreements with Atrix Laboratories ("Atrix") for its canine periodontal
disease therapeutic and a supply agreement with Quidel Corporation ("Quidel")
for certain manufacturing services relating to its point-of-care canine and
feline heartworm diagnostic tests. These agreements all require the
manufacturing partner to supply the Company's requirements within certain
parameters. There can be no assurance that these partners will be able to
manufacture products to regulatory standards and the Company's specifications
or in a cost-effective and timely manner. If any supplier were to be delayed
in scaling up commercial manufacturing, were to be unable to produce a
sufficient quantity of products to meet market demand, or were to request
renegotiation of contract prices, the Company's business could be materially
and adversely affected. While the Company typically retains the right to
manufacture products itself or contract with an alternative supplier in the
event of the manufacturer's breach, any transfer of production would
necessarily involve significant delays in production and additional expense to
the Company to scale up production at a new facility and to apply for
regulatory licensure for the production of products at that new facility. In
addition, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to locate
suitable manufacturing partners for its products under development or
alternative suppliers if present arrangements are not satisfactory. See
"Business--Manufacturing."
 
GOVERNMENT REGULATION; NO ASSURANCE OF OBTAINING REGULATORY APPROVALS
 
  The development, manufacture and marketing of most of the Company's products
are subject to regulation by various governmental authorities, consisting
principally of the USDA and the FDA in the United States and various
regulatory agencies outside the United States. Delays in obtaining, or failure
to obtain any necessary regulatory approvals would have a material adverse
effect on the Company's future product sales and operations. Any acquisitions
of new products and technologies may subject the Company to additional
government regulation.
 
  The Company's manufacturing facilities and those of any contract
manufacturers the Company may use are subject to the requirements of and
subject to periodic regulatory inspections by the FDA, USDA and other federal,
state and foreign regulatory agencies. There can be no assurance that the
Company or its contractors will continue to satisfy such regulatory
requirements, and any failure to do so would have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
  There can be no assurance that the Company will not incur significant costs
to comply with laws and regulations in the future or that laws and regulations
will not have a material adverse effect upon the Company's business, financial
condition or results of operations. See "Business--Government Regulation."
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
FUTURE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS; UNCERTAINTY OF ADDITIONAL FUNDING
 
  While the Company believes that its available cash, together with the
proceeds of the Offering, will be sufficient to satisfy its funding needs for
current operations for the next 12 months, assuming no significant uses of
cash in acquisition activities, the Company has incurred negative cash flow
from operations since inception and does not expect to generate positive cash
flow sufficient to fund its operations for the next several years. Thus, the
Company may need to raise additional capital to fund its research and
development, manufacturing and sales and marketing activities. The Company's
future liquidity and capital funding requirements will depend on numerous
factors, including market acceptance of current and future products;
successful development of new products; timing of regulatory actions regarding
the Company's potential products; costs and timing of expansion of sales,
marketing and manufacturing activities; procurement, enforcement and defense
of patents important to the Company's business; results of product trials; and
competition. There can be no assurance that such additional capital will be
available on terms acceptable to the Company, if at all. Furthermore, any
additional equity financing may be dilutive to stockholders, and debt
financing, if available, may include restrictive covenants. If adequate funds
are not available, the Company may be required to curtail its operations
significantly or to obtain funds through entering into collaborative
agreements or other arrangements on unfavorable terms. The failure by the
Company to raise capital on acceptable terms when needed would have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or results of
operations. See "Use of Proceeds" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital
Resources."
 
POTENTIAL DIFFICULTIES IN MANAGEMENT OF GROWTH; IDENTIFICATION AND INTEGRATION
OF ACQUISITIONS
 
  The Company anticipates additional growth in the number of its employees,
the scope of its operating and financial systems and the geographic area of
its operations as new products are developed and commercialized. This growth
will result in an increase in responsibilities for both existing and new
management personnel. The Company's ability to manage growth effectively will
require it to continue to implement and improve its operational, financial and
management information systems and to train, motivate and manage its current
employees and hire new employees. There can be no assurance that the Company
will be able to manage its expansion effectively, and a failure to do so could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition
or results of operations.
 
  In 1996, Heska consummated the acquisitions of Diamond and of assets
relating to its canine allergy business. The Company's recent acquisitions
include: the February 1997 purchase of Bloxham Laboratories Limited, a
veterinary diagnostic laboratory in the United Kingdom ("Bloxham"); the July
1997 purchase of the allergy immunotherapy products business of Center, an FDA
and USDA licensed manufacturer of allergy immunotherapy products; and the
September 1997 purchase of CMG Centre Medical des Grand'Places SA, a Swiss
corporation ("CMG") which manufactures and markets allergy diagnostic products
for use in veterinary and human medicine, primarily in Europe and Japan.
Moreover, the Company anticipates using a portion of the proceeds from the
Offering to make additional acquisitions. See "Use of Proceeds." The Company
also anticipates issuing additional shares of Common Stock to effect future
acquisitions. Such issuances may be dilutive. Identifying and pursuing
acquisition opportunities, integrating the acquired businesses and managing
growth requires a significant amount of management time and skill. There can
be no assurance that the Company will be effective in identifying and
effecting attractive acquisitions, integrating acquisitions or managing future
growth. The failure to do so may have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
 
  The Company is highly dependent on the efforts of its senior management and
scientific team, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific
Officer. The loss of the services of any member of its senior management or
scientific staff may significantly delay or prevent the achievement of product
development and other business objectives. Because of the specialized
scientific nature of the Company's business, the Company is highly dependent
on its ability to attract and retain qualified scientific and technical
personnel. There is intense
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
competition among major pharmaceutical and chemical companies, specialized
biotechnology firms and universities and other research institutions for
qualified personnel in the areas of the Company's activities. Loss of the
services of, or failure to recruit, key scientific and technical personnel
could adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition or results
of operations. See "Business--Employees" and "Management--Directors, Executive
Officers and Key Employees."
 
POTENTIAL PRODUCT LIABILITY; LIMITED INSURANCE COVERAGE
 
  The testing, manufacturing and marketing of the Company's current products
as well as those currently under development entail an inherent risk of
product liability claims and associated adverse publicity. To date, the
Company has not experienced any material product liability claims, but any
such claims arising in the future could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition or results of operations. Potential
product liability claims may exceed the amount of the Company's insurance
coverage or may be excluded from coverage under the terms of the policy. There
can be no assurance that the Company will be able to continue to obtain
adequate insurance at a reasonable cost, if at all. In the event that the
Company is held liable for a claim against which it is not indemnified or for
damages exceeding the limits of its insurance coverage or which results in
significant adverse publicity against the Company, such claim could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or
results of operations.
 
RISK OF LIABILITY FROM RELEASE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
 
  The Company's products and development programs involve the controlled use
of hazardous and biohazardous materials, including chemicals, infectious
disease agents and various radioactive compounds. Although the Company
believes that its safety procedures for handling and disposing of such
materials comply with the standards prescribed by applicable local, state and
federal regulations, the risk of accidental contamination or injury from these
materials cannot be completely eliminated. In the event of such an accident,
the Company could be held liable for any damages or fines that result and any
such liability could exceed the resources of the Company. The Company may
incur substantial costs to comply with environmental regulations as the
Company expands its manufacturing capacity.
 
POSSIBLE VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE
 
  The securities markets have from time to time experienced significant price
and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the operating performance of
particular companies. The market prices of securities of many publicly-held
biotechnology companies have in the past been, and can in the future be
expected to be, especially volatile. Announcements of technological
innovations or new products by the Company or its competitors, release of
reports by securities analysts, developments or disputes concerning patents or
proprietary rights, regulatory developments, changes in regulatory policies,
economic and other external factors, as well as quarterly fluctuations in the
Company's financial results, may have a significant impact on the market price
of the Common Stock.
 
POTENTIAL ADVERSE MARKET IMPACT OF SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
  Substantially all of the Company's shares are eligible for sale in the
public market. The Company's officers, directors, and certain of its
stockholders who beneficially own approximately 12,447,000 shares of Common
Stock, or approximately 50% of the shares outstanding after the Offering, have
agreed not to sell any shares of Common Stock for a period of 120 days after
the date of the Purchase Agreement relating to the Offering. Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner and Smith Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch") may, in its
discretion, permit sales of such shares during such period without public
announcement. Certain existing stockholders have rights to require the Company
to register their shares for future sale. See "Description of Capital Stock--
Registration Rights," "Shares Eligible for Future Sale" and "Underwriting."
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
BROAD DISCRETION TO ALLOCATE OFFERING PROCEEDS
 
  The Company anticipates that the proceeds of the Offering will be used to
fund research and development efforts and sales and marketing activities, to
expand and develop manufacturing operations and capabilities, to fund
strategic acquisitions of businesses, technologies or products and to finance
working capital and general corporate requirements. The amounts expended for
each such purpose and the timing of such expenditures may vary depending upon
numerous factors. The Company will have broad discretion in determining the
amount and timing of expenditures and in allocating the proceeds of the
Offering. Such discretion will be particularly broad with respect to that
portion of the proceeds available for use for working capital and general
corporate purposes. See "Use of Proceeds."
 
CONTROL BY DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AND
AFFILIATED ENTITIES
 
  The Company's directors, executive officers, principal stockholders and
entities affiliated with them will, in the aggregate, beneficially own
approximately 50% of the Company's outstanding Common Stock following the
completion of the Offering. The Company's three major stockholders, who
together will beneficially own approximately 45% of the Company's outstanding
Common Stock after the Offering, have entered into a voting agreement dated as
of April 12, 1996 (the "Voting Agreement") whereby each agreed to collectively
vote its shares in such manner so as to ensure that each major stockholder was
represented by one member on the Company's Board of Directors. The Voting
Agreement terminates on December 31, 2005 unless prior to such date any of the
investors ceases to beneficially hold 2,000,000 shares of the voting stock of
the Company, at which time the Voting Agreement would terminate. The major
stockholders, if acting together, could substantially control all matters
requiring approval by the stockholders of the Company, including the election
of directors and the approval of mergers or other business combination
transactions. See "Principal and Selling Stockholders" and "Description of
Capital Stock--Voting Agreement."
 
ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECT OF CERTAIN CHARTER AND BYLAW PROVISIONS AND DELAWARE LAW
 
  Certain provisions of the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation
and Bylaws may have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party
to acquire, or of discouraging a third party from attempting to acquire,
control of the Company. Such provisions could limit the price that certain
investors may be willing to pay in the future for shares of the Company's
Common Stock. Certain of these provisions allow the Company to issue Preferred
Stock without any vote or further action by the stockholders, provide for a
classified board of directors and eliminate the right of stockholders to call
special meetings of stockholders. These provisions may make it more difficult
for stockholders to take certain corporate actions and could have the effect
of delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company. In addition,
certain provisions of Delaware law applicable to the Company could also delay
or make more difficult a merger, tender offer, or proxy contest involving the
Company. See "Management" and "Description of Capital Stock."
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
  Prospective investors are cautioned that the statements in this Prospectus
that are not descriptions of historical facts may be forward-looking
statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could
differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors,
including those identified under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this
Prospectus.
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
  The proceeds to the Company from the sale of the 4,500,000 shares of Common
Stock being offered by the Company are estimated to be $48,553,750
($56,704,375 if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full),
after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and Offering
expenses. The Company currently estimates that it will use approximately $20.0
million of the net proceeds of the Offering to continue to fund the Company's
research and development efforts, approximately $8.0 million to expand and
fund its sales and marketing capabilities and approximately $5.0 million for
capital equipment and other expenditures relating to the expansion and
development of the Company's manufacturing operations and capabilities. The
Company also expects to use a portion of the net proceeds to acquire
businesses, technologies, products or facilities complementary to the
Company's business. The Company is continuously evaluating potential
acquisition candidates, although no commitments have been made which would
have a material effect on the Company's operating results. The Company
anticipates using the remaining net proceeds for working capital and general
corporate purposes. The cost, timing and amount of funds required by the
Company cannot be precisely determined at this time and will be based upon
numerous factors, including the Company's progress in research and
development; the timing and costs of obtaining regulatory approvals; the costs
involved in preparing, filing, prosecuting and enforcing patent claims;
competing technological and market developments; changes in the Company's
existing research and collaborative relationships; evaluation of the
commercial viability of potential products; and the progress of
commercialization activities and arrangements. The Company has broad
discretion in determining how the net proceeds of the Offering will be
applied. Pending such uses, the Company intends to invest the net proceeds in
short-term, interest-bearing obligations.
 
  The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares of
Common Stock by the Selling Stockholder. See "Principal and Selling
Stockholders."
 
                          PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
 
  The Company's Common Stock has been quoted on the Nasdaq National Market
under the symbol "HSKA" since July 1, 1997. The Company's initial public
offering price was $8 1/2 per share. The following table sets forth the
intraday high and low prices for the Common Stock as reported by the Nasdaq
National Market.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                HIGH      LOW
                                                                ----    -------
   <S>                                                          <C>     <C>
   1997
   Third Quarter............................................... $16     $ 7 1/8
   Fourth Quarter.............................................. 15 5/8   11 1/4
   1998
   First Quarter (through January 22).......................... 12 5/8   10 1/2
</TABLE>
 
  As of January 22, 1998, the last reported sale price of the Common Stock on
the Nasdaq National Market was $11 1/2 per share. As of December 31, 1997,
there were approximately 178 holders of record of the Common Stock.
 
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
  The Company has never declared or paid dividends on its capital stock and
does not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future. The
Company currently intends to retain its earnings, if any, for the development
of its business.
 
                                CAPITALIZATION
 
  The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company as of
December 31, 1997, as adjusted to give effect to the sale of the 4,500,000
shares of Common Stock being offered by the Company and the application of the
estimated net proceeds therefrom as set forth under "Use of Proceeds."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                          ---------------------
                                                           ACTUAL   AS ADJUSTED
                                                          --------  -----------
                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                       <C>       <C>
Long-term obligations, less current portion(1)........... $ 10,308   $ 10,308
                                                          --------   --------
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred Stock, $.001 par value; 25,000,000 shares
   authorized; none outstanding..........................      --         --
  Common Stock, $.001 par value; 40,000,000 shares
   authorized; 18,854,015 issued and outstanding
   (actual); 23,354,015 issued and outstanding (as
   adjusted)(2)..........................................       19         24
  Additional paid-in capital.............................  113,091    161,640
  Deferred compensation..................................   (1,713)    (1,713)
  Cumulative translation adjustment......................        1          1
  Stock subscription receivable..........................     (158)      (158)
  Accumulated deficit....................................  (67,568)   (67,568)
                                                          --------   --------
    Total stockholders' equity...........................   43,672     92,226
                                                          --------   --------
    Total capitalization................................. $ 53,980   $102,534
                                                          ========   ========
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) See Notes 4, 5 and 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2) Does not include 3,495,254 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance at
    December 31, 1997 under the Company's stock option plans, under which
    there were options outstanding as of that date to purchase an aggregate of
    2,426,885 shares of Common Stock, and 24,992 shares of Common Stock
    issuable upon exercise of warrants outstanding as of December 31, 1997.
    See "Management--Stock Option Plan," "Description of Capital Stock--
    Warrants" and Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
                                   DILUTION
 
  The net tangible book value of the Company as of December 31, 1997 was $38.2
million, or $2.03 per share. Pre-offering pro forma net tangible book value
per share represents the amount of total tangible assets less total
liabilities of the Company, divided by the number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding. After giving effect to the sale of the 4,500,000 shares of Common
Stock offered by the Company hereby (after deduction of estimated underwriting
discounts and commissions and offering expenses), the post-offering pro forma
net tangible book value of the Company at December 31, 1997 would have been
$86.8 million, or $3.71 per share. This represents an immediate increase in
such net tangible book value of $1.68 per share to existing stockholders and
an immediate dilution of $7.79 per share to new investors purchasing shares in
the Offering. The following table illustrates this per share dilution:
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                            <C>   <C>
   Assumed public offering price.................................       $11.50
     Net tangible book value per share before the Offering....... $2.03
     Increase per share attributable to new investors............ 1.68
                                                                  -----
   Pro forma net tangible book value per share after the Offer-
    ing..........................................................         3.71
                                                                        ------
     Dilution per share to new investors.........................       $ 7.79
                                                                        ======
</TABLE>
 
  The following table summarizes, on a pro forma basis as of December 31,
1997, the differences between existing stockholders and new investors with
respect to the number of shares of Common Stock purchased from the Company,
the total consideration paid to the Company, and the average consideration
paid per share (before deduction of underwriting discounts and commissions and
estimated offering expenses payable by the Company):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          SHARES PURCHASED(1)    TOTAL CONSIDERATION   AVERAGE
                          -------------------------------------------   PRICE
                            NUMBER     PERCENT      AMOUNT    PERCENT PER SHARE
                          ------------ ---------------------- ------- ---------
<S>                       <C>          <C>       <C>          <C>     <C>
  Existing stockholders..   18,854,015     80.7% $110,872,000   68.2%   $5.88
  New investors..........    4,500,000     19.3    51,750,000   31.8    11.50
                          ------------  -------  ------------  -----
    Total................   23,354,015    100.0% $162,622,000  100.0%
                          ============  =======  ============  =====
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Sales by the Selling Stockholder in the Offering will reduce the number of
    shares held by existing stockholders to 18,354,015, or approximately 78.6%
    (approximately 76.1% if the Underwriters' over- allotment option is
    exercised in full), of the total number of shares of Common Stock
    outstanding, and will increase the number of shares held by new investors
    to 5,000,000, or approximately 21.4% (or approximately 23.9%, if the
    Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full), of the total
    number of shares of Common Stock outstanding after the Offering.
 
  The foregoing table assumes no exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment
option or of any outstanding stock options or warrants. As of December 31,
1997, there were outstanding options to purchase an aggregate of 2,426,885
shares of Common Stock at exercise prices ranging from $0.15 to $14.50 per
share at a weighted average exercise price of $1.8795, and warrants to
purchase 24,992 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $3.25 per
share. To the extent these options or warrants are exercised, there will be
further dilution to new investors. See "Management--Stock Option Plan,"
"Description of Capital Stock--Warrants" and Note 10 of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
                     SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The following selected consolidated financial data with respect to the
Company's balance sheet data at December 31, 1996 and 1997 and, with respect
to the Company's consolidated statement of operations data, for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1997 have been derived from the
Company's consolidated financial statements, which have been audited by Arthur
Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their report
included elsewhere herein. The consolidated balance sheet data as of December
31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and the consolidated statement of operations data for
the years ended December 31, 1993 and 1994 have been derived from audited
consolidated financial statements not included herein. The selected financial
data set forth below should be read in conjunction with "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
the consolidated financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this
Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                          ----------------------------------------------------
                           1993     1994        1995        1996       1997
                          -------  ------     --------    ---------  ---------
                              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                       <C>      <C>     <C>            <C>        <C>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT
 OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues:
  Products, net.........  $   --   $  --      $   --      $   8,013  $  18,299
  Research and develop-
   ment.................    1,817   3,858       2,230         1,946      2,578
                          -------  ------     -------     ---------  ---------
    Total revenues......    1,817   3,858       2,230         9,959     20,877
Costs and operating ex-
 penses:
  Cost of goods sold....      --      --          --          6,648     14,245
  Research and develop-
   ment.................    2,427   3,685       6,031        14,038     19,990
  Selling and market-
   ing..................      --      --          --          2,493      8,693
  General and adminis-
   trative..............      540     904         864         4,540     10,937
  Amortization of
   intangible assets and
   deferred
   compensation.........      --      --          --          1,101      2,381
  Purchased research and
   development..........      --      --          --            --       2,399
                          -------  ------     -------     ---------  ---------
    Total costs and op-
     erating expenses...    2,967   4,589       6,895        28,820     58,645
                          -------  ------     -------     ---------  ---------
Loss from operations....   (1,150)   (731)     (4,665)      (18,861)   (37,768)
Other income (expense)..      (37)   (153)         99           886        476
                          -------  ------     -------     ---------  ---------
Net loss................  $(1,187) $ (884)    $(4,566)    $ (17,975) $ (37,292)
                          =======  ======     =======     =========  =========
Pro forma net loss per
 share(1)...............                                  $   (1.35) $   (2.33)
                                                          =========  =========
Number of shares used in
 computing pro forma net
 loss per share(1)......                                     13,307     16,033
<CAPTION>
                                            DECEMBER 31,
                          ----------------------------------------------------
                           1993     1994        1995        1996       1997
                          -------  ------     --------    ---------  ---------
                                           (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>      <C>     <C>            <C>        <C>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE
 SHEET DATA:
Cash, cash equivalents
 and marketable securi-
 ties...................  $   695  $  539     $ 6,827     $  23,700  $  28,746
Working capital (defi-
 cit)...................     (241)    300       6,522        23,955     31,544
Total assets............    1,031   2,670       8,508        42,169     65,248
Long-term obligations...      132     181         302         4,528     10,308
Accumulated deficit.....   (6,851) (7,735)    (12,301)      (30,276)   (67,568)
Total stockholders' eq-
 uity (deficit).........      (86)  1,180       7,249        32,383     43,672
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) See Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information
    concerning the computation of pro forma net loss per share.
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISOF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
                                  OPERATIONS
 
  This Prospectus contains, in addition to historical information, forward-
looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual
results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from the
results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause
or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those
discussed below, as well as those discussed elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
OVERVIEW
 
  Heska discovers, develops, manufactures and markets companion animal health
products, primarily for dogs, cats and horses. From the Company's inception in
1988 until early 1996, the Company's operating activities related primarily to
research and development activities, entering into collaborative agreements,
raising capital and recruiting personnel. Prior to 1996, the Company had not
received any revenues from the sale of products, and it has incurred net
losses since inception. As of December 31, 1997, the Company's accumulated
deficit was $67.6 million.
 
  During 1996, Heska grew from being primarily a research and development
concern to a fully-integrated research, development, manufacturing and
marketing company. The Company accomplished this by acquiring Diamond, a
licensed pharmaceutical and biological manufacturing facility in Des Moines,
Iowa, hiring key employees and support staff, establishing marketing and sales
operations to support Heska products introduced in 1996, and designing and
implementing more sophisticated operating and information systems. The Company
also expanded the scope and level of its scientific and business development
activities, increasing the opportunities for new products. In 1997, the
Company introduced 13 additional products and expanded in the United States
through the acquisition of Center, an FDA and USDA licensed manufacturer of
allergy immunotherapy products located in Port Washington, NY, and
internationally through the acquisitions of Bloxham, a veterinary diagnostic
laboratory in Teignmouth, England and CMG in Fribourg, Switzerland, which
manufactures and markets allergy diagnostic products for use in veterinary and
human medicine, primarily in Europe and Japan. Each of the Company's
acquisitions was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and
accordingly, the Company's financial statements reflect the operations of
these businesses only for the periods subsequent to the acquisitions. In July
1997, the Company established a new subsidiary, Heska AG, located near Basel,
Switzerland, for the purpose of managing its European operations.
 
  The Company anticipates that it will continue to incur additional operating
losses as it introduces new products and continues its research and
development activities for products under development. There can be no
assurance that the Company will attain profitability or, if achieved, will
remain profitable on a quarterly or annual basis in the future. See "Risk
Factors--Loss History and Accumulated Deficit; Uncertainty of Future
Profitability; Quarterly Fluctuations and Customer Concentration."
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
 
 
  Product revenues increased to $18.3 million in 1997, as compared to $8.0
million in 1996. The Company had no product revenues prior to 1996. The
revenue growth in 1997 and 1996 was primarily due to increased sales of the
Company's products and from consolidating revenues from acquired businesses.
Revenues from Diamond were $11.1 million in 1997 as compared to $7.3 million
in 1996 subsequent to its acquisition in April. Sales to one Diamond customer,
Bayer, represented 29% and 64% of total revenues in 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
 
  Revenues from sponsored research and development were $2.6 million in 1997
as compared to $1.9 million in 1996 and $2.2 million in 1995. Fluctuations in
revenues from sponsored research and development are
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
generally the result of changes in the number of funded research projects as
well as the achievement of contract milestones. See Note 8 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements for more detailed information about the
amounts received under sponsored research and development agreements in each
of these periods. The Company expects that revenues from sponsored research
and development will decline in future periods, reflecting the expiration of
current funding commitments and the Company's decision to fund its future
research activities primarily from internal sources.
 
  Cost of goods sold totaled $14.2 million in 1997 as compared to $6.6 million
in 1996. The Company did not incur cost of goods sold in 1995. The resulting
gross margin for 1997 increased to $4.1 million from $1.4 million in 1996, due
primarily to increased product sales and manufacturing volume.
 
  Research and development expenses increased to $20.0 million in 1997 from
$14.0 million in 1996 and $6.0 million in 1995. The increases in 1997 and 1996
are due primarily to increases in the level and scope of research and
development activities for potential products to be marketed by the Company.
The Company does not expect that significant increases in research and
development expenses will be required to maintain its current research and
development activities.
 
  Selling and marketing expenses increased to $8.7 million in 1997 from $2.5
million in 1996. This increase reflects the expansion of the Company's sales
and marketing organization as Heska introduced new products and added field
sales force personnel. Selling and marketing expenses consist primarily of
salaries, commissions and benefits for sales and marketing personnel, market
research, product advertising and promotion, consulting, trade show costs and
sales agency fees. The Company did not incur selling and marketing expenses in
1995. The Company expects selling and marketing expenses to increase as sales
volume increases and new products are introduced to the marketplace.
 
  General and administrative expenses increased to $10.9 million in 1997 from
$4.5 million in 1996 and $864,000 in 1995. The increases in 1997 and 1996
resulted from the growth of accounting and finance, human resources, legal,
administrative, information systems and facilities operations to support the
Company's increased business, financing and financial reporting requirements.
General and administrative expenses for 1997 include a one-time charge of
$750,000 for the termination of a supply agreement. General and administrative
expenses are expected to decrease as a percentage of revenues in future years.
 
  Amortization of intangible assets and deferred compensation increased to
$2.4 million in 1997 from $1.1 million in 1996. Amortization of intangible
assets resulted from the Company's 1997 and 1996 business acquisitions. Net
intangible assets at December 31, 1997 and 1996 totaled $5.5 million and $3.5
million, respectively, as a result of these acquisitions. The amortization of
deferred compensation resulted in a non-cash charge to operations in the year
ended December 31, 1997 of $525,000. No amortization of deferred compensation
was recorded in 1996 or 1995. In connection with the grant of certain stock
options in the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company recorded
aggregate deferred compensation of $1.4 million and $879,000, respectively,
representing the difference between the deemed value of the Common Stock for
accounting purposes and the option exercise price of such options at the date
of grant. The Company will incur a non-cash charge to operations of
approximately $560,000 per year through mid-2001 for amortization of deferred
compensation.
 
  Purchased research and development expenses for 1997 reflect a one-time non-
cash charge related to the acquisition in May 1997 of a development stage
company.
 
  Interest income increased to $1.6 million from $1.4 million in 1996 and
$172,000 in 1995, as a result of increased cash available for investment from
the proceeds of equity investments in 1997, 1996 and 1995. Interest expense
increased to $1.2 million from $325,000 in 1996 and $63,000 in 1995, due to an
increase in debt financing for laboratory and manufacturing equipment, debt
related to the Company's 1997 business acquisitions and the assumption of debt
in connection with 1996 business acquisitions.
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
  The Company reported a net loss in 1997 of $37.3 million as compared to a
1996 net loss of $18.0 million and a 1995 net loss of $4.6 million. The
significant increase in losses over the periods are primarily due to increases
in research and development expenses, selling and marketing expenses and
general and administrative expenses in 1997 and 1996.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
  In July 1997, the Company completed its initial public offering ("IPO") of
5,637,850 shares of Common Stock at a price of $8.50 per share, providing the
Company with net proceeds of approximately $43.9 million. Upon the completion
of the IPO, all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock were converted into
11,289,388 shares of Common Stock.
 
  As of December 31, 1997, the Company had received aggregate proceeds of
$99.7 million from various equity transactions, including $43.9 million from
the July 1997 IPO, $36.0 million from the April 1996 private equity placement
to Novartis, $10.0 million from the 1995 private equity placement to Volendam
Investeringen N.V. and $9.8 million from private equity placements to Charter
Ventures from 1989 through 1996. The Company has also received funds totaling
$12.0 million through December 31, 1997 under collaborative agreements.
 
  In addition, the Company has received proceeds from equipment financing
totaling $8.7 million through December 31, 1997. The Company also assumed $4.3
million in short and long-term debt in connection with its 1996 acquisitions
and assumed $3.5 million in long-term debt in connection with its 1997
acquisitions. Capital lease obligations and term debt owed by the Company
totaled $14.1 million as of December 31, 1997, with installments payable
through 2006. Expenditures for property and equipment totaled $6.1 million and
$5.2 million for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The
Company anticipates that it will continue to use capital equipment lease and
debt facilities to finance equipment purchases and, if possible, leasehold
improvements. The Company has secured lines of credit for its subsidiaries
totaling approximately $1.7 million, against which borrowings of approximately
$1.1 million were outstanding at December 31, 1997. These financing facilities
are secured by assets of the respective subsidiaries and corporate guarantees
by Heska Corporation. The Company expects to seek additional asset-based
borrowing facilities.
 
  Net cash used for operating activities was $34.3 million and $14.1 million
for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Cash was used
primarily to fund research and development activities, expansion of sales and
marketing activities, expansion of the administrative infrastructure and
general working capital requirements.
 
  The Company currently expects to spend approximately $5.0 million over the
next 12 months for capital equipment, including expenditures for the upgrading
of certain manufacturing operations to improve efficiencies as well as various
enhancements to assure ongoing compliance with certain regulatory
requirements. The Company expects to finance these expenditures through
secured debt facilities, where possible.
 
  Prior to the IPO, the Company financed its acquisition activities through
the issuance of Preferred Stock. In 1997 and 1996, the Company issued
Preferred Stock valued at $7.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively, in
connection with its acquisitions. In addition, in 1997, the Company issued
Common Stock valued at $1.9 million in connection with an acquisition prior to
the IPO. Subsequent to the IPO, the Company has financed its acquisitions
through the issuance of Common Stock valued at approximately $775,000, the
assumption of approximately $3.5 million in debt and the use of cash totaling
$3.0 million.
 
  The Company's primary short-term needs for capital, which are subject to
change, are for continuing research and development efforts, its sales,
marketing and administrative activities, working capital and capital
expenditures relating to developing and expanding the Company's manufacturing
operations. At December 31, 1997, the Company's principal source of liquidity
was $28.7 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. The
Company expects its working capital requirements to increase over the next
several years as it
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
introduces new products, expands its sales and marketing capabilities,
improves its manufacturing capabilities and facilities and acquires
businesses, technologies or products complementary to the Company's business.
The Company's future liquidity and capital funding requirements will depend on
numerous factors, including the extent to which the Company's products under
development are successfully developed and gain market acceptance, the timing
of regulatory actions regarding the Company's potential products, the costs
and the timing of expansion of sales, marketing and manufacturing activities,
the cost, timing and business management of current and potential
acquisitions, the procurement and enforcement of patents important to the
Company's business, the results of product trials and competition.
 
  The Company believes that its available cash and cash from operations,
together with the proceeds of this offering, will be sufficient to satisfy its
funding requirements for current operations for the next 12 months, assuming
no significant uses of cash in acquisition activities. Thereafter if cash
generated from operations is insufficient to satisfy the Company's working
capital requirements, the Company may need to raise additional capital to
continue funding its research and development activities, scaling up its
manufacturing activities and expanding its sales and marketing force. There
can be no assurance that such additional capital will be available on terms
acceptable to the Company, if at all. Furthermore, any additional equity
financing may be dilutive to stockholders and debt financing, if available,
may include restrictive covenants. If adequate funds are not available, the
Company may be required to curtail its operations significantly or to obtain
funds through entering into collaborative agreements or other arrangements on
potentially unfavorable terms. The failure by the Company to raise capital on
acceptable terms when needed could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
NET OPERATING LOSS CARRYFORWARDS
 
  As of December 31, 1997, the Company had a net operating loss ("NOL")
carryforward of approximately $59.5 million and approximately $1.1 million of
research and development ("R&D") tax credits available to offset future
federal income taxes. The NOL and tax credit carryforwards, which are subject
to alternative minimum tax limitations and to examination by the tax
authorities, expire from 2003 to 2011. The Company's acquisition of Diamond
resulted in a "change of ownership" under the provisions of Section 382 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. As such, the Company will be
limited in the amount of NOLs incurred prior to the merger that it may utilize
to offset future taxable income. This limitation will total approximately $4.7
million per year for periods subsequent to the Diamond acquisition. Similar
limitations also apply to utilization of R&D tax credits to offset taxes
payable. In addition, the Company believes that this Offering or any further
significant issuances of Common Stock will result in a further "change of
ownership." The Company does not believe that either of these limitations will
affect the eventual utilization of its total NOL carryforwards.
 
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
  The Company does not expect the adoption of any standards recently issued by
the Financial Accounting Standards Board to have a material impact on the
Company's financial position or results of operations.
 
YEAR 2000 CONVERSION
 
  The Company does not believe that the year 2000 conversion will have a
material adverse effect on its business. However, the Company has established
procedures to identify, evaluate and implement any necessary changes to
computer systems and applications. The Company is coordinating these
activities with suppliers, distributors, financial institutions and others
with whom it does business.
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
                                   BUSINESS
 
OVERVIEW
 
  Heska discovers, develops, manufactures and markets companion animal health
products. Heska believes that it is the first company to undertake a concerted
effort to use biotechnology to create a broad range of diagnostic, therapeutic
and vaccine products for companion animals, primarily dogs, cats and horses.
The Company currently has 15 products on the market and over 25 products in
research and development. The Company operates two full scale USDA and FDA
licensed facilities which manufacture products for Heska and other companies.
Heska has corporate partnerships with Novartis, Bayer and Eisai and plans to
expand its products and services through complementary acquisitions, licenses
and collaborations. In 1997, Heska launched 13 new products, acquired three
operating companies and had total revenues of $20.9 million.
 
THE COMPANION ANIMAL HEALTH MARKET
 
  Companion animals improve the quality of human life by providing
companionship, affection and acceptance. In addition, numerous studies
indicate that relationships with companion animals have demonstrable
therapeutic benefits for blood pressure, anxiety and loneliness, especially
for elderly or depressed people.
 
  According to industry estimates, the worldwide market for companion animal
health products and diagnostic services exceeds $3.0 billion, of which
approximately $1.5 billion is in the United States. There are approximately 67
million cats, 57 million dogs and seven million horses in the United States,
and more than another 100 million cats, dogs and horses in the rest of the
developed world. The Company believes that due to better nutrition and care,
the average life expectancy of dogs and cats in the United States has been
increasing. As with humans, as companion animals age, their medical needs
increase.
 
  There are approximately 35,000 veterinarians in the United States whose
practices are devoted principally to companion animal medicine. The practice
of veterinary medicine in the United States is significantly different in
several respects from the practice of human medicine. In addition to providing
services and prescribing drugs, veterinarians act as the pharmacists of
companion animal medicine by selling the products which they use or prescribe
in their practice, and a substantial portion of their practice income is
attributable to the sale of these products. Another distinction from human
medicine is that the vast majority of companion animal veterinarians practice
as "general practice" veterinarians without significant specialization. Access
to veterinarians specializing in diseases common to companion animals can be
difficult and expensive. For example, of the companion animal veterinarians in
the United States, approximately 100 are board certified veterinary
dermatologists and approximately 50 are board certified veterinary dentists.
 
  In the United States, the market for companion animal health products is
growing rapidly as a result in part of the introduction of novel products.
However, the development of biotechnology products for the companion animal
health market has lagged behind development of products for the larger human
health market. To date, it appears that there have only been modest, isolated
efforts to use biotechnology to develop products specifically for companion
animal health applications. For example, at this time, the Company believes
that there are only three recombinant vaccines on the market for companion
animal health and only a handful of diagnostic products that use recombinant
proteins, including Heska's feline heartworm and allergy diagnostic products.
 
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
HESKA'S STRATEGY
 
  Heska's goal is to become a leader in companion animal health. The Company's
strategy to achieve this goal includes the following elements:
 
  .  Develop a broad line of innovative products for comprehensive case
     management. Heska's strategy is to develop and offer a broad line of
     products for comprehensive management of companion animal diseases, such
     as allergy, heartworm infection and flea-associated conditions. Heska
     believes that it is the only company developing products and services
     for each step of veterinary care, from diagnosis to treatment and
     prevention, across a broad range of animal diseases. The Company
     currently has 15 products on the market and over 25 products in research
     and development. The Company's strategy is to develop its business so
     that it is not substantially dependent on one product or technology.
 
  .  Commercialize products from its large, sophisticated research
     effort. Heska scientists have developed a large body of knowledge, from
     the organism to the molecular genetic level, about the physiology of
     parasites, such as fleas and heartworms, and the basic immunology of
     dogs and cats. The Company believes that this body of knowledge is
     unmatched in the industry. Additionally, Heska benefits from an
     extensive patent portfolio, which currently consists of 13 owned or co-
     owned issued patents and 80 pending patent applications, including 11
     with allowed claims, in the United States. The Company's strategy is to
     use this knowledge and the skills of its researchers to create
     innovative, proprietary products. Heska's current employees hold 33
     D.V.M.s and 51 Ph.D.s. Most of these employees have been affiliated with
     prestigious academic research institutions and/or leading biotechnology
     or animal health companies.
 
  .  Promote products through strong relationships with veterinarians. Heska
     plans to become the companion animal health care company of choice for
     veterinarians, who are the primary distribution channel for companion
     animal diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccine products. Heska intends to
     accomplish this goal by providing novel products that advance companion
     animal medicine, by selling its products exclusively to veterinarians
     and by supporting the general practitioner through high quality
     diagnostic products and through access to a staff of medical
     specialists. The Company believes that support of veterinarians is
     critical to enhancing Heska brand loyalty.
 
  .  Pursue complementary acquisitions. The Company intends to build its
     business in part through the acquisition of complementary technologies,
     products and businesses. In 1997, Heska acquired one of the largest
     veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the United Kingdom, a second
     licensed manufacturing facility and an allergy diagnostic company with
     sales primarily in Europe and Japan. The Company believes that
     significant acquisition opportunities exist in the companion animal
     health industry and plans to continue to actively pursue such
     opportunities.
 
  .  Leverage resources through strong strategic relationships. Heska has
     entered into agreements with three major pharmaceutical companies,
     Novartis, Bayer and Eisai, to provide funding for its research and
     development programs. These partners have rights to market certain
     resulting Heska products. Heska believes that the size and experience of
     these partners will enable the Company to penetrate markets more quickly
     and extensively. Additionally, to broaden its portfolio of products and
     technologies, the Company is aggressively pursuing licenses to promising
     technologies from leading biotechnology companies and research
     institutions.
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
PRODUCTS AND PROGRAMS
 
  The Company has introduced 15 products to date and is developing a broad
line of diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccine products targeting a wide range of
companion animal diseases. The following table summarizes Heska's currently
available products and certain of its products in research and development:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  MARKETING
          PRODUCT                STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT(1)          RIGHTS(2)
 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  <S>                       <C>                                <C>
  ALLERGY & DERMATOLOGY
   Canine Allergy Diagnos-  Second generation launched in 1997 Heska
    tic
   Feline Allergy Diagnos-  Launched in 1997                   Heska
    tic
   Equine Allergy Diagnos-  Research                           Heska
    tic
   Canine Allergy           Currently available                Heska
    Immunotherapeutic
   Feline Allergy           Expected in 1998                   Heska
    Immunotherapeutic
   Ancillary Dermatology    Launched in 1997                   Heska
    Products
 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  FLEA BITE ALLERGY
   Canine Flea Bite Al-
    lergy Diagnostic
    Veterinary Diagnostic   Launched in 1997                   Heska
     Laboratory
    Point-of-Care Diagnos-  Expected in 1999                   Heska
     tic
   Feline Flea Bite Al-
    lergy Diagnostic
    Veterinary Diagnostic   Launched in 1997                   Heska
     Laboratory
    Point-of-Care Diagnos-  Expected in 1999                   Heska
     tic
   Flea Bite Allergy        Research                           Heska
    Immunotherapeutic
   Canine Flea Bite Al-     Research                           Heska
    lergy Vaccine
   Feline Flea Bite Al-     Research                           Heska
    lergy Vaccine
 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  FLEA CONTROL
   Flea Control Vaccines
    Canine Flea Control     Research                           Heska/Novartis/
     Vaccine                                                   Eisai
    Feline Flea Control     Research                           Heska/Novartis/
     Vaccine                                                   Eisai
   Environmental Flea Con-  Research                           Heska
    trol
   Pharmaceutical Flea      Research                           Heska
    Control
</TABLE>
 
 
(1) See "--Government Regulation" for a description of the marketing and
    approval process for the Company's products.
 
(2) See "--Collaborative Agreements" for a description of the marketing rights
    for these products.
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       MARKETING
          PRODUCT                   STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT(1)            RIGHTS(2)
 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  <S>                       <C>                                     <C>
  HEARTWORM INFECTION
   Feline Heartworm Diag-
    nostic
    Veterinary Diagnostic   Currently available                     Heska
     Laboratory
    Point-of-Care Diagnos-  Launched in Italy in 1997; expected in  Heska
     tic                     U.S. in 1998
   Canine Heartworm Diag-
    nostic
    Veterinary Diagnostic   Launched in 1997                        Heska
     Laboratory
    Point-of-Care Diagnos-  Expected in 1998                        Heska
     tic
   Heartworm Vaccines
    Canine Heartworm Vac-   Research                                Bayer/Eisai
     cine
    Feline Heartworm Vac-   Research                                Heska/Novartis/
     cine                                                           Eisai
 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  DENTISTRY
   Canine Periodontal       Launched in 1997                        Heska
    Disease Therapeutic
   Canine Dental Hygiene    Launched in 1997                        Heska
    Kits
 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  OTHER INFECTIOUS DIS-
   EASES
   Feline Viral Vaccines
    Bivalent                Launched in 1997; second generation     Heska
                             in research
    Trivalent               Launched in 1997; second generation     Heska
                             in research
   Feline Immunodeficiency  Research                                Heska
    Virus Vaccine
   Feline Leukemia Virus    Research                                Heska
    Vaccine
   Bartonellosis (Cat       Expected in 1999                        Heska
    Scratch Fever) Vaccine
   Feline Toxoplasmosis     Research                                Heska/Bayer/
    Vaccine                                                         Eisai
   Canine Leishmaniosis
    Diagnostic
    Veterinary Diagnostic   Launched in 1997                        Heska
     Laboratory
    Point-of-Care Diagnos-  Expected in Europe in 1998              Heska
     tic
   Canine Leishmaniosis     Research                                Heska
    Vaccine
   Canine Viral Vaccines    Research                                Heska
   Equine Influenza Vac-    Expected in 1999                        Heska
    cine
 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  METABOLIC DISEASES
   Canine Thyroid Supple-   Launched in 1997                        Heska
    ment
 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  ARTHRITIS                 Research                                Heska
 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  ONCOLOGY                  Research                                Heska
</TABLE>
 
 
(1) See "--Government Regulation" for a description of the marketing and
    approval process for the Company's products.
 
(2) See "--Collaborative Agreements" for a description of the marketing rights
    for these products.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
 
ALLERGY AND DERMATOLOGY
 
  Overview. Allergy is common in companion animals and affects approximately
10% to 15% of dogs. Clinical symptoms of allergy are variable, but are often
manifested as persistent and serious skin disease in dogs and cats. Clinical
management of allergic disease is problematic as there are a large number of
allergens that may give rise to these conditions. Although skin testing is
often regarded as the most accurate diagnostic procedure, such tests are
painful, subjective and inconvenient. The Company believes that many of the
currently available in vitro diagnostic tests are of questionable accuracy.
The effectiveness of the immunotherapy that is prescribed to treat allergic
disease is inherently limited by inaccuracies in the diagnostic process.
 
  The Company's principal strategy with respect to allergy is to improve the
quality of immunotherapy in part by improving the quality of diagnosis. Heska
has developed more accurate in vitro technology to detect IgE, the antibody
involved in most allergic reactions. This technology permits the design of
tests that, in contrast to other in vitro tests, more specifically identify
the animal's allergic responses to particular allergens.
 
  As part of its plan to support the veterinarian, the Company has adopted a
complete disease management approach to allergy. The Company offers allergy
testing services, immunotherapy products, palliative products and case
management consultation.
 
  Diagnostics. Heska currently markets in vitro canine allergy diagnostic
tests for a wide range of allergens. The allergy testing is conducted in
Heska's veterinary diagnostic laboratories using an enzyme-linked immunoassay
("ELISA") to screen the serum of dogs against a panel of known allergens. A
typical test panel includes 48 different allergens, consisting primarily of
various pollens, grasses, molds and insects.
 
  The binding of IgE antibodies to a cellular receptor is an essential
prerequisite to most allergic reactions. Heska has produced a molecular clone
of the cellular receptor for the IgE antibody. The Company has used this
molecularly cloned receptor in a family of unique diagnostic assays to detect
the presence and quantity of allergen-specific IgE in an animal's blood. The
Company believes that this technology provides the most accurate in vitro
diagnosis of allergy presently available, which in turn enables improved
immunotherapy. During 1997, Heska adapted this technology to a broad range of
its canine and feline allergy tests.
 
  Immunotherapeutics. Veterinarians who use Heska's diagnostic laboratories
for in vitro allergy testing services often purchase immunotherapy treatment
sets for those animals with positive test results. A large percentage of those
tests performed by the Company are positive, and veterinarians order Heska's
immunotherapy treatment sets for a majority of these animals. These
prescription treatment sets are formulated specifically for each allergic
animal and contain only the allergens to which the animal has demonstrated
significant levels of IgE antibodies. The prescription formulations are
administered in a series of injections, with doses increasing over several
months, to ameliorate the allergic condition of the animal. Immunotherapy is
generally continued for an extended time.
 
  Ancillary Dermatology Products. Heska introduced in 1997 a line of
supportive care products consisting of specially formulated allergy shampoos
and rinses to address skin problems associated with allergic disease. These
products are dispensed by veterinarians for use at home, along with client
information brochures explaining allergy and its treatment. The Company has a
full-time board certified veterinary dermatologist on its staff whose primary
job is to provide free case management consultations to any Heska customer.
There are approximately 100 board certified veterinary dermatologists in the
United States, and the Company believes that free, on-demand dermatology
consultations are of tremendous assistance to the veterinarian.
 
FLEA BITE ALLERGY
 
  Overview. Flea bite allergy is the most common skin disease afflicting dogs
and cats throughout the world. It is estimated that flea-related problems
account for more than 50% of skin conditions observed by veterinarians in flea
endemic areas. Treatments currently available for flea bite allergy are
limited. For example, steroids may provide temporary symptomatic relief, and
control of fleas on the animal and in its environment is also helpful.
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
However, prolonged use of steroids may have harmful side effects, and
sustained complete control of flea populations is extremely difficult. To
address these issues, the Company has developed technology for the accurate
diagnosis of flea bite allergy and is researching products to prevent the
development of flea bite allergy in susceptible animals and to provide
efficacious immunotherapy for animals that have already developed an allergy
to flea bites.
 
  Heska scientists have found that flea salivary proteins are principally
responsible for the allergic reactions to flea bites. The Company has
developed proprietary methods for collecting pure saliva from feeding fleas.
From this pure saliva, flea salivary allergens were discovered and
characterized by Heska biochemists, and the Company's molecular biologists
have cloned many of the genes that encode these unique allergens. Certain of
these recombinant molecules have been shown to cause reactions in flea bite
allergic dogs and cats.
 
  Diagnostics. Until recently, diagnosis of flea bite allergy was generally
based on the clinical impression of the veterinarian and a positive response
to effective flea control. Intradermal skin testing, performed by injecting
small amounts of an extract of whole fleas into the skin, is used by some
veterinary dermatologists. A characteristic reaction in the skin, occurring
within a few minutes following injection of the extract, is suggestive of
allergy to fleas. However, testing with an extract of whole fleas is of
limited value in diagnosing flea bite allergy, as such extracts contain only
minute amounts of flea saliva in addition to other allergens known not to be
involved in flea bite allergy that may cause the observed reaction.
 
  Using its flea salivary allergens and its novel receptor-based assay for
detection of IgE antibodies in the serum of allergic animals, the Company
developed a reliable in vitro ELISA-based test for flea bite allergy in dogs
and cats. Heska launched these products in 1997 in its veterinary diagnostic
laboratories. The Company is also developing point-of-care diagnostic products
for both dogs and cats to assist the veterinarian in making a prompt flea bite
allergy diagnosis in the veterinary clinic and expects this product to be
available in 1999.
 
  Immunotherapeutics. The Company is using its extensive knowledge of flea
biology, its proprietary flea salivary allergens and its broad understanding
of canine and feline immunology to develop novel flea bite allergy
immunotherapeutics. Such treatments are intended, through repeated exposure to
key, proprietary allergens, to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of allergy in
dogs and cats who have been definitively diagnosed with flea bite allergy.
 
  Vaccines. Heska is also seeking to develop novel vaccines based on
proprietary recombinant allergens to prevent flea bite allergy from occurring
in cats and dogs that are not yet allergic to flea bites. Heska scientists
believe that if the vaccine is successful in producing a non-allergic immune
response, this immune response will aid in the prevention of an allergic
immune response upon later exposure to flea antigens.
 
FLEA CONTROL
 
  Overview. The common flea which infests dogs and cats, Ctenocephalides
felis, is prevalent worldwide wherever warm ambient temperatures and adequate
humidity exist. This highly successful parasite produces uncomfortable
allergic responses, transmits other diseases, causes anemia and is a nuisance
to pets and their owners. The Company estimates that flea control products for
dogs and cats represent a worldwide market of approximately $1 billion, of
which the Company estimates approximately $660 million is in the United
States.
 
  A number of proprietary and non-proprietary products are currently marketed
for flea control. Certain of the proprietary products introduced in the last
few years have been particularly successful. For example, the systemic flea
control products recently introduced by Novartis and Bayer, "Program" and
"Advantage," each sold $100 million or more in the United States in the year
of their introduction. No single product, however, can be considered to be
completely safe and effective in flea control at all flea life cycle stages.
In addition, certain topical control chemicals, such as those frequently
included in sprays and collars, can be toxic and present safety concerns for
animals and humans. The use of certain flea control chemicals may also, over
time, result in fleas that are resistant to those products.
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
  Vaccines. Heska's goal is to develop vaccines that will produce an immune
response in the dog or cat that will kill fleas and reduce their reproduction.
For a number of reasons, including the complexity of parasites and their
adaptations for life in or on host animals, the development of vaccines
against parasites is generally more difficult than the development of vaccines
against viral or bacterial infections. Heska has devoted substantial resources
to basic research in flea physiology in its efforts to design products that
will safely and effectively control fleas. A team of Heska scientists, with
expertise in flea biology, biochemistry, molecular biology and immunology, is
using the results of this research to undertake the development of vaccines
for the control of fleas. To facilitate this work, Heska has created a
substantial flea insectary at its Fort Collins facility producing more than 25
million fleas every year. The Company has the capacity to microscopically
dissect 10,000 fleas per week. Genomic libraries and numerous tissue-specific
cDNA libraries have been created to discover the relevant product targets.
Heska researchers also study the molecular physiology of fleas, focusing on
molecular targets from virtually every flea life-stage. As candidate molecules
are purified and molecularly cloned, protein and nucleic acid sequence data
provide the basis for composition of matter patent applications. Experimental
studies with the first vaccine candidates were initiated in 1996, but
commercial vaccines are not anticipated for the next several years.
 
  Environmental Control. As an example of Heska's ability to capitalize on its
understanding of flea biology, the Company has also entered into a
collaboration to develop a safe, biologically-based flea control product which
can be applied around the home or kennel to control fleas. The product would
be applied in areas in the home where flea larvae tend to dwell and is
intended to kill fleas at several life stages without the use of harmful
chemicals. Product formulations are presently being created and evaluated.
 
  Pharmaceutical Control. The Company's research of flea molecular physiology
has led to the identification of molecular targets for small molecule
pharmaceuticals. Heska has created and is developing additional in vitro tests
amenable to high throughput chemical screening. These in vitro tests and
additional in vivo screens are expected to facilitate rapid analysis of early
stage product candidates and subsequent product development. The Company
intends to use collaborative arrangements to further develop these
pharmaceutical products.
 
HEARTWORM INFECTION
 
  Overview. Heartworm infections of dogs and cats are caused by the parasite
Dirofilaria immitis. This parasitic worm is transmitted in larval form to dogs
and cats through the bite of an infected mosquito. Larvae develop into adult
worms which live in the pulmonary arteries and heart of the host, where they
can cause serious cardiovascular, pulmonary, liver and kidney disease. The
adult worms produce offspring called microfilariae, which are ingested by
blood-feeding mosquitoes. In the mosquito, the worms develop into the
infective larval stage and in a subsequent mosquito bite are transmitted to
the dog or cat.
 
  Heartworm infection is common throughout the world, particularly in warm and
humid climates. Dogs are especially susceptible to heartworm infection and
treatment is difficult, expensive and requires the use of toxic compounds with
serious adverse effects for the animal. Chemoprophylactic products to prevent
heartworm infections in dogs are generally available and widely prescribed,
but require monthly or daily administration during the heartworm transmission
season. As a result, compliance and convenience issues arise. The Company
estimates that the worldwide market for canine heartworm diagnostic and
chemoprophylactic products is more than $270 million per year, of which
approximately $240 million per year is spent in the United States.
 
  Heartworm infections of cats represent a growing area of concern for
veterinary practitioners. Although cats are somewhat less susceptible to
heartworm infection than are dogs, infected cats may experience serious
disease, even death, from only a single adult worm. Diagnosis of these
infections is very difficult, as there are generally too few adult worms
present to allow for reliable heartworm antigen detection in the blood, as is
done for dogs. A chemoprophylactic product to prevent heartworm infections of
cats, similar to the products available for dogs, was introduced by Merial
Ltd. in January 1997. The label for this product recommends that cats be
tested for active infection prior to administration of its product.
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
  Diagnostics. Heska's heartworm vaccine research effort has resulted in the
characterization of many unique heartworm antigens, certain of which may be
useful for the development of improved diagnostic tests. In January 1997,
Heska introduced a new test in a diagnostic laboratory format for feline
heartworm infections of cats which allows veterinarians for the first time to
accurately establish the prevalence of heartworm exposure in cats in their
practices. This test is highly accurate and identifies antibodies in cat serum
that react with a recombinant heartworm antigen. In 1997, the Company launched
a rapid point-of-care test in Italy for feline heartworm infection using this
same technology in the clinic. Heska expects to launch this product in the
United States in 1998. Heska has also developed a diagnostic test for
heartworm infection in dogs. This test uses monoclonal antibodies reactive
with heartworm antigens to detect the presence of these antigens in the blood
of the infected dog. The test is presently offered through Heska's veterinary
diagnostic laboratory. A point-of-care format for dogs is being developed and
is expected to be available in 1998.
 
  Vaccines. In order to avoid the need for repeated administration of
chemoprophylactic drugs and the resulting compliance and convenience problems,
Heska's goal is to develop vaccines for annual administration that would
prevent cardiopulmonary infection in dogs and cats caused by heartworms. The
Company has identified many candidate vaccine antigens and the genes encoding
them have been cloned. Heska is using these proprietary molecules in
vaccination studies of dogs and cats, including trials which involve
delivering vaccine candidates using nucleic acids and viral vectors. Each
vaccination trial requires approximately one year to complete. Accordingly,
commercialization of vaccines for heartworm infections of dogs and cats is not
anticipated for several years.
 
DENTISTRY
 
  Overview. Dentistry for dogs and cats is one of the fastest growing markets
in companion animal health. Within dentistry, the major problems are general
dental hygiene and periodontal disease. It is estimated that more than 80% of
all dogs over three years old exhibit symptoms of periodontal disease, which
often manifests as bad breath. Left untreated, periodontal disease can cause
loss of teeth and systemic bacterial infection. The most prevalent treatment
is the cleaning and scaling of the animal's teeth, which requires that the
animal be anesthetized. Although periodic cleaning and scaling is recommended
for all dogs, this procedure alone does not adequately address the underlying
infection in dogs with periodontal disease. Systemic antibiotics to be
administered by the pet owner at home are widely prescribed but present
convenience and compliance issues. Heska's complete disease management
approach to these medical issues is to offer a proprietary periodontal disease
therapeutic, a group of dental hygiene products and case management services
from a board-certified veterinary dental specialist.
 
  Canine Periodontal Disease Therapeutic. In November 1997, Heska received FDA
clearance to market and launched its periodontal disease therapeutic, an
innovative product for the treatment of periodontal disease in dogs. The
product consists of a solution containing the antibiotic doxycycline that is
injected into the tooth pocket. The injected material forms a biodegradable
gel that releases the antibiotic gradually over time, eliminating the need for
repeated antibiotic administration by the pet owner. Heska's goal is to have
this product administered by veterinarians on a regular basis for dogs with
periodontal disease concurrently with the regular cleaning and scaling of the
animal's teeth.
 
  Ancillary Dental Products. Regular dental hygiene has been proven to be of
value in the prevention of periodontal disease in companion animals. As part
of its comprehensive disease management approach, Heska markets canine dental
care kits, consisting of a toothbrush, toothpaste and rinse, for dental
hygiene following the use of its proprietary periodontal disease therapeutic.
The Company commenced its marketing of these dental hygiene kits concurrently
with the launch of its periodontal therapeutic. The Company has a full-time
board certified veterinary dental specialist on its staff, one of fewer than
50 board certified veterinary dental specialists in the United States, who is
assisting in the introduction of the periodontal therapeutic and who provides
free case management consultations to any Heska customer.
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
OTHER INFECTIOUS DISEASES
 
  Feline Viral Vaccines. Heska introduced in 1997 a three-way modified live
vaccine for the three most common viral diseases of cats, namely calicivirus,
rhinotracheitis virus and panleukopenia virus. Heska also introduced in 1997 a
two-way modified live vaccine for calcivirus and rhinotracheitis virus. These
vaccines are administered without needle injection by dropping the liquid
preparation into the eyes and nostrils of cats. While there is one competitive
non-injectable two-way vaccine, all other competitive products are injectable
formulations. The use of injectable vaccines in cats has become controversial
due to the frequency of side effects associated with injection of certain
vaccines. The most serious of these side effects are injection site sarcomas,
tumors which, if untreated, are nearly always fatal. The Company's vaccines
avoid injection site side effects and are believed by the Company to be very
efficacious. The Company is also researching second generation vaccines using
recombinant technology.
 
  Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Vaccine. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus ("FIV")
produces a viral disease characterized by immunodeficiency which ultimately
results in the death of the cat. Treatment options are quite limited, and at
this time there are no vaccines available to prevent the disease, although
several of the animal health companies with a feline vaccine line are believed
to be attempting to develop one. Heska is developing a FIV vaccine, and
experimental trials of the Company's vaccine candidates are expected to be
undertaken in 1998.
 
  Feline Leukemia Virus Vaccine. Feline Leukemia Virus ("FeLV") is a viral
disease of cats that is characterized by immunodeficiency and ultimately
results in death. As with FIV, treatment options are quite limited. However,
there are several vaccines presently offered for the prevention of FeLV. There
is some controversy as to the relative efficacy of these vaccines. Heska is
developing a vaccine for FeLV, and experimental trials of the Company's
vaccine candidates are in progress.
 
  Bartonellosis (Cat Scratch Fever) Vaccine. Cat Scratch Fever, caused by the
bacterium Bartonella henselae, is transmitted from cats to humans by a cat's
scratch and perhaps by other means. The human disease is characterized by
malaise, fever and swollen lymph nodes, sometimes lasting several weeks and
sometimes requiring hospitalization. The Company believes that there are over
22,000 cases of Cat Scratch Fever in humans annually, of which 2,000 require
hospitalization. Immunocompromised humans may develop very severe disease
following infection, and this organism is a cause of a significant number of
opportunistic infections in HIV-positive individuals. Therefore, doctors
treating at-risk human populations may recommend that cats be eliminated from
the household.
 
  The Company is working with scientists at the United States Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta to develop a vaccine for cats. The
vaccine is intended to prevent cats from harboring the bacteria in their blood
with the goal of limiting transmission of the bacteria from cats to humans.
Certain vaccine formulations prepared at Heska have successfully protected
cats from infection. The vaccine is currently being tested in cats for safety
and efficacy and, assuming success, the Company expects to launch this vaccine
in the United States in 1999.
 
  Feline Toxoplasmosis Vaccine. Toxoplasmosis is caused by a protozoan
parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, that infects cats and other mammals including
humans, pigs and sheep. This disease can be transmitted to humans through
contact with the oocysts (eggs) of the parasite, which are passed exclusively
in the feces of infected cats. In addition, consumption of contaminated
undercooked lamb and pork is a common means of transmission to humans.
Toxoplasma infections are generally not a serious concern for cats, as healthy
cats generally tolerate the infection without obvious disease. However,
infections of other animals, including humans, may have serious consequences.
This is particularly true for immunocompromised individuals, such as HIV-
infected persons, and for unborn fetuses. Such infections may be life
threatening in the former case and lead to birth defects or miscarriage in the
latter. Because of the risk of transmission of this disease from cat feces,
doctors sometimes advise immunocompromised patients and women who are or may
become pregnant to avoid or give away their cats. For this reason, Heska
believes that an appropriate vaccine may encourage such individuals to keep
their
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
family pets and is developing a recombinant vaccine intended to protect cats
from shedding Toxoplasma oocysts. The Company believes that such a vaccine, if
widely used, could help to reduce the transmission of disease to humans and
other animals. The Company has identified and cloned the genes encoding over
80 vaccine candidate antigens from internally developed gene libraries.
Testing of these antigens for vaccine efficacy will be undertaken in 1998.
 
  Canine Leishmaniosis Diagnostic and Vaccine. Visceral leishmaniosis is a
serious disease of dogs and humans caused by the parasite Leishmania. These
protozoan parasites are transmitted to humans and dogs through the bite of
sandflies. The disease causes profound suffering and, if left untreated,
infected dogs often die. While this disease is generally not a problem in the
United States, it is widespread in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries
and in South America. Dogs serve as the primary reservoir of the parasites for
transmission to other dogs and to humans. Previously, reliable diagnosis of
canine visceral Leishmania infections was based on clinical symptoms, the
finding of parasitized cells in lymph node aspirates and the use of a
laboratory-based microscopy assay to detect antibodies in the serum of dogs
reactive with Leishmania antigens. At present there are no vaccines that will
prevent Leishmania infection of dogs. The Company believes that significant
markets exist for both a convenient and reliable diagnostic and an effective
vaccine. These products would improve the quality of life of dogs living in
endemic areas and may reduce the risk of disease transmission to humans.
 
  Using a proprietary molecule developed by Corixa Corporation, the Company
has developed a sensitive diagnostic laboratory immunoassay for diagnosis of
canine Leishmania infection and is developing a point-of-care device for rapid
diagnosis. The reference laboratory test was introduced in the United States
and Italy in 1997, with a point-of-care test and introduction in other
European countries expected to follow in 1998. These tests provide improved
accuracy and are much faster and easier to perform than the currently
available laboratory test.
 
  Leishmaniosis vaccine trials are being conducted by the Company. Because
little is yet known of the natural progression of disease in Leishmania-
infected dogs, it is anticipated that this research effort, and subsequent
vaccine trials, will not be completed for several years.
 
  Canine Viral Vaccines. Heska scientists are researching a next generation
line of vaccines which are intended to protect dogs from their most common
viral diseases. This vaccine line will focus on four principal canine viral
diseases: parvovirus, distemper virus, parainfluenza virus and adenovirus. The
Company intends to develop a vaccine to protect dogs from all four viruses.
The Company does not expect these next generation vaccines to be commercially
available for several years.
 
  Equine Influenza Vaccine. Equine influenza is a common viral disease of
horses and is similar to human influenza. Horses have diminished performance
and quality of life for an extended period following infection. Currently
available vaccines for equine influenza are of limited efficacy and the
duration of immunity for existing vaccines is measured in weeks or months.
Heska is developing a unique vaccine for equine influenza and believes its
vaccine candidates will have improved efficacy and duration of immunity. The
vaccine is currently being tested in horses for safety and efficacy and,
assuming success, the Company expects to launch this vaccine in the United
States in 1999.
 
METABOLIC DISEASES
 
  Canine Thyroid Supplement. Canine hypothyroidism is a serious disease that
is usually caused by structural and/or functional abnormalities of the thyroid
gland. It is estimated that three to four percent of all dogs require thyroid
hormone replacement therapy. Common clinical signs include dry, coarse, thin
hair, possibly with patches of hair loss and pigment changes. The disease can
affect multiple organ systems and cause recurrent infections. In 1997, Heska
launched a thyroid supplement for dogs, which it believes is the first and
only vitamin-enriched, chewable tablet for the treatment of hypothyroidism in
dogs. These chewable tablets, which are administered daily for the life of the
dog, provide levothyroxine sodium, a replacement therapy for the hormone
normally produced by the body.
 
                                      31
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ARTHRITIS
 
  Osteoarthritis is a common disease affecting at least 20% of adult dogs.
Mildly affected animals may suffer only stiffness, soreness, lethargy or
reduced activity, while dogs with more severe disease may be unable to
exercise or even to rise without assistance. Treatment options include
temporary palliative relief of clinical signs by using pain relievers such as
an oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. These palliative drugs provide
temporary relief of pain but do not prevent the affected joints from suffering
further erosion of cartilage and destruction of bone.
 
  Heska has acquired the rights to develop certain of CollaGenex
Pharmaceuticals' proprietary matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors for companion
animal health applications. Heska believes these compounds may be useful for
the prevention and treatment of tissue destruction and disease progression in
a variety of inflammatory and degenerative diseases. The Company is focusing
its development efforts in the prevention of osteoarthritis progression.
 
ONCOLOGY
 
  With improved diet and medical care, dogs and cats are living longer lives
and, accordingly, developing more age-associated diseases such as cancer. In
fact, cancer is the leading cause of disease-associated death in dogs and
cats. However, most treatments are less than optimal and employ "off label"
therapeutic products developed for use in humans. The Company believes that it
is critical that a cancer therapeutic product not substantially decrease the
quality of life of the treated dog or cat. Accordingly, Heska is pursuing a
number of product opportunities focusing primarily on quality of life during
the course of cancer therapy. Numerous approaches are being taken, including
pursuing licensing opportunities arising from human oncology research and
collaborating with outside scientists on unique immunization techniques for
companion animal cancers. The Company does not expect to have commercial
products in this area for several years.
 
VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORIES
 
  In 1996, Heska established a veterinary diagnostic laboratory at its Fort
Collins facility. The diagnostic laboratory currently offers the Company's
allergy diagnostics, canine and feline heartworm diagnostics and flea bite
allergy assays, in addition to other diagnostic and pathology services. The
Fort Collins veterinary diagnostic laboratory is currently staffed by four
diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, medical
technologists experienced in animal disease, and several additional technical
staff.
 
  Heska intends to continue to use its Fort Collins diagnostic laboratory both
as a stand-alone service center and as an adjunct to its product development
efforts. Many of the assays which the Company will develop in a point-of-care
format will initially be validated and made available in the diagnostic
laboratory and will remain available in that format after the introduction of
the analogous point-of-care test.
 
  In addition to the United States veterinary diagnostic laboratory, the
Company provides to veterinarians in the United Kingdom a full range of
diagnostic and pathology services, including the proprietary diagnostic
laboratory tests marketed by the Company through Bloxham. Bloxham, one of the
largest veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the United Kingdom, was acquired
by Heska in 1997.
 
OTHER PRODUCTS
 
  Food Animal Products. Diamond is completing the research, development and
testing of a new line of bovine vaccines, which are expected to be introduced
in 1998. Diamond has entered into a strategic collaboration with a major
pharmaceutical company pursuant to which the partner is providing funding for
certain of this bovine vaccine research and development work in exchange for
non-exclusive rights to use the antigens that Diamond develops.
 
  Heska has also developed a unique diagnostic to detect Trichinella spiralis,
a parasite that is transmitted to humans and other animals in undercooked
meat. Infected pork is implicated in most outbreaks of human
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
trichinosis. Heska has identified what it believes to be the most important
antigen for the diagnosis of Trichinella infection in pigs and other hosts.
This carbohydrate antigen has been synthesized, can be produced in large
quantities and has been shown to be a superior reagent for the serological
diagnosis of Trichinella infections of swine. The Company expects to license
rights to this diagnostic test to a third party.
 
  Potential Human Health Applications. Heska's extensive research in the
molecular and cellular biology of parasites has yielded potential human
applications. Various biotechnology companies are pursuing pharmaceutical
compounds derived from various microscopic organisms, higher invertebrates
such as snails and even amphibians. The Company's research with parasites has
similarly yielded molecules that may also have interesting human
pharmaceutical applications. In addition, although to date the Company's novel
work with the cellular receptor for IgE has been directed toward improving the
diagnosis of allergy in companion animals, the Company is evaluating this
technology for the diagnosis of human allergic disease. After it has completed
its initial proof-of-concept work as to these technologies, Heska intends to
explore corporate partnerships with appropriate human health care companies
for the further development of the human applications while retaining the
animal health applications. With these approaches, Heska hopes to maximize the
benefit of the technologies discovered and developed at Heska, including
extending them into the human health care market where feasible, without
distracting the Company from its companion animal health focus.
 
PRODUCT CREATION
 
  Heska is committed to creating innovative products to address significant
unmet health needs of companion animals. The Company creates products both
through internal research and development and through external collaborations.
Internal research is managed by multidisciplinary product-associated project
teams consisting of veterinarians, biologists, molecular and cellular
biologists, biochemists and immunologists. Heska believes that it has one of
the largest and most sophisticated scientific efforts in the world devoted to
applying biotechnology to the creation of companion animal products. Heska's
employees hold 33 D.V.M.s and 51 Ph.D.s; nine employees hold both D.V.M. and
Ph.D. degrees.
 
  The creation of unique and scientifically advanced vaccine and therapeutic
products often requires an investment in basic research. For example,
fundamental knowledge about the immunology of dogs and cats is not well
developed, and the Company has invested significant resources on basic
research to understand immune responses in dogs and cats. Similarly, the
Company has invested significant resources to develop novel virally vectored
and nucleic acid vaccines. The Company believes the information provided by
these research groups is essential to informed and predictable programs aimed
at creating state-of-the-art safe and effective vaccines and
immunotherapeutics. Through this commitment, Heska has developed new knowledge
of T-cell biology, cytokines, immune responses to adjuvants and the use of
virally vectored and nucleic acid vaccines in companion animals.
 
  To support its product research programs, the Company has also developed
core technical support areas which perform commonly-used techniques to a
consistent high standard. These in-house core support areas include a
hybridoma laboratory, a protein and nucleic acid sequencing facility, a
recombinant protein purification laboratory, a diagnostics creation laboratory
and a process development laboratory.
 
  For a number of reasons, including the complexity of parasitic organisms and
their adaptations for life in or on host animals, the development of vaccines
against parasites is generally more difficult than the development of vaccines
against viruses or bacteria. The Company has committed substantial resources
to develop a body of knowledge at a molecular genetic level about the
physiology of parasites such as fleas and heartworms and the diseases they
cause that it believes is unmatched in the industry. The Company has created a
flea production laboratory in Fort Collins that produces tens of millions of
fleas each year for internal research. Similarly, in order to maximize the
likelihood of developing a successful heartworm vaccine, the Company has
created a mosquito insectary, also located at the Company's Fort Collins
facility, where tens of thousands of infective heartworm larvae are produced
every week.
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
  Heska is also committed to identifying external product opportunities and
creating business and technical collaborations that could lead to the creation
of other products. The Company is currently funding research at multiple
academic and governmental institutions. In addition, the Company is also
involved in joint research or product development efforts with a number of
companies. See "--Collaborative Agreements." The Company believes that its
active participation in scientific networks and its reputation for investing
in research enhances its ability to acquire external product opportunities.
 
SALES, MARKETING AND CUSTOMER SERVICE
 
  The Company presently markets its products in the United States directly to
veterinarians through the use of its field sales force, inside customer
service/tele-sales force and veterinary distributors acting as contract sales
agents. The Company presently has over 25 field sales representatives and
field sales supervisors and eight customer service/tele-sales representatives
and supervisors. The 12 veterinary distributors with whom the Company has
entered into sales agency relationships employ more than 300 field and
customer service/tele-sales representatives, although some of these
distributors may not sell all of the Company's products. Internationally, the
Company markets its products to veterinarians primarily through distributors.
 
  There are over 35,000 veterinarians in the United States whose practices are
devoted principally to companion animal medicine. Those veterinarians practice
in approximately 25,000 clinics in the United States. The Company plans to
market its products to these clinics primarily through the use of its field
and telephone sales force, sales agents, trade shows and print advertising.
The Company has sold its products to over 6,500 such clinics within the last
12 months.
 
  In addition to creating novel products that improve companion animal health,
Heska is committed to supporting the veterinarian through a complete case
management strategy. The average companion animal veterinarian practices
general medicine. Although there are an increasing, albeit small, number of
veterinary specialists available, the economics of companion animal practice
discourage extensive use of these specialists. The Company's strategy is to
help the general practice veterinarian practice more sophisticated medicine in
several ways. Heska currently provides certain specialized diagnostic products
not available in a point-of-care format or in third party laboratories. In
addition, the Company has established a medical and technical consulting group
on site at the Colorado facility consisting of seven employee veterinarians
with specialized expertise in such areas as dermatology, internal medicine,
pathology, dentistry and feline practice. These personnel are available to all
veterinarian customers for interpretation of test results and qualified and
timely advice for continuing management of any given case. The Company
believes that these services enhance practicing veterinarians' ability to
provide the best possible medical care.
 
  Although most veterinary diagnostic, vaccine and therapeutic products are
ordinarily sold only by veterinarians where a doctor-patient relationship
exists, these products are sometimes sold directly to the public by catalogue
and retail outlets that employ veterinarians. In order to support veterinary
clinics and to foster loyalty to Heska products, the Company intends to sell
its products exclusively to veterinarians for use where a doctor-patient
relationship exists.
 
  Heska scientists present examples of the scientific advances that are being
made in the Company's laboratories at important veterinary and other
scientific meetings and are encouraged to publish their research in peer
reviewed journals. The Company believes that these presentations and
publications have helped establish the Company as a scientific leader in
companion animal health.
 
MANUFACTURING
 
  The Company's products are manufactured by Diamond and Center, its wholly
owned subsidiaries, and/or by contract manufacturers. Diamond's facility
consists of a 166,000 square foot USDA and FDA licensed biological and
pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Des Moines, Iowa. The Company expects
that it will manufacture most or all of its biological products at this
facility, as well as most or all of its recombinant proteins
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
and other proprietary reagents for its diagnostic products. The Company
manufactures all of its allergy immunotherapy products at Center's USDA and FDA
licensed manufacturing facility in Port Washington, New York. The Company
manufactures its point-of-care diagnostic products for feline and canine
heartworm infection at Quidel and Diamond. The Company's periodontal disease
therapeutic is manufactured by Atrix, the company that is developing this
product for human use. The Company's non-proprietary ancillary products, such
as the canine dental hygiene kits and the dermatology line, are manufactured to
its specifications by third parties. As the Company enters into additional
strategic collaborations, it is possible that some of these strategic partners
may manufacture products for sale by the Company. The Company's reliance upon
third party manufacturers poses a significant risk. See "Risk Factors--Limited
Manufacturing Experience and Capacity; Reliance on Contract Manufacturers."
 
  In addition to manufacturing products for the Company, Diamond manufactures
veterinary biologicals and pharmaceuticals for other major companies in the
animal health industry. Diamond is one of the few USDA licensed contract
biological manufacturers in this market. Bayer, which is a leader in the bovine
vaccine area, currently purchases a substantial portion of its bovine vaccine
products for the United States market from Diamond. In addition to viral
vaccines, Diamond also manufactures vaccines against bacterial infections.
Diamond currently has the capacity to manufacture more than 50 million doses of
vaccines each year. Diamond's customers purchase products in both bulk and
finished format and Diamond performs all phases of manufacturing, including
growth of the active bacterial and viral agents, sterile filling,
lyophilization and packaging. In addition, Diamond ordinarily will support its
customers through research services, regulatory compliance services, validation
support and distribution services.
 
  In addition to manufacturing products for the Company, Center manufactures
allergy immunotherapy products which are distributed in the human market
through an independent and unaffiliated distribution company, Center
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
 
COLLABORATIVE AGREEMENTS
 
 Novartis
 
  In April 1996, the Company entered into several agreements with Ciba-Geigy
Limited and Ciba-Geigy Corporation ("Ciba"), which agreements were succeeded to
by Novartis, the entity formed upon Ciba's merger with Sandoz Limited. Such
agreements were entered into in connection with a $36.0 million equity
investment by Novartis in the Company (see "Certain Transactions"). Novartis
received, under the marketing agreements, certain rights to manufacture and
market any flea control vaccine or feline heartworm control vaccine developed
by the Company as to which USDA prelicensing serials are completed on or before
December 31, 2005. The Company and Novartis have co-exclusive rights to market
these products under their own trade names throughout the world (other than in
countries in which Eisai has such rights) and, if both parties elect to market,
the parties will share revenues on their sales. The marketing agreements remain
in force through 2010 or longer, if Novartis is still actively marketing such
products. In addition, the parties entered into a screening and development
agreement under which the parties may undertake joint research and development
activities in certain fields. If the parties fail to agree to perform joint
research activities, then Novartis has the right to use certain materials of
the Company on an exclusive basis to develop food animal pharmaceutical
products or on a co-exclusive basis with the Company to develop pharmaceutical
products for parasite control in companion animals or food animal vaccines.
Novartis would pay royalties on any such products developed by it. Currently,
there are no joint research projects being undertaken, although several are in
the proposal stage. The Company and Novartis also entered into a right of first
refusal agreement under which the Company, prior to granting licenses to any
third party to any products or technology developed or acquired by the Company
for either companion animal or food animal applications, must first notify and
offer Novartis such rights. If the parties are unable to come to an agreement
within 150 days of the Company's first notice, Heska may thereafter license
such rights to third parties on terms not materially more favorable than the
terms last offered by the Company to Novartis. The screening and development
agreement and right of first refusal agreement each terminate in 2005.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
 
 Bayer
 
  In June 1994, the Company entered into research agreements (the "Research
Agreements") with Bayer providing for funding of research (the "Research
Program") by Bayer on a recombinant feline toxoplasmosis vaccine and a canine
heartworm vaccine (the "Vaccines"). Bayer has the option to obtain an
exclusive, royalty-bearing license to sell the Vaccines in all countries
except in those in which Eisai has rights. If Bayer exercises this option, the
parties will negotiate license and distribution agreements. The Company has
the first option to manufacture any products sold pursuant to any such
distribution agreement. The Research Agreements will terminate upon completion
of the Research Program. Bayer may terminate the Research Agreements prior to
completion, but would not have any rights to market the Vaccines (unless it
terminated due to Heska's breach), although it would have non-exclusive access
to technology developed in the Research Program for use other than in
Vaccines. In the event Bayer elects to terminate the Research Agreements
(other than due to Heska's breach), the Company would recover the right to
market the Vaccines, subject to certain royalties to Bayer intended to repay
certain amounts Bayer paid under the Research Agreements.
 
 Eisai
 
  In January 1993, the Company entered into an agreement with Eisai, a leading
Japanese pharmaceutical company, pursuant to which the Company granted Eisai
the exclusive right to market the Company's feline and canine heartworm
vaccines, flea control vaccine and feline toxoplasmosis vaccine in Japan and
most other countries in East Asia. In exchange, the Company received an up-
front license fee and research funding for the development of these products.
Heska will have the right to manufacture any such products pursuant to a
supply agreement to be negotiated between the parties. The agreement will
terminate in January 2008, unless extended or earlier terminated by either
party for material breach of the agreement or by Eisai pursuant to certain
early termination rights.
 
 Quidel
 
  The Company has entered into a development agreement with Quidel under which
the parties are jointly developing its feline and canine heartworm point-of-
care diagnostic tests using Quidel's rapid in-clinic test technology. The
parties also have entered into a supply agreement under which Quidel will
perform manufacturing services with respect to these tests for the Company.
 
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
 
  Heska believes that patents, trademarks, copyrights and other proprietary
rights are important to its business. Heska also relies upon trade secrets,
know-how, continuing technological innovations and licensing opportunities to
develop and maintain its competitive position.
 
  Heska actively seeks patent protection both in the United States and abroad.
As of January 1998, Heska owned or co-owned 13 issued United States patents
and 80 pending United States patent applications, including 11 with allowed
claims. Heska's issued United States patents primarily relate to the Company's
proprietary flea bite allergy, flea control, heartworm, trichinosis diagnostic
and vaccine delivery technologies. The Company's pending United States patent
applications primarily relate to proprietary allergy, flea bite allergy, flea
control, heartworm, bartonellosis, toxoplasmosis, plague, asthma, nutrition,
trichinosis diagnostic and vaccine production and delivery technologies.
Applications corresponding to pending United States applications have been or
will be filed in other countries. As of January 1998, Heska had three issued
foreign patents and 80 pending foreign filings, including 13 pending Patent
Cooperation Treaty ("PCT") filings.
 
  The Company also has obtained exclusive and non-exclusive licenses for
numerous other patents held by academic institutions and biotechnology and
pharmaceutical companies. The proprietary technology of Diamond and Center is
primarily protected through trade secret protection of, for example, their
manufacturing processes. In general, the intellectual property of Diamond's
customers belongs to such customers.
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
  As patent applications in the United States are maintained in secrecy until
patents issue and as publication of discoveries in the scientific or patent
literature often lags behind the actual discoveries, the Company cannot be
certain that it was the first to make the inventions covered by each of its
pending patent applications or that it was the first to file patent
applications for such inventions. Furthermore, the patent positions of
biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies are highly uncertain and involve
complex legal and factual questions, and, therefore, the breadth of claims
allowed in biotechnology and pharmaceutical patents or their enforceability
cannot be predicted. There can be no assurance that patents will issue from
any of the Company's patent applications or, should patents issue, that the
Company will be provided with adequate protection against potentially
competitive products. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that should
patents issue, they will be of commercial value to the Company, or that the
USPTO or private parties, including competitors, will not successfully
challenge the Company's patents or circumvent the Company's patent position.
In the absence of adequate patent protection, the Company's business may be
adversely affected by competitors who develop comparable technology or
products.
 
  Pursuant to the terms of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act, patents issuing
from applications filed on or after June 8, 1995 have a term of 20 years from
the date of such filing, irrespective of the period of time it may take for
such patent to ultimately issue. This method of patent term calculation can
result in a shorter period of patent protection afforded to the Company's
products compared to the prior method of term calculation (17 years from the
date of issue) as patent applications in the biopharmaceutical sector often
take considerable time to issue. Under the Drug Price Competition and Patent
Term Restoration Act of 1984 and the Generic Animal Drug and Patent Term
Restoration Act, a patent which claims a product, use or method of manufacture
covering drugs and certain other products may be extended for up to five years
to compensate the patent holder for a portion of the time required for FDA
review of the product. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able
to take advantage of the patent term extension provisions of this law.
 
  The Company also relies on trade secrets and continuing technological
innovation which it seeks to protect with reasonable business procedures for
maintaining trade secrets, including confidentiality agreements with its
collaborators, employees and consultants. There can be no assurance that these
agreements will not be breached, that the Company will have adequate remedies
for any breach or that the Company's trade secrets and proprietary know-how
will not otherwise become known or be independently discovered by competitors.
Under certain of the Company's research and development agreements, inventions
discovered in certain cases become jointly owned by the Company and the
corporate sponsor or partner and in other cases become the property of the
Company or the corporate sponsor or partner. Disputes may arise with respect
to ownership of any such inventions.
 
  The commercial success of the Company also depends in part on the Company
and its collaborators neither infringing patents or proprietary rights of
third parties nor breaching any licenses that may relate to the Company's
technologies and products. The Company is aware of several third party patents
and patent applications that may relate to the practice of the Company's
technologies. There can be no assurance that the Company or its collaborators
do not or will not infringe any valid patents or proprietary rights of third
parties. Furthermore, to the extent that Heska or its consultants or research
collaborators use intellectual property owned by others in work performed for
the Company, disputes may arise as to the rights in such intellectual property
or in related or resulting know-how and inventions. Any legal action against
the Company or its collaborative partners claiming damages and seeking to
enjoin commercial activities relating to the Company's products and processes
affected by third party rights, in addition to subjecting the Company to
potential liability for damages, may require the Company or its collaborative
partner to obtain a license in order to continue to manufacture or market the
affected products and processes or to stop the manufacture and marketing of
the affected products and processes. There can be no assurance that the
Company or its collaborative partners would prevail in any such action or that
any license (including licenses proposed by third parties) required under any
such patent would be made available on commercially acceptable terms, if at
all. There are a significant number of United States and foreign patents and
patent applications in the practice of the Company's areas of interest and the
Company believes that there may be significant litigation in the industry
regarding patent and other intellectual
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
property rights. If the Company becomes involved in such litigation, it could
consume a substantial portion of the Company's managerial and financial
resources, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations. See "Risk Factors--
Uncertainty of Patent and Proprietary Technology Protection; License of
Technology of Third Parties."
 
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
 
  Most of the products being developed by Heska will require licensing by a
governmental agency before marketing. In the United States, governmental
oversight of animal health products is primarily split between two agencies:
the United States Department of Agriculture ("USDA") and the Food and Drug
Administration ("FDA"). Vaccines and point-of-care diagnostics for animals are
considered veterinary biologics and are regulated by the Center for Veterinary
Biologics ("CVB") of the USDA under the auspices of the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act.
Alternatively, animal drugs, which generally include all synthetic compounds,
are approved and monitored by the Center for Veterinary Medicine ("CVM") of
the FDA under the auspices of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. A third
agency, the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"), has jurisdiction over
certain products applied topically to animals or to premises to control
external parasites.
 
  Most of the regulated products presently under development by Heska will be
regulated by the USDA. The purpose of the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act is to ensure
that veterinary biologics sold in the United States are safe and efficacious.
Pre-market testing is performed by the manufacturer and the CVB prior to
approval of the product for sale as well as on each new lot. Although the
procedures for licensing products by the USDA are formalized, the acceptable
standards of performance for any product are agreed upon between the
manufacturer and the CVB. For novel products that are unlike others already
licensed, the agreement on expected performance standards is typically reached
through a dialogue between the CVB and the manufacturer. The formal
demonstration of acceptable efficacy of the product is done in carefully
controlled laboratory trials. This is normally a much more efficient and
reliable process than demonstration of efficacy in clinical trials using
client-owned animals.
 
  The drug development process for human therapeutics is much more involved
than that for animal drugs. The company sponsor of a human drug must obtain
FDA marketing approval in a multi-phase process which generally is lengthy,
expensive and subject to unanticipated delays. First, extensive preclinical
studies in animal models to assess safety and efficacy as well as laboratory
toxicology and pharmacokinetic studies of the drug must be conducted. The
company must then submit to the FDA an application for an Investigational New
Drug which must become effective before human clinical trials can commence.
Human clinical trials are then conducted in three sequential phases. Phase I,
which is safety testing, generally involves a small group of patients or
healthy volunteers and typically takes approximately one year to complete.
Phase II, in which the drug is tested for efficacy, optimal dosage and safety
risks, is conducted in a larger, but still limited, patient population and
typically takes 18 to 36 months to complete. If the drug proves efficacious in
Phase II trials, expanded Phase III trials are conducted to evaluate the
overall risks and benefits of the drug in relation to available therapies for
the disease. This phase typically takes two and one-half to five years to
complete. Only after these clinical trials are complete may the company submit
a New Drug Application ("NDA") to the FDA for marketing approval of the drug,
and the NDA review process takes more than one year on average to complete.
The entire process from research to market introduction on average exceeds 15
years and may cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
 
  By contrast, recent industry data indicate that it takes about 11 years and
$5.5 million to develop a new drug for animals, from commencement of research
to market introduction. Of this time, approximately three years is spent in
the clinical trial and review process. This approximate time requirement for
animal drugs is significantly shorter than the analogous time requirement for
human drugs in part because neither preclinical studies in model systems nor a
sequential phase system of clinical trials is required. Rather, for animal
drugs clinical trials for safety and efficacy may be conducted immediately in
the species for which the drug is intended. Thus, there is no required phased
evaluation of drug performance, and CVM will review data at the most
appropriate and productive times in the drug development process. In addition,
the time and cost for developing companion animal drugs may be significantly
less than for drugs for food producing animals, as food safety
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
issues relating to tissue residue levels are not present. Also, for animal
drugs, unlike human drugs, advantages over existing therapies do not have to
be demonstrated. In addition, with the enactment of the Animal Drug
Availability Act ("ADA") in October 1996, substantial reductions in the time
and cost to license some new animal drugs by the FDA are anticipated. The ADA
was designed to streamline the animal drug approval process in order to
provide more registered drugs for animal use. The ADA creates a binding pre-
submission conference at which the CVM and the sponsoring company agree on the
types of data the FDA will require. The ADA also removes the requirement that
field investigations be done in every instance and allows the CVM to accept
different types of proof of a drug's safety and efficacy. For example, as
permitted by the ADA, the FDA agreed that data collected by Atrix in human
preclinical trials using dogs with naturally occurring periodontal disease
constituted adequate evidence of product efficacy for purposes of regulatory
clearance for the Heska Periodontal Disease Therapeutic. This reduced the
approval process time for this product by eliminating the need to conduct
clinical trials in client-owned dogs. This product has been licensed for use
in dogs before the equivalent product has been licensed by the FDA for use in
humans, although the human clinical trials were initiated significantly before
Heska's efforts.
 
  Recent industry data indicates that it takes approximately four years and
$1.0 million to license a conventional vaccine for animals from basic research
through licensing. In contrast to vaccines, point-of-care diagnostics can
typically be licensed by the USDA in about a year with considerably less cost.
However, vaccines or diagnostics that use innovative materials such as those
resulting from recombinant DNA technology usually require additional time to
license. The USDA licensing process involves the submission of several data
packages. These packages include information on how the product will be
prepared, information on the performance and safety of the product in
laboratory studies and information on performance of the product in field
conditions. However, the submission and review of these data packages is not
staged so that one must be completed before beginning the next.
 
  A number of animal health products are not regulated. For example, assays
for use in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory do not have to be licensed by
either the USDA or the FDA. Additionally, grooming and supportive care
products such as those being developed for the dermatology and dental health
care product lines are exempt from significant regulation as long as they do
not bear a therapeutic claim that represents the product as a drug.
 
  Recently, regulations governing the export of drugs and biologics have also
been relaxed by the passage of the Export Reform Enhancement Act of 1996.
Under this act, drugs and biologics produced in the United States do not have
to be licensed for sale in the United States before export if they are
approved for sale in the importing country. Accordingly, Heska is moving
quickly to introduce point-of-care diagnostic products in certain countries,
such as Italy and Australia, where the products would address significant
market opportunities or needs.
 
  The European Union ("EU") is centralizing the regulatory process for
companion animal drugs and biologics for member states. In addition, both the
USDA and the FDA are working with the EU and Japan via the Veterinary
International Cooperation on Harmonization initiative to harmonize the
regulatory requirements for companion animal health products. Thus, in the
future, it is hoped that a single set of requirements will be in place to
streamline the licensing of veterinary products in the major companion animal
markets. Notwithstanding the EU's efforts to streamline the regulatory process
for companion animal health products, certain countries in Europe, including
Italy, where the Company is currently marketing its Leishmania diagnostic
product, have chosen not to stringently regulate veterinary diagnostic
products at this time.
 
COMPETITION
 
  The market in which the Company competes is intensely competitive. Heska's
competitors include companion animal health companies and major pharmaceutical
companies that have animal health divisions. Companies with a significant
presence in the animal health market, such as American Home Products, Bayer,
Merial Ltd., Novartis, Pfizer Inc and IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., have developed
or are developing products that
do or would compete with the Company's products. Novartis and Bayer are
marketing partners of the Company and their agreements with the Company do not
restrict their ability to develop and market competing products. These
competitors have substantially greater financial, technical, research and
other resources and larger, more established marketing, sales, distribution
and service organizations than the Company. Moreover, such
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
competitors may offer broader product lines and have greater name recognition
than the Company. Additionally, the market for companion animal health care
products is highly fragmented, with discount stores and specialty pet stores
accounting for a substantial percentage of such sales. As Heska intends to
distribute its products only through veterinarians, a substantial segment of
the potential market may not be reached and the Company may not be able to
offer its products at prices which are competitive with those of companies
that distribute their products through retail channels. There can be no
assurance that the Company's competitors will not develop or market
technologies or products that are more effective or commercially attractive
than the Company's current or future products or that would render the
Company's technologies and products obsolete. Moreover, there can be no
assurance that the Company will have the financial resources, technical
expertise or marketing, distribution or support capabilities to compete
successfully.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
  As of December 31, 1997, Heska and its subsidiaries employed 474 full-time
persons, of whom 110 are in manufacturing and quality control, 154 are in
research, development and regulatory, 126 are in finance and administration,
51 are in sales and marketing and 35 are in the diagnostic laboratories.
Heska's employees hold 33 D.V.M.s and 51 Ph.D.s. There can be no assurance
that the Company will continue to be able to attract and retain qualified
technical and management personnel. See "Risk Factors--Dependence on Key
Personnel." None of the Company's employees is covered by a collective
bargaining agreement, and the Company believes its employee relations are
good.
 
FACILITIES
 
  Heska leases an aggregate of approximately 75,000 square feet of
administrative and laboratory space in six buildings located mostly in one
business park in Fort Collins, Colorado under leases expiring from 1999
through 2004, with options to extend through 2010 for the larger facilities.
Heska believes that its present Fort Collins facilities are adequate for its
current and planned activities and that suitable additional or replacement
facilities in the Fort Collins area are readily available on commercially
reasonable terms. Diamond's principal manufacturing facility in Des Moines,
Iowa, consisting of 166,000 square feet of buildings on 34 acres of land, is
leased from Bayer under a lease expiring in 1998, with options to extend
through 2009. Diamond also owns a 160-acre farm used principally for research
purposes located in Carlisle, Iowa. Management believes that any new
construction required for Diamond's activities can be accommodated at its
present site. Center owns its approximately 27,000 square foot facility in
Port Washington, New York. The Company's European subsidiaries lease their
facilities.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
  The Company is not a party to any material legal proceedings.
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
                                  MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES
 
  The directors, executive officers and key employees of the Company are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          NAME            AGE                          POSITION
          ----            ---                          --------
<S>                       <C> <C>
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE
 OFFICERS
Fred M. Schwarzer.......   45 President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Robert B. Grieve,          46 Chief Scientific Officer and Vice Chairman
 Ph.D...................
Giuseppe Miozzari,         50 Managing Director, Heska Europe
 Ph.D...................
R. Lee Seward, D.V.M....   52 Executive Vice President
John A. Shadduck,          58 Executive Vice President, Operations
 D.V.M., Ph.D...........
William G. Skolout......   47 Chief Financial Officer
Louis G. Van Daele......   54 President, Diamond Animal Health, Inc.
A. Barr Dolan(1)(2).....   48 Chairman of the Board
Lyle A. Hohnke,            54 Director
 Ph.D.(1)...............
Denis H. Pomroy(2)......   47 Director
Lynnor B. Stevenson,       54 Director
 Ph.D.(1)...............
Guy Tebbit, Ph.D.(2)....   48 Director
KEY EMPLOYEES
David L. Hines, Ph.D....   51 Vice President, Product Development and Regulatory Affairs
Elizabeth Hodgkins,        48 Vice President, Marketing
 D.V.M..................
Paul Hudnut, J.D........   39 Vice President, Business Development
Deborah E. Robbins,        40 Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
 J.D....................
Keith E. Rushlow,          44 Vice President, Science and Technology
 Ph.D...................
Dan T. Stinchcomb,         44 Vice President, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
 Ph.D...................
Carol Talkington Verser,   45 Vice President, Intellectual Property
 Ph.D...................
Donald L. Wassom,          49 Vice President, Allergy and Immunology
 Ph.D...................
Glade Weiser, D.V.M.....   49 Vice President, Diagnostics
Kenneth Williams........   51 Vice President, Sales
Terry A. Willkom........   54 Vice President, Manufacturing
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Member of Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
(2) Member of Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
 
  Fred M. Schwarzer is President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of
the Company. Mr. Schwarzer served as the Executive Vice President responsible
for the Company's strategic planning and corporate partnerships from June 1994
until he was elected to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company effective November 1994. He has been a member of the Company's Board
of Directors since June 1994. From June through October 1994, Mr. Schwarzer
was an employee of Charter Venture Capital and continues to hold a small
limited partnership interest in Charter Ventures II, L.P. Mr. Schwarzer was
the founder and a partner in the Mountain View, California law firm of General
Counsel Associates from 1988 to June 1994 and, prior to founding General
Counsel Associates, was a partner in the San Francisco law firm of Pillsbury
Madison & Sutro LLP. He holds a J.D. degree from the University of California,
Berkeley and a B.A. degree from the University of Michigan.
 
  Robert B. Grieve, Ph.D. is Chief Scientific Officer and Vice Chairman of the
Company and is a founder of the Company. Dr. Grieve was named to his current
position in December 1994. He has been a member of the Company's Board of
Directors since 1990. Dr. Grieve was a Professor of Parasitology at Colorado
State University from 1987 until joining the Company in January 1994 as Vice
President, Research and Development. In addition to his duties with the
Company, Dr. Grieve is the Immediate Past President of the American Society of
Parasitologists. In the past, he has served in a formal editorial capacity for
the Journal of Immunology, the
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
Journal of Parasitology and the American Journal of Veterinary Research. His
professional awards and honors include the 1991 Ralston Purina Small Animal
Research Award and the 1990 Henry Baldwin Ward medal for outstanding research
in Parasitology, awarded by the American Society of Parasitologists. He holds
a Ph.D. degree from the University of Florida and M.S. and B.S. degrees from
the University of Wyoming.
 
  Giuseppe Miozzari, Ph.D. joined the Company as Managing Director, Heska
Europe in March 1997. From 1980 to March 1997, Dr. Miozzari served in senior
research positions with Novartis, most recently as the Head of Research of the
Animal Health Sector and prior to that, from 1980 to 1983, as Head of the
Molecular Biology Research Unit in the Pharmaceuticals Division. Dr. Miozzari
also served as Novartis' designate on the Board of Directors of the Company
from April 1996 to March 1997. Dr. Miozzari holds Ph.D. and Dipl. Sc. Nat.
degrees from the Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich, Switzerland.
 
  R. Lee Seward, D.V.M. is Executive Vice President of the Company. He joined
the Company in October 1994. Before joining the Company, Dr. Seward held
successive positions with Merck & Co., Inc. from May 1981 until September
1994. His most recent position with Merck was Executive Director, Animal
Science Research, a position in which he headed worldwide animal health
product development. Dr. Seward was in private veterinary practice from March
1980 until he joined Merck & Co., Inc. He holds D.V.M. and B.S. degrees from
Colorado State University.
 
  John A. Shadduck, D.V.M., Ph.D. is Executive Vice President, Operations of
the Company. He was named to this position in January 1997. Dr. Shadduck also
served as a director of the Company from January 1990 to January 1997. Before
joining the Company, he held the position of Dean, College of Veterinary
Medicine, Texas A&M University from July 1988 until January 1997. He holds
D.V.M. and M.Sc. and Ph.D degrees from The Ohio State University.
 
  William G. Skolout was appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Company in
March 1997. Before joining Heska, Mr. Skolout was Chief Financial Officer of
Cardinal Technologies, Inc. from March 1996 to February 1997 and was Chief
Financial Officer and Vice President of Cray Computer Corporation from
September 1992 to December 1995. He holds an M.B.A., Finance degree from the
University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a B.S., Business Finance degree from
University of Colorado, Boulder.
 
  Louis G. Van Daele has served as President of Diamond since February 1994.
From February 1989 until January 1994, he served as Director of Quality
Control and Quality Assurance at Diamond. He holds an M.B.A. degree from Wayne
State University and a B.S. degree from Michigan State University.
 
  A. Barr Dolan has been a director of the Company since March 1988. Mr. Dolan
has been the President of Charter Venture Capital, a venture capital
management firm, since 1982, a general partner of Charter Ventures since 1982
and a general partner of Charter Ventures II, L.P. since 1994. Mr. Dolan is
also a director of several private companies. He holds M.S. and B.A. degrees
from Cornell University, an M.A. degree from Harvard University and an M.B.A.
from Stanford University.
 
  Lyle A. Hohnke, Ph.D. has been a director of the Company since April 1996.
Dr. Hohnke is a general partner of Javelin Capital Fund, L.P., a venture
capital firm, a position he has held since 1994. Dr. Hohnke was a co-founder
of Diamond and served as Chairman and CEO from 1994 until its acquisition by
the Company in April 1996. From January 1991 to October 1993 he was a general
partner of Heart Land Seed Capital Fund. Dr. Hohnke is also a director of
Vaxcel, Inc. and several private companies. He holds Ph.D. and M.A. degrees
from the University of Oregon, an M.B.A. from the Hartford Graduate Institute
and a B.A. degree from Western Michigan University.
 
  Denis H. Pomroy has been a director of the Company since March 1995. He is
the president of Volendam Capital Advisors, Palo Alto, California, a venture
capital management company, which advises on and manages investments for
member companies of the Volendam investment group, including Volendam
Investeringen N.V. Prior to joining Volendam Capital Advisors, Mr. Pomroy
served as chief financial officer from 1989 through
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
1996 of Madge Networks N.V., a computer networking company and is currently a
Supervisory Director of such company. Mr. Pomroy serves as a director of
several other private companies, mainly in the emerging growth technology
area. He holds a bachelors degree from The University of Birmingham, England
and is a fellow of The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, England.
 
  Lynnor B. Stevenson, Ph.D. was a founder of Heska and has been a director of
the Company since March 1988 and served as President of the Company from March
1988 to March 1992. Dr. Stevenson is currently the President and Chief
Executive Officer of Cascade Oncogenics, Inc. From July 1992 to April 1997,
she was Director, Technology Transfer at the University of Oregon. She holds a
Ph.D. degree in biochemistry from Monash University, Australia and B.Sc. and
M.Ed. degrees from the University of Melbourne, Australia.
 
  Guy Tebbit, Ph.D. has been a director of the Company since March 1997 when
he became Novartis' designate on the Board of Directors of the Company. Since
January 1997, Dr. Tebbit has served as Vice President, Research and
Development, Regulatory Affairs and Professional Services at Novartis. From
January 1995 to January 1997, he held the position of Director, Manufacturing
and Regulatory Affairs at Novartis and from January 1992 to January 1995 he
served as Senior Product Development Manager at Novartis. Dr. Tebbit holds a
Ph.D. from Oregon State University and a B.S. degree from Northern Illinois
University.
 
  David L. Hines, Ph.D. has served as Vice President, Product Development and
Regulatory Affairs since February 1997. Prior to joining the Company, Dr.
Hines was the manager of Virus Vaccine Research and Development for Solvay
Animal Health, Inc., where he was employed from February 1989 to December
1995. He holds Ph.D. and B.Sc. degrees from The Ohio State University.
 
  Elizabeth Hodgkins, D.V.M. has served as Vice President, Marketing of the
Company since October 1996. From June 1985 until August 1993, Dr. Hodgkins
held a variety of positions in customer relations and marketing with Hill's
Pet Nutrition Inc. Prior to 1985, Dr. Hodgkins was an Instructor in Residence
in Veterinary Microbiology at the University of California at Davis and an
Oncological Specialist and Associate Clinician at Silverado Veterinary
Hospital in Napa, CA. She holds D.V.M. and B.S. degrees from the University of
California, Davis and a J.D. degree from the University of Kansas.
 
  Paul Hudnut, J.D. has served as Vice President of Business Development of
the Company since June 1996. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Hudnut was a
General Manager at US WEST Media Group. He held positions in management and
business development at subsidiaries of US WEST Inc. from February 1988 until
joining the Company. Prior to joining US WEST Inc., Mr. Hudnut was associated
with the Denver, Colorado law firm of Davis, Graham & Stubbs. He holds a J.D.
degree from the University of Virginia and a B.A. degree from The Colorado
College.
 
  Deborah E. Robbins, J.D. is Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of
the Company. She has served in that position since April 1996. From February
1990 until joining the Company, Ms. Robbins was a partner with the Mountain
View, California law firm of General Counsel Associates, and prior to that
time was an associate and partner in the Palo Alto, California law firm of
Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati. She holds a J.D. degree from the
University of Chicago and a B.A. degree from Wellesley College.
 
  Keith E. Rushlow, Ph.D. has served as Vice President of Science and
Technology of the Company since December 1995. From April 1993 until December
1993, he was Senior Director, Molecular Biology. From December 1993 to
December 1994, he was Director of Research. From December 1994 to December
1995, he was Vice President, Research. From September 1990 until joining the
Company, Dr. Rushlow was a Research Associate Professor at the University of
Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Associate Faculty at the Pittsburgh Cancer
Institute. Dr. Rushlow has also held various scientific and research
management positions with the National Cancer Institute, Battelle Memorial
Institute and Syngene/TechAmerica. He holds a Ph.D. degree from the University
of Colorado and a B.S. degree from the University of Michigan.
 
  Dan T. Stinchcomb, Ph.D. has served as Vice President of Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology for the Company since May 1996. Prior to joining the
Company, from July 1993 until May 1996 Dr. Stinchcomb was
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
employed at Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals, Inc., most recently as Director of
Biology Research. From 1988 until April 1993, Dr. Stinchcomb held various
positions with Synergen, Inc. Prior to joining Synergen, Dr. Stinchcomb was an
Associate Professor in Cellular and Developmental Biology at Harvard
University. He holds a Ph.D. degree from Stanford University and a B.A. degree
from Harvard University.
 
  Carol Talkington Verser, Ph.D. has served as Vice President of Intellectual
Property of the Company since June 1996. From July 1995 until June 1996, Dr.
Verser was the Director of Intellectual Property for the Company. She was a
patent agent for the law firm of Sheridan, Ross & McIntosh in Denver, Colorado
from 1991 until 1995 and from 1990 through 1992 was a writer and contributing
editor for Bioworld Today. From 1986 until 1989, she was a director at
BioGrowth Inc. She holds a Ph.D. degree from Harvard University and a B.S.
degree from the University of Southern California.
 
  Donald L. Wassom, Ph.D. has served as Vice President of Allergy and
Immunology of the Company since January 1996. From May 1992 until January
1996, Dr. Wassom was Professor of Parasitology at Colorado State University.
Dr. Wassom has also held faculty positions at the University of Wisconsin and
Cornell University. He holds Ph.D. and B.S. degrees from the University of
Utah.
 
  Glade Weiser, D.V.M. has served as Vice President of Diagnostics of the
Company since April 1996. From October 1989 until January 1996, Dr. Weiser was
Professor and Chairperson for the Department of Pathology in the College of
Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University. He
was a member of the faculty at the College of Veterinary Medicine of The Ohio
State University from July 1975 until December 1982. Dr. Weiser is a Diplomate
of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists. He holds D.V.M. and B.S.
degrees from the University of California, Davis.
 
  Kenneth Williams has served as Vice President of Sales of the Company since
February 1997. From 1989 until joining the Company, he was Director of Field
Sales for CIBA-GEIGY Animal Health. He holds a B.S. degree from Virginia
Polytechnic Institute. From 1972 until 1989, he was employed by The Upjohn
Company in various animal health sales and sales management positions.
 
  Terry A. Willkom has served as Vice President, Manufacturing since January
1998. Before joining the Company, he was Vice President, Operations of SRC
Computers, Inc. from July 1996 until December 1997. From October 1990 until
December 1995, he was employed by Cray Computer Corporation, initially as the
Director of Manufacturing and in April 1992 became its President and Chief
Operating Officer. He holds a B.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin,
Eau Claire.
 
  Mr. Schwarzer and Ms. Robbins are husband and wife. There are no other
family relationships among any of the directors or executive officers of the
Company.
 
BOARD COMPOSITION AND COMMITTEES
 
  The Company's Board of Directors are divided into three classes, with one
class of directors elected each year at the annual meeting of stockholders for
a three year term of office. All directors of one class hold their positions
until the annual meeting of stockholders at which their respective successors
are elected and qualified. Mr. Schwarzer and Dr. Tebbit serve in the class
whose term expires in 1998; Dr. Grieve and Mr. Dolan serve in the class whose
term expires in 1999; and Mr. Pomroy, Dr. Stevenson and Dr. Hohnke serve in
the class whose term expires in 2000. Officers are elected at the first board
of directors meeting following the stockholders' meeting at which the
directors are elected and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
 
  Mr. Dolan was appointed to the Company's Board of Directors in connection
with initial and subsequent equity investments in the Company by Charter
Ventures and Charter Ventures II, L.P. (collectively, "Charter"). Dr. Tebbit
was appointed to the Board of Directors in connection with an equity
investment in the Company by Novartis. Mr. Pomroy was appointed to the Board
of Directors of the Company in connection with an investment in the Company by
Volendam Investeringen N.V. ("Volendam"). Volendam, Charter and Novartis are
parties to a voting agreement with the Company pursuant to which each entity
is entitled to elect one director to the
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
Company's Board of Directors for as long as each entity owns a specified
amount of the Company's voting stock. See "Description of Capital Stock--
Voting Agreement." Dr. Hohnke was appointed to the Board of Directors of the
Company in connection with the Company's April 1996 acquisition of Diamond.
 
  The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee and a Compensation
Committee. The Audit Committee, which consists of Messrs. Dolan and Pomroy and
Dr. Tebbit, reviews the results and scope of the annual audit and the services
provided by the Company's independent accountants. The Compensation Committee,
which consists of Mr. Dolan, Dr. Hohnke and Dr. Stevenson, makes
recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to general and specific
compensation policies and practices of the Company and administers its 1997
Stock Incentive Plan and 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Mr. Schwarzer also
attends meetings of the Compensation Committee, other than discussions
relating to his own compensation, but does not vote on any matters.
 
COMPENSATION OF OUTSIDE DIRECTORS
 
  Directors do not receive any fees for service on the Board of Directors, but
are reimbursed for their expenses for each meeting attended. Directors are
eligible to participate in the Company's 1997 Stock Incentive Plan and are
entitled to certain automatic grants of options under such plan as described
below. See "--Stock Option Plan." Dr. Tebbit has declined such options in
accordance with Novartis policies. Mr. Dolan assigns his options in equal
portions to Charter Ventures and Charter Ventures II, L.P. as required by
their partnership agreements.
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
  The following table summarizes all compensation paid to the Company's Chief
Executive Officer and to each of the Company's other most highly compensated
executive officers whose total annual salary and bonus exceeded $100,000, for
services rendered in all capacities to the Company during the fiscal years
ended December 31, 1997 and 1996.
 
                          SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             ANNUAL COMPENSATION
                                    ---------------------------------------              ---
                                                                             LONG-TERM
                                                                            COMPENSATION
                                                                               AWARDS
                                                                            ------------
                                                                             SECURITIES
                             FISCAL                          OTHER ANNUAL    UNDERLYING
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION   YEAR  SALARY($)(1)   BONUS($) COMPENSATION($)  OPTIONS(#)
- ---------------------------  ------ ------------   -------- --------------- ------------
<S>                          <C>    <C>            <C>      <C>             <C>          <C>
Fred M. Schwarzer........     1997   $ 200,000        --          --              --
 President and Chief Ex-
  ecutive Officer             1996     200,000        --          --          150,000
Robert B. Grieve.........     1997     190,000        --          --              --
 Chief Scientific Officer
  and Vice Chairman           1996     190,000        --          --          150,000
R. Lee Seward............     1997     180,000        --          --           20,000
 Executive Vice President     1996     180,000        --          --              --
John A. Shadduck.........     1997     160,000(2)     --          --          100,000
 Executive Vice Presi-
  dent, Operations            1996         --         --          --              --
Giuseppe Miozzari........     1997     144,000(3)     --          --          100,000
 Managing Director, Heska
  Europe                      1996         --         --          --              --
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Salary includes amounts, if any, deferred pursuant to 401(k) arrangements.
(2) Dr. Shadduck's employment with the Company commenced in February 1997 and
    his current annual salary is $180,000.
(3) Dr. Miozzari's employment with the Company commenced in March 1997 and his
    current annual salary is CHF 300,000.
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
  The following tables set forth certain information as of December 31, 1997
and for the fiscal year then ended with respect to stock options granted to
and exercised by the individuals named in the Summary Compensation Table.
 
                       OPTION GRANTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE
                           NUMBER OF   PERCENTAGE OF                           AT ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES
                          SECURITIES   TOTAL OPTIONS                         OF STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION
                          UNDERLYING    GRANTED TO   EXERCISE OR                 FOR OPTION TERM(4)
                            OPTIONS    EMPLOYEES IN   BASE PRICE  EXPIRATION ----------------------------
NAME                     GRANTED(#)(1)  FISCAL YEAR  ($/SHARE)(2)  DATE(3)       5%($)        10%($)
- ----                     ------------- ------------- ------------ ---------- ------------- --------------
<S>                      <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>        <C>           <C>
Fred M. Schwarzer.......      --            -- %        $ --          --     $         --  $         --
Robert B. Grieve........      --            --            --          --               --            --
R. Lee Seward...........     20,000         2.25         3.00      3/15/07         120,807       227,905
John H. Shadduck........    100,000        11.23         1.20      1/27/07         344,234       619,216
Giuseppe Miozzari.......    100,000        11.23         1.20       2/5/07         572,280       982,340
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The right to exercise these stock options vests ratably on a monthly basis
    over a four-year period. Under the terms of the Company's stock plans, the
    committee designated by the Board of Directors to administer such plans
    retains the discretion, subject to certain limitations, to modify, extend
    or renew outstanding options and to reprice outstanding options. Options
    may be repriced by canceling outstanding options and reissuing new options
    with an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the date of
    reissue, which may be lower than the original exercise price of such
    canceled options.
(2) The exercise price is equal to 100% of the fair market value on the date
    of grant as determined by the Board of Directors.
(3) The options have a term of ten years, subject to earlier termination in
    certain events related to termination of employment.
(4) The 5% and 10% assumed rates of appreciation are suggested by the rules of
    the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not represent the Company's
    estimate or projection of the future Common Stock price. There can be no
    assurance that any of the values reflected in the table will be achieved.
 
  AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION
                                    VALUES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                NUMBER OF SECURITIES
                                               UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED     VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                                     OPTIONS AT          IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
                           SHARES     VALUE     DECEMBER 31, 1997(#)     DECEMBER 31, 1997($)(2)
                         ACQUIRED ON REALIZED ------------------------- -------------------------
NAME                     EXERCISE(#)  ($)(1)  EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ----                     ----------- -------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S>                      <C>         <C>      <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>
Fred M. Schwarzer.......     --         --      141,583      131,417    $1,657,931   $1,501,259
Robert B. Grieve........     --         --      239,375      120,625     2,850,869    1,371,431
R. Lee Seward...........     --         --       23,750       46,250       275,775      513,325
John A. Shadduck........     --         --       42,857       77,135       499,089      862,413
Giuseppe Miozzari.......     --         --       20,833       79,167       232,913      885,087
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) These values were calculated on the basis of the fair market value of the
    underlying securities at the exercise date minus the applicable per share
    exercise price.
(2) These values were calculated on the basis of the fair market value of the
    Common Stock at December 31, 1997 ($12.38), minus the applicable per share
    exercise price.
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
 
  The Company has entered into employment agreements with each of Fred M.
Schwarzer, its Chief Executive Officer, Robert B. Grieve Ph.D., its Chief
Scientific Officer and Vice Chairman, R. Lee Seward D.V.M., an Executive Vice
President and John Shadduck, D.V.M., an Executive Vice President. These
agreements provide for severance payments if the employment of the individual
is terminated without cause,
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
including terminations in connection with a change in control of the Company.
In the case of Mr. Schwarzer and Dr. Grieve, the payments would be one year's
salary plus an additional one year of vesting under any stock arrangements if
the termination takes place at any time on or before December 31, 1999, or six
months' salary and an additional six months' vesting under any stock
arrangements if the termination takes place after that date. In the case of
Dr. Seward, the severance payment would be six months' salary if he is
terminated without cause. In the case of Dr. Shadduck, the severance payment
would be one year's salary if the termination takes place at any time prior to
January 27, 2000 and six months' salary if the termination takes place after
that date. Additionally, Louis G. Van Daele, President of Diamond, has an
employment agreement with Diamond, pursuant to which Mr. Van Daele is entitled
to severance payments equal to one year's salary payable in 12 monthly
installments if he is terminated without cause prior to April 2000. Also,
Giuseppe Miozzari, Ph.D., Managing Director of Heska Europe, has an employment
agreement with Heska Europe, pursuant to which Dr. Miozzari is entitled to
severance payments (including amounts mandated by Swiss law) equal to 12
months' salary payable in equal monthly installments if he is terminated
without cause prior to July 1, 2000, or six months' salary if he is terminated
without cause after that date.
 
STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
  In March 1997, the Company's Board of Directors adopted the Company's 1997
Stock Incentive Plan (the "Stock Plan") under which there were 4,437,955
shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance as of January 1, 1998. If any
options granted under the Stock Plan are forfeited or terminate for any other
reason without having been exercised in full, then the unpurchased shares
subject to those options will become available for additional grants under the
Stock Plan. If shares granted or purchased under the Stock Plan are forfeited,
then those shares will also become available for additional grants under the
Stock Plan. The number of shares reserved for issuance under the Stock Plan
will be increased automatically on January 1 of each year by a number equal to
the lesser of (a) 1,500,000 shares or (b) 5% of the shares of Common Stock
outstanding on the immediately preceding December 31.
 
  Under the Stock Plan, all employees who work 20 hours per week (including
officers) and directors of the Company or any subsidiary and any independent
contractor or advisor who performs services for the Company or a subsidiary
are eligible to purchase shares of Common Stock and to receive awards of
shares or grants of nonstatutory options. Employees are also eligible to
receive grants of incentive stock options ("ISOs") intended to qualify under
Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The
Stock Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors, which selects the persons to whom shares will be sold or awarded or
options will be granted, determines the number of shares to be made subject to
each sale, award or grant, and prescribes the other terms and conditions of
each sale, award or grant, including the type of consideration to be paid to
the Company upon sale or exercise and the vesting schedule.
 
  The exercise price under any nonstatutory options generally must be at least
85% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. The
exercise price under ISOs cannot be lower than 100% of the fair market value
of the Common Stock on the date of grant and, in the case of ISOs granted to
holders of more than 10% of the voting power of the Company, not less than
110% of such fair market value. The term of an ISO cannot exceed ten years,
and the term of an ISO granted to a holder of more than 10% of the voting
power of the Company cannot exceed five years.
 
  Each new non-employee director who is elected to the Company's Board of
Directors will automatically be granted as of the date of election an option
to purchase 10,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price equal to the
fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. The shares subject
to these options will vest in four equal installments at annual intervals over
the four-year period commencing on the date of grant. In addition, each non-
employee director who will continue to serve following any annual meeting of
stockholders will automatically be granted an option as of the date of such
meeting to purchase 2,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price equal to
the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. The shares
subject to these options will vest on the first anniversary of grant. No
director will receive the 10,000-share grant and a 2,000-share grant in the
same year.
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
 
  In April 1997, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the 1997
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP") to provide employees of the Company
with an opportunity to purchase Common Stock through payroll deductions. Under
the ESPP, 250,000 shares of Common Stock have been reserved for issuance. All
employees of the Company (including all U.S. subsidiaries and certain foreign
subsidiaries) who work more than 20 hours per week are eligible to participate
in the ESPP.
 
  Eligible employees may participate in the ESPP by authorizing payroll
deductions of a specified percentage of their total cash compensation. Amounts
withheld are applied at the end of every six-month accumulation period to
purchase shares of Common Stock (not to exceed 5,000 shares per participant in
any six-month period). The value of the Common Stock (determined as of the
beginning of the offering period) that may be purchased by any participant in
a calendar year is limited to $25,000. Participants may withdraw their
contributions at any time before stock is purchased.
 
  The purchase price is equal to 85% of the lower of (a) the market price of
Common Stock immediately before the beginning of the applicable offering
period or (b) the market price of Common Stock at the time of the purchase. In
general, each offering period is 24 months long, but a new offering period
begins every six months. Thus, up to four overlapping offering periods may be
in effect at the same time. An offering period continues to apply to a
participant for the full 24 months, unless the market price of Common Stock is
lower when a subsequent offering period begins. In that event, the subsequent
offering period automatically becomes the applicable period for purposes of
determining the purchase price.
 
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION MATTERS
 
  The Company has adopted provisions in its Restated Certificate of
Incorporation that limit the liability of its directors for monetary damages
for breach of their fiduciary duty as directors, except for liability that
cannot be eliminated under the Delaware General Corporation Law ("Delaware
Law"). Delaware Law provides that directors of a company will not be
personally liable for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duty as
directors, except for liability for any breach of their duty of loyalty to the
Company or its stockholders, for acts or omissions not in good faith or which
involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, for unlawful
payment of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions, as provided
Section 174 of the Delaware Law, or for any transaction from which the
director derived an improper personal benefit. Any amendment or repeal of
these provisions requires the approval of the holders of shares representing
at least 66 2/3% of the shares of the Company entitled to vote in the election
of directors, voting as one class.
 
  The Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws also provide
that the Company may indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest
extent permitted by Delaware Law. The Company has entered into separate
indemnification agreements with its directors and executive officers that
could require the Company, among other things, to indemnify them against
certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as
directors or executive officers and to advance their expenses incurred as a
result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified.
The Company believes that the limitation of liability provision in its
Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the indemnification agreements will
facilitate the Company's ability to continue to attract and retain qualified
individuals to serve as directors and officers of the Company.
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
                      PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
 
  The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial
ownership of the Company's Common Stock as of December 31, 1997 and as
adjusted to reflect the sale by the Company and the Selling Stockholder of the
shares offered hereby (assuming no exercise of the Underwriters' over-
allotment option), by: (i) each person who is known by the Company to own
beneficially more than 5% of the Company's Common Stock, (ii) each of the
Company's directors, (iii) each of the Company's officers named under
"Management--Summary Compensation Table," and (iv) all directors and executive
officers of the Company as a group.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       PERCENTAGE OF SHARES
                              NUMBER OF                BENEFICIALLY OWNED(1)
                                SHARES     NUMBER OF   -----------------------
                             BENEFICIALLY SHARES BEING  PRIOR TO      AFTER
                               OWNED(1)     OFFERED     OFFERING     OFFERING
                             ------------ ------------ ----------   ----------
<S>                          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Entities associated with
 Charter Ventures(2).......   4,216,924        --        22.4%        18.1%
 525 University Avenue
 Suite 1500
 Palo Alto, CA 94301
Novartis Produkte AG.......   3,705,389        --        19.7         15.9
 Klybeckstrasse A4A
 4002 Basel
 Switzerland
Volendam Investeringen,
 N.V. .....................   3,076,923     500,000      16.3         11.0
 14 John B. Gorsiraweg
 P.O. Box 3889
 Curaeao, Netherlands An-
  tilles
A. Barr Dolan(3)...........    4,216,924       --              22.4         18.1
Robert B. Grieve,
 Ph.D.(4)(9)...............      355,059       --               1.9          1.5
Lyle A. Hohnke, Ph.D.(9)...       94,255       --                 *            *
Denis H. Pomroy(5)(9)......    3,103,923                       16.5         11.1
Fred M. Schwarzer(6)(9)....      340,689       --               1.8          1.4
Lynnor B. Stevenson,
 Ph.D.(9)..................      227,000       --               1.2          1.0
Guy Tebbit, Ph.D.(7).......    3,705,389       --              19.7         15.9
R. Lee Seward,
 D.V.M.(8)(9)..............      178,040       --                 *            *
John A. Shadduck, D.V.M.,
 Ph.D......................       64,583       --                 *            *
Giuseppe Miozzari, Ph.D....       25,000       --                 *            *
All directors and executive
 officers as a group
 (12 persons)(9)(10).......   12,447,132       --              64.1         49.9
</TABLE>
- --------
*  Less than 1%.
(1) To the Company's knowledge, the persons named in the table have sole
    voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock
    shown as beneficially owned by them, subject to community property laws
    where applicable and the information contained in the footnotes to this
    table. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of
    the Securities and Exchange Commission and includes voting and investment
    power with respect to securities. Shares of Common Stock issuable upon
    exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days of December 31, 1997
    are deemed outstanding and to be beneficially owned by the person holding
    such option for purposes of computing such person's percentage ownership,
    but are not deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage
    ownership of any other person.
(2) Includes 3,385,510 shares and options to purchase 1,000 shares of Common
    Stock held by Charter Ventures and 829,414 shares and options to purchase
    1,000 shares of Common Stock held by Charter Ventures II, L.P.
(3) Represents shares and options held by Charter Ventures and Charter
    Ventures II, L.P., with respect to which Mr. Dolan disclaims beneficial
    ownership except to the extent of his proportionate share therein. Mr.
    Dolan,
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
   a director of the Company, is a general partner of each of Charter Ventures
   and Charter Ventures II, L.P., and may be deemed a beneficial owner of the
   shares held by such entities because of shared voting power with respect to
   such shares.
(4) Includes options to purchase 15,575 shares of Common Stock held by Dr.
    Grieve's wife, with respect to which Dr. Grieve disclaims beneficial
    ownership.
(5) Includes 3,076,923 shares held by Volendam Investeringen, N.V., with
    respect to which Mr. Pomroy disclaims beneficial ownership except to the
    extent of his proportionate interest therein, and 16,680 shares of Common
    Stock subject to repurchase by the Company.
(6) Includes 4,730 shares of Common Stock and options to purchase 6,792 shares
    of Common Stock held by Mr. Schwarzer's wife, with respect to which Mr.
    Schwarzer disclaims beneficial ownership, and 68,318 shares of Common
    Stock subject to repurchase by the Company.
(7) Represents shares held by Novartis, with respect to which Dr. Tebbit
    disclaims beneficial ownership.
(8) Includes 20,000 shares of Common Stock subject to repurchase by the
    Company.
(9) Includes an aggregate of 543,013 shares of Common Stock issuable upon
    exercise of stock options currently exercisable within 60 days of December
    31, 1997 as follows: Dr. Grieve, 248,959; Dr. Hohnke, 7,864; Mr. Pomroy,
    2,000; Mr. Schwarzer, 152,167; Dr. Stevenson, 2,000; Dr. Seward, 27,916;
    Mr. Van Daele, 7,115; Dr. Shadduck, 47,075; Dr. Miozzari, 25,000; and Mr.
    Skolout, 22,917.
(10) Includes shares held by entities referenced in footnotes 2, 5 and 7 which
     are affiliated with certain directors.
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
                             CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
  The Company has historically sold its Preferred Stock in private placements
to venture capital firms. Since January 1994, the Company has sold an
aggregate of 3,928,085 shares of Series E Preferred Stock in a series of
private financings for $3.25 per share and 3,000,000 shares of Series F
Preferred Stock for $12.00 per share (all shares of Preferred Stock converted
into Common Stock upon the closing of the Company's initial public offering).
The purchasers of the Preferred Stock include the following directors, holders
of more than 5% of the Company's securities, and entities associated with the
Company's directors:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             SHARES OF PREFERRED
                                                               STOCK PURCHASED
                                                             -------------------
                                                             SERIES E  SERIES F
                                                             --------- ---------
<S>                                                          <C>       <C>
Entities associated with Charter Ventures...................   851,162       --
Volendam Investeringen, N.V................................. 3,076,923       --
Denis H. Pomroy(1).......................................... 3,076,923       --
A. Barr Dolan(2)............................................   851,162       --
Novartis....................................................       --  3,000,000
Guy Tebbit, Ph.D.(3)........................................       --  3,000,000
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Represents shares held by Volendam Investeringen N.V. with respect to
    which Mr. Pomroy disclaims beneficial ownership except to the extent of
    his proportionate share therein. Mr. Pomroy, a director of the Company, is
    the president of Volendam Capital Advisors, which advises and manages
    investments for Volendam Investeringen, N.V. and may be deemed to be a
    beneficial owner of the shares held by Volendam Investeringen N.V. because
    of shared voting power with respect to such shares.
(2) Represents shares held by Charter Ventures and Charter Ventures II, L.P.
    with respect to which Mr. Dolan disclaims beneficial ownership except to
    the extent of his proportionate share therein. Mr. Dolan, a director of
    the Company, is a general partner of each of Charter Ventures and Charter
    Ventures II, L.P. and may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the shares
    held by such entities because of shared voting power with respect to such
    shares.
(3) Represents shares held by Novartis, by whom Dr. Tebbit is employed. Dr.
    Tebbit does not share voting or investment power with respect to such
    shares and disclaims beneficial ownership thereof.
 
  The purchasers of the above shares of Preferred Stock are entitled to
registration rights. See "Description of Capital Stock--Preferred Stock."
 
  In connection with its purchase of Series F Preferred Stock, Novartis was
granted marketing rights to certain of the Company's products under
development. In addition, the Company entered into a Screening and Development
Agreement and Right of First Refusal Agreement with Novartis. See "Business--
Collaborative Agreements" for a description of these agreements. Novartis did
not make any separate payments for these rights.
 
  See "Management--Employment Agreements" for a description of employment
agreements between the Company and certain executive officers. For information
concerning indemnification of directors and officers, see "Management--
Limitation of Liability and Indemnification Matters."
 
  In March 1995, the Company converted $638,567 of indebtedness to entities
associated with Charter Ventures, a principal stockholder of the Company, to
shares of Series E Preferred Stock at $3.25 per share. In December 1994, the
Company converted $2,127,708 of indebtedness to Charter Ventures to shares of
Series E Preferred Stock at $4.00 per share. In connection with the sale of
Series E Preferred Stock in March 1995 at $3.25 per share, the Company
effected a 1.23 to one split of the Series E Preferred Stock to bring the
effective purchase price of the shares purchased at $4.00 to $3.25. A total of
122,753 shares was issued to Charter Ventures as a result of this stock split.
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
  Mr. Schwarzer purchased an aggregate of 177,000 shares of Common Stock from
the Company in February 1995 at a purchase price of $.35 per share, paid by a
full recourse promissory note in the initial principal amount of $61,950. The
note bears interest at 7 1/2% per annum, compounded annually, and is due in
full in February 2001. Mr. Schwarzer is a special limited partner of Charter
Ventures II, L.P.
 
  In May 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of
Astarix Institute, Inc. in exchange for 70,000 shares of the Company's Series
E Preferred Stock and 376,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock. Charter
Ventures II, L.P., a principal stockholder of the Company, was the only
preferred stockholder of Astarix Institute, Inc. and received 70,000 shares of
the Company's Series E Preferred Stock in this transaction.
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
  The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 40,000,000 shares of
Common Stock, $.001 par value, and 25,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $.001
par value.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
  As of December 31, 1997, there were approximately 18,850,000 shares of
Common Stock outstanding held by approximately 178 stockholders of record. The
holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record
on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders, including the election
of directors, and do not have cumulative voting rights. Accordingly, the
holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock entitled to vote in any
election of directors can elect all of the directors standing for election, if
they so choose (subject to the Voting Agreement described below). Subject to
preferences that may be applicable to any then outstanding Preferred Stock,
holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if
any, as may be declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally
available therefor. See "Dividend Policy." Upon a liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company, the holders of Common Stock will be entitled to
share ratably in the net assets legally available for distribution to
stockholders after the payment of all debts and other liabilities of the
Company, subject to the prior rights of any Preferred Stock then outstanding.
Holders of Common Stock have no preemptive or conversion rights or other
subscription rights and there are no redemption or sinking fund provisions
applicable to the Common Stock. All outstanding shares of Common Stock are,
and the Common Stock to be outstanding upon completion of the Offering will
be, fully paid and nonassessable.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
  The Board of Directors has the authority, without further action by the
stockholders, to issue from time to time the Preferred Stock in one or more
series and to fix the number of shares, designations, preferences, powers, and
relative, participating, optional or other special rights and the
qualifications or restrictions thereof. The preferences, powers, rights and
restrictions of different series of Preferred Stock may differ with respect to
dividend rates, amounts payable on liquidation, voting rights, conversion
rights, redemption provisions, sinking fund provisions, and purchase funds and
other matters. The issuance of Preferred Stock could decrease the amount of
earnings and assets available for distribution to holders of Common Stock or
affect adversely the rights and powers, including voting rights, of the
holders of Common Stock and may have the effect of delaying, deferring or
preventing a change in control of the Company. The Company has no present
plans to issue any shares of Preferred Stock.
 
WARRANTS
 
  As of December 31, 1997, there were outstanding 24,992 warrants to purchase
Common Stock (the "Warrants") at an exercise price of $3.25 per share. Of the
Warrants, 6,225 will expire on June 7, 2002, 267 will expire on December 30,
2002 and the remaining 18,500 will expire on October 20, 2003.
 
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
 
  Holders of approximately 10,500,000 shares of Common Stock (the "Registrable
Shares"), or their permitted transferees, are entitled to certain rights with
respect to the registration of such shares under the Securities Act. If the
Company proposes to register any of its securities under the Securities Act
for its own account or the account of any of its stockholders other than the
holders of the Registrable Shares, holders of such Registrable Shares are
entitled, subject to certain limitations and conditions, to notice of such
registration and are, subject to certain conditions and limitations, entitled
to include Registrable Shares therein, provided, among other conditions, that
the underwriters of any such offering have the right to limit the number of
shares included in such registration. In addition, the Company may be required
to prepare and file a registration statement under the Securities Act at its
expense if requested to do so by the holders of at least 35% of the
Registrable Shares, provided the reasonably expected aggregate offering price
will equal or exceed $5,000,000
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
including underwriting discounts and commissions. The Company is required to
use its best efforts to effect such registration, subject to certain
conditions and limitations. The Company is not obligated to effect more than
two of such stockholder-initiated registrations. Further, holders of
Registrable Shares may require the Company to file additional registration
statements on Form S-3, subject to certain conditions and limitations.
 
VOTING AGREEMENT
 
  In connection with certain investments in the Company by each of Novartis,
Volendam and Charter (collectively, the "Investors"), the Investors entered
into a Voting Agreement dated as of April 12, 1996 (the "Voting Agreement"),
whereby each Investor agreed to vote or act with respect to all shares of the
Company's voting securities now owned or subsequently acquired by such
Investor such that one designee of each of Novartis, Volendam and Charter
shall be elected to the Board of Directors of the Company. The Investors
further agreed to vote their shares in such manner to elect as the remaining
directors of the Company individuals unaffiliated with any of the Investors
but who are reasonably acceptable to all of the Investors. By executing the
Voting Agreement, the Company agreed to use its best efforts to cause the
nominee of each of Novartis, Volendam and Charter to be elected to the
Company's Board of Directors. The Voting Agreement terminates on December 31,
2005 unless prior to such date any of the Investors ceases to beneficially
hold 2,000,000 shares (as adjusted for stock splits, recapitalizations and
similar events) of the voting stock of the Company.
 
DELAWARE ANTI-TAKEOVER LAW AND CERTAIN CHARTER PROVISIONS
 
  The Company is subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware Law,
an anti-takeover law. In general, the statute prohibits a publicly held
Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination with an
"interested stockholder" for a period of three years after the date of the
transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless the
business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. A "business
combination" includes a merger, asset sale or other transaction resulting in
financial benefit to the stockholder. An "interested stockholder" is a person
who, together with affiliates and associates, owns (or within three years
prior, did own) 15% or more of the corporation's voting stock.
 
  The Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides for a
classified board of directors and eliminates the right of stockholders to call
special meetings of stockholders. The provisions described above, together
with the ability of the Board of Directors to issue Preferred Stock as
described under "--Preferred Stock," may have the effect of deterring a
hostile takeover or delaying a change in control or management of the Company.
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
 
  The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock is American Securities
Transfer and Trust, Inc.
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
  Sales of substantial amounts of Common Stock of the Company in the public
market by existing stockholders could adversely affect the prevailing market
price. Upon completion of the Offering, the Company will have outstanding
23,354,015 shares of Common Stock assuming no exercise of the Underwriter's
over-allotment option and no exercise of outstanding options and warrants.
Substantially all of such shares are freely tradable (other than by an
"affiliate" of the Company as such term is defined in the Securities Act)
without restriction or registration under the Securities Act. The Company's
directors, executive officers and certain stockholders, who collectively own
beneficially an aggregate of approximately 12,447,000 shares of Common Stock,
have agreed pursuant to certain agreements that they will not sell any Common
Stock owned by them without the prior written consent of Merrill Lynch for a
period of 120 days after the date of the Purchase Agreement relating to the
Offering (the "Lockup Period"). Following the expiration of the Lockup Period,
such shares will be available for sale in the public market subject to
compliance with Rule 144 and Rule 701. See "Underwriting."
 
  In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, an affiliate of the
Company, or a holder of shares issued and sold by the Company in private
transactions ("Restricted Shares") who owns beneficially shares that were not
acquired from the Company or an affiliate of the Company within the prior
year, would be entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of
shares that does not exceed the greater of 1% of the then outstanding shares
of Common Stock (approximately 233,500 shares immediately after the Offering,
assuming no exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option) or the
average weekly trading volume of the Common Stock during the four calendar
weeks preceding the date on which notice of the sale is filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Sales under Rule 144 are subject to
certain requirements relating to manner of sale, notice and availability of
current public information about the Company. However, a person (or persons
whose shares are aggregated) who is not deemed to have been an affiliate of
the Company at any time during the 90 days immediately preceding the sale and
who owns beneficially Restricted Shares is entitled to sell such shares under
Rule 144(k) without regard to the limitations described above, provided that
at least two years have elapsed since the later of the date the shares were
acquired from the Company or from an affiliate of the Company. The Company
believes that approximately 12,447,000 shares of its Common Stock are held by
persons who may be deemed affiliates under Rule 144. The foregoing is a
summary of Rule 144 and is not intended to be a complete description.
 
  In addition, the holders of approximately 10,500,000 shares of Common Stock
are entitled to certain rights to cause the Company to register the sale of
such shares under the Securities Act. Registration of such shares under the
Securities Act would result in such shares becoming freely tradable without
restriction under the Securities Act (except for shares purchased by
affiliates of the Company) immediately upon the effectiveness of such
registration. See "Description of Capital Stock--Registration Rights."
 
 CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS FOR NON-UNITED STATES HOLDERS
 
RESALE RESTRICTIONS
 
  The distribution of the Common Stock in Canada will be made only on a
private placement basis exempt from the requirement that the Company prepare
and file a prospectus with the securities regulatory authorities in each
province where trades of the Common Stock are effected. Accordingly, any
resale of the Common Stock in Canada must be made in accordance with
applicable securities laws which will vary depending on the relevant
jurisdiction, and which may require resales to be made in accordance with
available statutory exemptions or pursuant to a discretionary exemption
granted by the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authority. Purchasers
are advised to seek legal advice prior to any resale of the Common Stock.
 
REPRESENTATIONS OF PURCHASERS
 
  Each purchaser of the Common Stock in Canada who receives a purchase
confirmation will be deemed to represent to the Company and the dealer from
whom such purchase confirmation is received that (i) such
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
purchaser is entitled under applicable provincial securities laws to purchase
such Common Stock without the benefit of a prospectus qualified under such
securities laws, (ii) where required by law, that such purchaser is purchasing
as principal and not as agent, and (iii) such purchaser has reviewed the text
above under "Resale Restrictions."
 
RIGHTS OF ACTION (ONTARIO PURCHASERS)
 
  The securities being offered are those of a foreign issuer and Ontario
purchasers will not receive the contractual right of action prescribed by
section 32 of the Regulation under the Securities Act (Ontario). As a result,
Ontario purchasers must rely on other remedies that may be available,
including common law rights of action for damages or rescission or rights of
action under the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities
laws.
 
ENFORCEMENT OF LEGAL RIGHTS
 
  All of the issuer's directors and officers as well as the experts named
herein may be located outside of Canada and, as a result, it may not be
possible for Canadian purchasers to effect service of process within Canada
upon the issuer or such persons. All or a substantial portion of the assets of
the issuer and such persons may be located outside of Canada and, as a result,
it may not be possible to satisfy a judgment against the issuer or such
persons in Canada or to enforce a judgment obtained in Canadian courts against
such issuer or persons outside of Canada.
 
NOTICE TO BRITISH COLUMBIA RESIDENTS
 
  A purchaser of the Common Stock to whom the Securities Act (British
Columbia) applies is advised that such purchaser is required to file with the
British Columbia Securities Commission a report within ten days of the sale of
any Common Stock acquired by such purchaser pursuant to the Offering. Such
report must be in the form attached to British Columbia Securities Commission
Blanket Order BOR #95/17, a copy of which may be obtained from the Company.
Only one such report must be filed in respect of the Common Stock acquired on
the same date and under the same prospectus exemption.
 
TAXATION AND ELIGIBILITY FOR INVESTMENT
 
  Canadian purchasers of the Common Stock should consult their own legal and
tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences of an investment in the
Common Stock in their particular circumstances and with respect to the
eligibility of the Common Stock for investment by the purchaser under relevant
Canadian Legislation.
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
                                 UNDERWRITING
 
  Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch"), Credit
Suisse First Boston Corporation and Hambrecht & Quist LLC are acting as
representatives (the "Representatives") of each of the Underwriters named
below (the "Underwriters"). Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in a
purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") among the Company, the Selling
Stockholder and the Underwriters, the Company and the Selling Stockholder have
agreed to sell to the Underwriters, and each of the Underwriters severally and
not jointly has agreed to purchase from the Company and the Selling
Stockholder, the number of shares of Common Stock set forth opposite its name
below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       NUMBER OF
        UNDERWRITER                                                     SHARES
        -----------                                                    ---------
   <S>                                                                 <C>
   Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
            Incorporated.............................................
   Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation............................
   Hambrecht & Quist LLC.............................................
                                                                       ---------
        Total........................................................  5,000,000
                                                                       =========
</TABLE>
 
  In the Purchase Agreement the several Underwriters have agreed, subject to
the terms and conditions set forth therein, to purchase all of the shares of
Common Stock being sold pursuant to such agreement if any of the shares of
Common Stock being sold pursuant to such agreement are purchased. Under
certain circumstances, under the Purchase Agreement, the commitments of non-
defaulting Underwriters may be increased.
 
  The Representatives have advised the Company and the Selling Stockholder
that the Underwriters propose initially to offer the shares of Common Stock to
the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this
Prospectus, and to certain dealers at such price less a concession not in
excess of $  per share of Common Stock. The Underwriters may allow, and such
dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess of $  per share of Common Stock
on sales to certain other dealers. After the public offering, the public
offering price, concession and discount may be changed.
 
  The Company has granted an option to the Underwriters, exercisable for 30
days after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to an aggregate of
750,000 additional shares of Common Stock at the public offering price set
forth on the cover page of this Prospectus, less the underwriting discount.
The Underwriters may exercise these options solely to cover over-allotments,
if any, made on the sale of the Common Stock offered hereby. To the extent
that the Underwriters exercise these options, each Underwriter will be
obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase a number of additional
shares of Common Stock proportionate to such Underwriter's initial amount
reflected in the foregoing table.
 
  The Company, the Company's executive officers and directors and certain
other stockholders of the Company who beneficially own approximately
12,447,000 shares of Common Stock have agreed, subject to certain exceptions,
not to directly or indirectly (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell
any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell,
grant any option, right or warrant for the sale of or otherwise dispose of or
transfer any shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into or
exchangeable or exercisable for Common Stock, whether now owned or thereafter
acquired by the person executing the agreement or with respect to which the
person executing the agreement thereafter acquires the power of disposition,
or file a
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to the foregoing
or (ii) enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in
part, the economic consequence of ownership of the Common Stock whether any
such swap or transaction is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock or other
securities, in cash or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Merrill
Lynch on behalf of the Underwriters for a period of 120 days from the date of
the Purchase Agreement. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
 
  The Company and the Selling Stockholder have agreed to indemnify the
Underwriters against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under
the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the Underwriters may be
required to make in respect thereof.
 
  Until the distribution of the Common Stock is completed, rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission may limit the ability of the Underwriters
and certain selling group members to bid for and purchase the Common Stock. As
an exception to these rules, the Representatives are permitted to engage in
certain transactions that stabilize the price of the Common Stock. Such
transactions consist of bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing
or maintaining the price of the Common Stock.
 
  If the Underwriters create a short position in the Common Stock in
connection with the Offering, i.e., if they sell more shares of Common Stock
than are set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus, the Representatives
may reduce that short position by purchasing Common Stock in the open market.
The Representatives may also elect to reduce any short position by exercising
all or part of the over-allotment option described above.
 
  The Representatives may also impose a penalty bid on certain Underwriters
and selling group members. This means that if the Representatives purchase
shares of Common Stock in the open market to reduce the Underwriters' short
position or to stabilize the price of the Common Stock, they may reclaim the
amount of the selling concession from the Underwriters and selling group
members who sold those shares as part of the Offering.
 
  In general, purchases of a security for the purpose of stabilization or to
reduce a short position could cause the price of the security to be higher
than it might be in the absence of such purchases. The imposition of a penalty
bid might also have an effect on the price of the Common Stock to the extent
that it discourages resales of the Common Stock.
 
  Neither the Company nor any of the Underwriters makes any representation or
prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the
transactions described above may have on the price of the Common Stock. In
addition, neither the Company nor any of the Underwriters makes any
representation that the Representatives will engage in such transactions or
that such transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without
notice.
 
  In connection with the Offering, certain Underwriters and selling group
members may engage in passive market making transactions in the Common Stock
on the Nasdaq National Market in accordance with Regulation M under the
Exchange Act during a period before the commencement of offers or sales of
Common Stock hereunder.
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  Certain legal matters with respect to the validity of the Common Stock
offered hereby will be passed upon for the Company by Pillsbury Madison &
Sutro LLP, San Francisco, California. Certain legal matters relating to the
Offering will be passed upon for the Underwriters by Cooley Godward LLP, Palo
Alto, California and Boulder, Colorado.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The consolidated financial statements of Heska Corporation included in this
Prospectus and elsewhere in the Registration Statement have been audited by
Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their
report with respect thereto, and are included herein in reliance upon the
authority of said firm as experts in giving said reports.
 
  The statements of income and cash flows of Diamond Animal Health, Inc. for
the year ended March 31, 1996 included in this Prospectus and elsewhere in the
Registration Statement have been audited by McGladrey & Pullen, LLP,
independent public accountants, as indicated in their report with respect
thereto, and are included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm
as experts in giving said reports.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
  The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports, proxy and information statements, and other
information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission").
Such reports, proxy and information statements, and other information filed by
the Company can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities
maintained by the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., as
well as the regional offices of the Commission located at Citicorp Center, 500
West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois, and 7 World Trade Center,
Suite 1300, New York, New York. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the public reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. The Commission maintains a World
Wide Web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and
other information that are filed through the Commission's Electronic Data
Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System. This Web site can be accessed at
http://www.sec.gov.
 
  The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form
S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the Common Stock offered hereby.
This Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the
Registration Statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto, certain
portions of which are omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the
Commission. For further information with respect to the Company and the Common
Stock offered hereby, reference is hereby made to such Registration Statement,
exhibits and schedules. Statements contained in this Prospectus regarding the
contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete; with
respect to each such contract or document filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement, reference is made to the exhibit for a more complete
description of the matter involved, and each such statement shall be deemed
qualified in its entirety by such reference. A copy of the Registration
Statement, including the exhibits and schedules thereto, may be inspected
without charge at the principal office of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and copies of such material may be obtained from
such office upon payment of the fees prescribed by the Commission.
 
 
                                      59
<PAGE>
 
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                        <C>
HESKA CORPORATION
  Report of Independent Public Accountants................................  F-2
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1997............  F-3
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31,
   1995, 1996 and 1997....................................................  F-4
  Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended De-
   cember 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997.........................................  F-5
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,
   1995, 1996 and 1997....................................................  F-6
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..............................  F-7
DIAMOND ANIMAL HEALTH, INC.
  Independent Auditor's Report............................................ F-24
  Statement of Income for the year ended March 31, 1996................... F-25
  Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended March 31, 1996............... F-26
  Notes to Financial Statements........................................... F-27
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
                   REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors of Heska Corporation:
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Heska
Corporation (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996
and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders'
equity and cash flows for the three years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and
1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Heska Corporation and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1997, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the three years ended December 31, 1995,
1996 and 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Denver, Colorado
January 16, 1998
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
                       HESKA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                             (dollars in thousands)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   ASSETS
                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                            ------------------
                                                              1996      1997
                                                            --------  --------
<S>                                                         <C>       <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents................................ $  6,609  $ 10,673
  Marketable securities....................................   17,091    18,073
  Accounts receivable, net.................................      749     4,374
  Inventories, net.........................................    4,430     8,510
  Other current assets.....................................      334     1,182
                                                            --------  --------
    Total current assets...................................   29,213    42,812
Property and equipment, net................................    8,209    15,814
Intangible assets, net.....................................    3,480     5,475
Restricted marketable securities and other assets..........    1,267     1,147
                                                            --------  --------
    Total assets........................................... $ 42,169  $ 65,248
                                                            ========  ========
<CAPTION>
                    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
<S>                                                         <C>       <C>
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable......................................... $  1,634  $  5,570
  Accrued liabilities......................................      940     1,522
  Deferred revenue.........................................    1,413       284
  Current portion of capital lease obligations.............      464       600
  Current portion of long-term debt........................      807     3,292
                                                            --------  --------
    Total current liabilities..............................    5,258    11,268
Capital lease obligations, less current portion............    1,459     1,620
Long-term debt, less current portion.......................    2,942     8,575
Accrued pension liability..................................      127       113
                                                            --------  --------
    Total liabilities......................................    9,786    21,576
                                                            --------  --------
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
  Convertible preferred stock, $.001 par value, 25,000,000
   shares authorized; 10,459,999 and no shares issued and
   outstanding, with an aggregate liquidation preference of
   $62,588 and none, respectively..........................   62,588       --
  Common stock, $.001 par value, 40,000,000 shares autho-
   rized; 1,021,645 and 18,854,015 shares issued and out-
   standing, respectively..................................        1        19
  Additional paid-in capital...............................    1,067   113,091
  Deferred compensation....................................     (879)   (1,713)
  Stock subscription receivable from officers..............     (118)     (158)
  Cumulative translation adjustment........................      --          1
  Accumulated deficit......................................  (30,276)  (67,568)
                                                            --------  --------
    Total stockholders' equity.............................   32,383    43,672
                                                            --------  --------
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity............. $ 42,169  $ 65,248
                                                            ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
                       HESKA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                  ---------------------------
                                                   1995      1996      1997
                                                  -------  --------  --------
<S>                                               <C>      <C>       <C>
Revenues:
  Products, net.................................. $   --   $  8,013  $ 18,299
  Research and development.......................   2,230     1,946     2,578
                                                  -------  --------  --------
                                                    2,230     9,959    20,877
Costs and operating expenses:
  Cost of goods sold.............................     --      6,648    14,245
  Research and development.......................   6,031    14,038    19,990
  Selling and marketing..........................     --      2,493     8,693
  General and administrative.....................     864     4,540    10,937
  Amortization of intangible assets and deferred
   compensation..................................     --      1,101     2,381
  Purchased research and development.............     --        --      2,399
                                                  -------  --------  --------
                                                    6,895    28,820    58,645
                                                  -------  --------  --------
Loss from operations.............................  (4,665)  (18,861)  (37,768)
Other income (expense):
  Interest income................................     172     1,356     1,571
  Interest expense...............................     (63)     (325)   (1,209)
  Other, net.....................................     (10)     (145)      114
                                                  -------  --------  --------
Net loss......................................... $(4,566) $(17,975) $(37,292)
                                                  =======  ========  ========
Pro forma basic net loss per share (unaudited)...          $  (1.35) $  (2.33)
                                                           ========  ========
Shares used to compute pro forma basic net loss
 per share (unaudited)...........................            13,307    16,033
</TABLE>
 
 
 
        See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
                      HESKA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                     (in thousands, except per share data)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  PREFERRED STOCK   COMMON STOCK  ADDITIONAL                 STOCK     CUMULATIVE                  TOTAL
                  ----------------  -------------  PAID-IN     DEFERRED   SUBSCRIPTION TRANSLATION ACCUMULATED STOCKHOLDERS'
                  SHARES   AMOUNT   SHARES AMOUNT  CAPITAL   COMPENSATION  RECEIVABLE  ADJUSTMENT    DEFICIT      EQUITY
                  -------  -------  ------ ------ ---------- ------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -------------
<S>               <C>      <C>      <C>    <C>    <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>
Balances, Decem-
ber 31, 1994        3,345  $ 8,878     613  $ 1    $     36    $   --        $ --         $--       $ (7,735)     $ 1,180
 Exercise of op-
 tions to pur-
 chase Common
 Stock for cash
 at $0.25-$0.35
 per share.......     --       --        9  --            3        --          --          --            --             3
 Issuance of Se-
 ries E Preferred
 Stock for can-
 cellation of in-
 debtedness, val-
 ued at $3.25 per
 share...........     196      638     --   --          --         --          --          --            --           638
 Issuance of Se-
 ries E Preferred
 Stock at $3.25
 per share.......   3,077   10,000     --   --          --         --          --          --            --        10,000
 Issuance of Com-
 mon Stock at
 $0.35 per share
 for stock sub-
 scription re-
 ceivable from
 officers........     --       --      297  --          104        --         (104)        --            --           --
 Interest on
 stock subscrip-
 tion receivable
 from officers...     --       --      --   --          --         --           (6)        --            --            (6)
 Net loss........     --       --      --   --          --         --          --          --         (4,566)      (4,566)
                  -------  -------  ------  ---    --------    -------       -----        ----      --------      -------
Balances, Decem-
ber 31, 1995.....   6,618   19,516     919    1         143        --         (110)        --        (12,301)       7,249
 Issuance of Se-
 ries E Preferred
 Stock in ex-
 change for the
 common stock of
 Diamond Animal
 Health, Inc.,
 valued at $8.40
 per share.......     842    7,072     --   --          --         --          --          --            --         7,072
 Grant of options
 to purchase Com-
 mon Stock.......     --       --      --   --            8        --          --          --            --             8
 Exercise of op-
 tions to pur-
 chase Common
 Stock for cash
 at $0.25-$0.35
 per share.......     --       --      103  --           37        --          --          --            --            37
 Issuance of Se-
 ries F Preferred
 Stock at $12.00
 per share.......   3,000   36,000     --   --          --         --          --          --            --        36,000
 Interest on
 stock subscrip-
 tion receivable
 from officers...     --       --      --   --          --         --           (8)        --            --            (8)
 Deferred compen-
 sation related
 to options......     --       --      --   --          879       (879)        --          --            --           --
 Net loss........     --       --      --   --          --         --          --          --        (17,975)     (17,975)
                  -------  -------  ------  ---    --------    -------       -----        ----      --------      -------
Balances, Decem-
ber 31, 1996.....  10,460   62,588   1,022    1       1,067       (879)       (118)        --        (30,276)      32,383
 Exercise of op-
 tions to pur-
 chase Common
 Stock for cash
 at $0.10-$5.00
 per share.......     --       --      398    1         142        --          --          --            --           143
 Issuance of Com-
 mon Stock at
 $1.20 per share
 for stock sub-
 scription re-
 ceivable from a
 director........     --       --       25  --           30        --          (30)        --            --           --
 Issuance of Pre-
 ferred Stock re-
 lated to busi-
 ness acquisi-
 tions, valued at
 $8.40-$12.00 per
 share...........     124    1,236     --   --          --         --          --          --            --         1,236
 Issuance of Com-
 mon Stock re-
 lated to busi-
 ness acquisi-
 tions, valued at
 $5.00-$13.50 per
 share...........     --       --      454  --        2,656        --          --          --            --         2,656
 Issuance of Com-
 mon Stock at
 $8.50 per share
 upon the
 Company's Ini-
 tial Public Of-
 fering, net.....     --       --    5,638    6      43,867        --          --          --            --        43,873
 Conversion of
 Preferred Stock
 into Common
 Stock upon the
 Company's Ini-
 tial Public Of-
 fering.......... (10,584) (63,824) 11,289   11      63,813        --          --          --            --           --
 Issuance of Com-
 mon Stock for
 services........     --       --        1  --          --         --          --          --            --           --
 Cashless exer-
 cise of warrants
 to purchase Com-
 mon Stock at
 $2.50 per
 share...........     --       --        5  --          --         --          --          --            --           --
 Issuance of Com-
 mon Stock under
 the Employee
 Stock Purchase
 Plan for cash at
 $7.23 per
 share...........     --       --       22  --          157        --          --          --            --           157
 Interest on
 stock subscrip-
 tion receivable
 from officers
 and a director..     --       --      --   --          --         --          (10)        --            --           (10)
 Foreign currency
 translation ad-
 justments.......     --       --      --   --          --         --          --            1           --             1
 Deferred compen-
 sation related
 to options......     --       --      --   --        1,359     (1,359)        --          --            --           --
 Amortization of
 deferred compen-
 sation..........     --       --      --   --          --         525         --          --            --           525
 Net loss........     --       --      --   --          --         --          --          --        (37,292)     (37,292)
                  -------  -------  ------  ---    --------    -------       -----        ----      --------      -------
Balances, Decem-
ber 31, 1997.....     --   $   --   18,854  $19    $113,091    $(1,713)      $(158)       $  1      $(67,568)     $43,672
                  =======  =======  ======  ===    ========    =======       =====        ====      ========      =======
</TABLE>
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
                       HESKA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (in thousands)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                    ---------------------------
                                                     1995      1996      1997
                                                    -------  --------  --------
<S>                                                 <C>      <C>       <C>
CASH FLOWS USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net loss........................................  $(4,566) $(17,975) $(37,292)
  Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used
   in operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization.................      253     1,072     2,290
    Amortization of intangible assets and deferred
     compensation.................................      --      1,101     2,381
    Purchased research and development............      --        --      2,399
    Loss (gain) on disposition of assets..........       16        60      (156)
    Interest receivable on stock subscription.....      --         (8)      (10)
    Increase (decrease) in accrued pension liabil-
     ity..........................................      --         62       (14)
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
      Accounts receivable, net....................      --       (508)   (3,477)
      Inventories, net............................      --       (408)   (2,433)
      Other assets................................      (83)      (66)     (968)
      Contract receivable.........................    1,000       500       --
      Accounts payable............................       41       744     3,724
      Accrued liabilities.........................      --        265       359
      Deferred revenue............................     (386)      987    (1,129)
      Other.......................................      --        121        22
                                                    -------  --------  --------
        Net cash used in operating activities.....   (3,725)  (14,053)  (34,304)
                                                    -------  --------  --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash ac-
   quired.........................................      --       (478)   (2,714)
  Cash deposited in restricted cash account re-
   lated to Bloxham acquisition...................      --        --       (238)
  Purchase of marketable securities...............      --    (31,243)  (18,718)
  Purchase of restricted marketable securities....      --     (1,219)      --
  Proceeds from sale of marketable securities.....      --     14,152    18,342
  Proceeds from disposition of property and equip-
   ment...........................................      --        --        343
  Purchases of property and equipment.............     (348)   (5,232)   (6,140)
                                                    -------  --------  --------
        Net cash used in investing activities.....     (348)  (24,020)   (9,125)
                                                    -------  --------  --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock..........        3        37    44,173
  Proceeds from borrowings........................      527     3,318     5,527
  Repayments of debt and capital lease obliga-
   tions..........................................     (169)   (1,500)   (2,201)
  Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock.......   10,000    36,000       --
                                                    -------  --------  --------
        Net cash provided by financing activi-
         ties.....................................   10,361    37,855    47,499
                                                    -------  --------  --------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH...........      --        --         (6)
                                                    -------  --------  --------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS..    6,288      (218)    4,064
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR......      539     6,827     6,609
                                                    -------  --------  --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR............  $ 6,827  $  6,609  $ 10,673
                                                    =======  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
                      HESKA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS
 
  Heska Corporation (the "Company") discovers, develops, manufactures and
markets companion animal health products, primarily for dogs, cats and horses.
The Company operates two full scale United States Department of Agriculture
and Food and Drug Administration licensed facilities which manufacture
products for Heska and other companies. The Company also offers diagnostic
products to veterinarians at its Fort Collins, Colorado location and in the
United Kingdom through a wholly-owned subsidiary. In May 1997, the Company
reincorporated in Delaware.
 
  The Company continues to incur substantial net losses due principally to its
research and development and sales and marketing activities. Cumulative net
losses from inception of the Company in 1988 through December 31, 1997 have
totaled $67.6 million.
 
  The Company's ability to achieve profitable operations will depend primarily
upon its ability to commercialize products that are currently under
development. The Company's products are subject to long development and
regulatory approval cycles and there can be no assurance that the Company will
successfully develop, manufacture or market these products. During the period
required to develop its products, the Company intends to finance operations
with additional equity and debt financing. There can be no assurance that such
financing will be available when required or will be obtained under favorable
terms.
 
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Basis of Presentation
 
  The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
the Company and of its wholly-owned subsidiaries since their respective dates
of acquisition. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been
eliminated in consolidation.
 
Use of Estimates
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
  Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates market, and
include short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of less
than three months. Cash equivalents consist of United States government
obligations.
 
Marketable Securities and Restricted Investments
 
  The Company classifies its marketable securities as "available-for-sale"
and, accordingly, carries such securities at aggregate fair value. Unrealized
gains or losses, if material, are included as a separate component of
stockholders' equity.
 
  At December 31, 1996 and 1997, these securities had an aggregate amortized
cost of $18.3 million and $18.7 million which approximated fair market value,
a maximum maturity of approximately nine months and three years, respectively,
and consisted entirely of U.S. government obligations. This included $1.2
million and $645,000 of restricted investments held as collateral for capital
leases (see Note 4) and $17.1 million and $18.1 million of short-term
marketable securities, respectively.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
                      HESKA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  The estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt instruments are
based on borrowing rates that would be substantially equivalent to existing
rates, therefore, there is no material difference in the fair value and the
carrying value.
 
Inventories, net
 
  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the first-in,
first-out method. If the cost of inventories exceeds fair market value,
provisions are made for the difference between cost and fair market value.
 
  Inventories, net of provisions, consist of the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   -------------
                                                                    1996   1997
                                                                   ------ ------
      <S>                                                          <C>    <C>
      Raw materials............................................... $  885 $1,477
      Work in process.............................................  3,103  3,567
      Finished goods..............................................    442  3,466
                                                                   ------ ------
                                                                   $4,430 $8,510
                                                                   ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
Property, Equipment and Intangible Assets
 
  Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-
line or declining balance basis over the estimated useful lives of the related
assets. Amortization of assets acquired under capital leases is included with
depreciation expense on owned assets.
 
  Leasehold improvements are amortized over the applicable lease period or
their estimated useful lives, whichever is shorter. Maintenance and repairs
are charged to expense when incurred, and major renewals and improvements are
capitalized.
 
  Intangible assets consist of various assets arising from business
combinations and are amortized using the straight-line method over the period
of expected benefit.
 
  The Company periodically reviews the appropriateness of the remaining life
of its property, equipment and intangible assets considering whether any
events have occurred or conditions have developed which may indicate that the
remaining life requires adjustment. After reviewing the appropriateness of the
remaining life and the pattern of usage of these assets, the Company then
assesses their overall recoverability by determining if the net book value can
be recovered through undiscounted future operating cash flows. Absent any
unfavorable findings, the Company continues to amortize and depreciate its
property, equipment and intangible assets based on the existing estimated
life.
 
  Property and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                                 ESTIMATED    ----------------
                                                USEFUL LIFE    1996     1997
                                               -------------- -------  -------
      <S>                                      <C>            <C>      <C>
      Land...................................       N/A       $   233  $   291
      Buildings..............................  10 to 20 years     453    1,811
      Machinery and equipment................   3 to 15 years   7,924   15,001
      Leasehold improvements.................   7 to 15 years   1,103    2,456
                                                              -------  -------
                                                                9,713   19,559
      Less accumulated depreciation and amor-
       tization..............................                  (1,504)  (3,745)
                                                              -------  -------
                                                              $ 8,209  $15,814
                                                              =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
                      HESKA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
  Intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                   ESTIMATED   ----------------
                                                  USEFUL LIFE   1996     1997
                                                 ------------- -------  -------
      <S>                                        <C>           <C>      <C>
      Take-or-pay contract......................   37 months   $ 3,873  $ 3,873
      Customer lists and market presence........    7 years        --     2,848
      Other intangible assets................... 2 to 10 years     707    1,700
                                                               -------  -------
                                                                 4,580    8,421
      Less accumulated amortization.............                (1,100)  (2,946)
                                                               -------  -------
                                                               $ 3,480  $ 5,475
                                                               =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
  The take-or-pay contract resulted from the acquisition of Diamond Animal
Health ("Diamond") in April 1996. The customer lists and market presence
resulted from the Company's 1997 acquisitions (see Note 3). The remaining
intangible assets resulted from the acquisitions of certain lines of business
and assets in 1996 and 1997 (see Note 3).
 
Revenue Recognition
 
  Product revenues are recognized at the time goods are shipped to the
customer, with an appropriate provision for returns and allowances.
 
  The Company recognizes revenue from sponsored research and development as
research activities are performed or as development milestones are completed
under the terms of the research and development agreements. Costs incurred in
connection with the performance of sponsored research and development are
expensed as incurred. The Company defers revenue recognition related to
payments received during the current year for research activities to be
performed in the following year.
 
Cost of Sales
 
  Royalties payable in connection with certain research and development
agreements (see Note 8) are reflected in cost of sales as incurred.
 
Unaudited Pro Forma Basic Net Loss Per Share
 
  Due to the automatic conversion of all shares of convertible preferred stock
into common stock following the closing of the Company's initial public
offering (the "IPO"), historical basic net loss per common share is not
considered meaningful as it would differ materially from the pro forma basic
net loss per common share and common stock equivalent shares given the changes
in the capital structure of the Company.
 
  Pro forma basic net loss per common share is computed using the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net
loss per common share is not presented as the effect of common equivalent
shares from stock options and warrants is anti-dilutive. Pursuant to
Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 83 ("SAB
83"), common stock and common stock equivalent shares issued by the Company
during the 12 months immediately preceding the filing of the IPO, plus shares
which became issuable during the same period as a result of the granting of
options to purchase common stock, have been included in the calculation of
basic weighted average number of shares of common stock as if they were
outstanding for all periods presented (using the treasury stock method).
Accordingly, only those common stock and common stock equivalent shares issued
during the 12 months immediately preceding the filing of the IPO have been
included in the computation of pro forma basic net loss per common share. In
addition, the Company has assumed the conversion of convertible preferred
stock issued into common stock for all periods presented.
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
                      HESKA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No.
128, Earnings per Share in 1997. The adoption of SFAS No. 128 had no effect on
previously reported unaudited pro forma net loss per share. The following
table shows the reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the pro
forma basic net loss per share computations as required under SFAS No. 128 (in
thousands, except per share amounts):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                            1996
                                             -----------------------------------
                                               INCOME       SHARES     PER-SHARE
                                             (NUMERATOR) (DENOMINATOR)  AMOUNT
                                             ----------- ------------- ---------
   <S>                                       <C>         <C>           <C>
   Weighted average common shares outstand-
    ing (actual)...........................        N/A         938         N/A
   Assumed conversion of preferred stock
    from original date of issuance.........        N/A      11,183         N/A
   Effect of common stock and common stock
    equivalents issued within one year
    prior to IPO (SAB 83)..................        N/A       1,186         N/A
                                                            ------
   Pro forma basic net loss per share......   $(17,975)     13,307      $(1.35)
                                              ========      ======      ======
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                            1997
                                             -----------------------------------
                                               INCOME       SHARES     PER-SHARE
                                             (NUMERATOR) (DENOMINATOR)  AMOUNT
                                             ----------- ------------- ---------
   <S>                                       <C>         <C>           <C>
   Weighted average common shares outstand-
    ing (actual)...........................        N/A       9,570         N/A
   Assumed conversion of preferred stock
    from original date of issuance.........        N/A       5,870         N/A
   Effect of common stock and common stock
    equivalents issued within one year
    prior to IPO (SAB 83)..................        N/A         593         N/A
                                                            ------
   Pro forma basic net loss per share......   $(37,292)     16,033      $(2.33)
                                              ========      ======      ======
</TABLE>
- --------
 
N/A=Not applicable
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
  The functional currencies of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are the
Pound Sterling ("(Pounds)") for Bloxham Laboratories Limited ("Bloxham") and
the Swiss Franc ("CHF") for the others (See Note 3). Assets and liabilities of
the Company's foreign subsidiaries are translated using the exchange rate in
effect at the balance sheet date. Revenue and expense accounts are translated
using an average of exchange rates in effect during the period. Cumulative
translation gains and losses, if material, are shown in the consolidated
balance sheets as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Exchange gains
and losses arising from transactions denominated in foreign currencies (i.e.
transaction gains and losses) are recognized in current operations. To date,
the Company has not entered into any forward contracts or hedging
transactions.
 
 
3. BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
 
  The Company's acquisitions have all been accounted for under the purchase
method of accounting and, accordingly, the operating results of these
acquisitions are included in the Company's consolidated results of operations
from their respective dates of acquisition.
 
  During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company completed a number of
acquisitions, including: the February 1997 acquisition of all of the capital
stock of Bloxham, a clinical reference laboratory located in the United
Kingdom; the July 1997 purchase of the allergy immunotherapy products business
of Center Laboratories' Allergy Business ("Center"), a Food and Drug
Administration and United States Department of
 
                                     F-10
<PAGE>
 
                      HESKA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

Agriculture licensed manufacturer of allergy immunotherapy products, including
allergenic extracts, located in Port Washington, New York; the September 1997
acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of CMG Centre
Medical des Grand'Places SA ("CMG"), a Swiss corporation which manufactures
and markets allergy diagnostic products for use in veterinary and human
medicine primarily in Europe and Japan; the May 1997 acquisition of all of the
capital stock of a privately held development stage company specializing in
allergy research; and the October 1997 purchase of certain assets related to
product formulas and packaging technology.
 
  These transactions were valued at a total of approximately $10.5 million and
were consummated by issuing 124,000 shares of Preferred Stock valued at
approximately $1.2 million and 453,500 shares of Common Stock valued at
approximately $2.7 million, assuming approximately $3.8 million in debt, and
approximately $2.7 million cash, including transaction expenses, net of cash
acquired.
 
  The excess purchase price over fair value of the net tangible assets
acquired was approximately $6.2 million, of which $2.4 million was allocated
to purchased research and development and $3.8 million was allocated to
intangible assets. The total purchase price of the acquisitions was allocated
as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
      <S>                                                               <C>
      Cash............................................................. $    99
      Other current assets.............................................   2,061
      Property and equipment...........................................   3,030
      Purchased research and development...............................   2,399
      Intangible assets................................................   3,841
                                                                        -------
                                                                         11,430
      Less liabilities assumed:
       Current liabilities.............................................    (734)
       Long-term liabilities...........................................    (207)
                                                                        -------
                                                                           (941)
                                                                        -------
      Total value of acquisitions...................................... $10,489
                                                                        =======
</TABLE>
 
  The following unaudited pro forma summary presents the consolidated
revenues, net loss and pro forma basic net loss per share as if the Company's
1996 and 1997 acquisitions had been consummated as of January 1, 1996, based
on unaudited financial statements provided by the respective sellers (in
thousands, except per share amounts):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              YEAR ENDED
                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                           ------------------
                                                             1996      1997
                                                           --------  --------
                                                              (UNAUDITED)
      <S>                                                  <C>       <C>
      Revenues............................................ $ 21,770  $ 23,258
                                                           ========  ========
      Net loss............................................ $(23,946) $(36,315)
                                                           ========  ========
      Pro forma basic net loss per share.................. $  (1.73) $  (2.24)
                                                           ========  ========
      Shares used to compute pro forma basic net loss per
       share..............................................   13,831    16,239
</TABLE>
 
  The pro forma results give effect to certain adjustments, including
amortization of intangibles, increased interest costs associated with
assumption of debt, and additional depreciation and amortization expenses due
to increased book basis of the property and equipment. The pro forma results
have been prepared for comparative purposes only and are not necessarily
indicative of the results that would have been attained had the acquisitions
occurred at the beginning of 1996, or of the results which may occur in the
future.
 
 
                                     F-11
<PAGE>
 
                       HESKA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

4. CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS
 
  The Company has entered into certain capital lease agreements for laboratory
equipment, office equipment, machinery and equipment, and computer equipment
and software. For the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, the Company had
capitalized machinery and equipment under capital leases of approximately $2.0
million and $3.1 million, respectively. The capitalized cost of the equipment
under capital leases is included in the accompanying balance sheets under the
respective asset classes. Under the terms of the Company's lease agreements,
the Company is required to make monthly payments of principal and interest
through the year 2002, at interest rates ranging from 4.05% to 20.00% per
annum. The equipment under the capital leases serves as security for the
leases.
 
  The Company has a capital lease with a commercial bank which requires the
Company to pledge cash or investments as additional collateral for the lease.
The lease agreement, which has a borrowing limit of $2.0 million calls for a
collateral balance equal to 50% and 25% of the borrowed amount when the
Company's annual revenues reach $18.0 million and $28.0 million respectively.
The lease also requires the Company to maintain minimum levels of cash and cash
equivalent balances throughout the term of the lease. As of December 31, 1996
and 1997, the Company was in compliance with all covenants of the master lease
and held restricted U.S. Treasury Bonds of approximately $1.2 million and
$645,000 as additional collateral under the lease, respectively.
 
 
  The future annual minimum required payments under capital lease obligations
as of December 31, 1997 were as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      YEAR ENDING
      DECEMBER 31,
      ------------
      <S>                                                                <C>
       1998............................................................. $  761
       1999.............................................................    634
       2000.............................................................    576
       2001.............................................................    568
       2002.............................................................     65
                                                                         ------
          Total minimum lease payments..................................  2,604
          Less amount representing interest.............................   (384)
                                                                         ------
          Present value of net minimum lease payments...................  2,220
          Less current portion..........................................   (600)
                                                                         ------
            Total long-term capital lease obligations................... $1,620
                                                                         ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
 
                       HESKA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
5. LONG-TERM DEBT AND NOTES PAYABLE
 
  Long term debt consists of the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                                --------------
                                                                 1996    1997
                                                                ------  ------
<S>                                                             <C>     <C>
Heska and Diamond obligations:
  Equipment financing due in monthly installments of $184
   through November 2001, and final payments totaling $979 due
   March 2000 through December 2001, with stated interest rates
   between 14.0% and 18.1%, secured by certain equipment and
   fixtures.................................................... $1,689  $5,551
Center obligations:
  Promissory note to EM Industries (see Note 3) due in July
   2000, with quarterly interest payments at a stated interest
   rate of prime (8.5% at December 1997) plus 3/4%.............    --    3,464
Diamond obligations:
  9.5% real estate mortgage to Hartford-Carlisle Bank due in
   monthly installments of $3 and a final payment of the unpaid
   principal balance and accrued interest of $59 in October
   2004........................................................    214     201
  Term note to Iowa Business Growth guaranteed by the Small
   Business Administration ("SBA"), due in monthly installments
   of approximately $3 through July 2004, including interest at
   prime (8.5% at December 1997) plus 0.7%.....................    169     152
  Promissory note to the Iowa Department of Economic
   Development ("IDED"), due in annual installments of $15
   through June 2004, with the remaining $125 forgivable in
   March 1999 based upon levels of employment at Diamond, with
   a stated interest rate of 3.0% and a 9.5% imputed interest
   rate, net of an unamortized discount of $39 and $34,
   respectively................................................    189     183
  Promissory note to the City of Des Moines, due in monthly
   installments of $2 through May 2004, with a stated interest
   rate of 3.0% and a 9.5% imputed interest rate, net of an
   unamortized discount of $26 and $23, respectively...........    128     112
  10.0% promissory notes, due in quarterly installments of $50
   through March 1999, with the balance due March 1999.........    498     348
  Unsecured promissory note to customer, due in monthly
   installments of $25 through June 1999, with no stated
   interest rate and a 9.5% imputed interest rate, net of an
   unamortized discount of $82 and $30, respectively...........    655     407
  $1,000 commercial bank line of credit, due October 1998, with
   monthly interest payments, with a stated interest rate of
   10.5%.......................................................    --      667
Heska obligations:
  Promissory notes to former Bloxham shareholders (see Note 3)
   due in semi-annual interest payments through February 2007,
   due on demand in whole or in part at any time after February
   18, 1998 in increments of (Pounds)1 together with accrued
   interest, with a stated interest rate of 4.5%, denominated
   in pounds sterling..........................................    --      329
  Promissory note to Bioproducts, paid in full in 1997.........    207     --
Bloxham obligations:
  Real estate mortgage due in monthly principal payments of
   (Pounds)1 and quarterly interest payments through December
   2006, with a stated interest rate of a bank's base rate
   (7.25% at December 1997) plus 2.75%, denominated in pounds
   sterling....................................................    --      117
  (Pounds)100 commercial bank line of credit, due January 1999,
   with semi-annual interest payments, with a stated interest
   rate of LIBOR (5.7% at December 1997) plus 4.0%.............    --      165
CMG obligations:
  CHF400 commerical bank line of credit, due upon demand, with
   quarterly interest payments, with a stated interest rate of
   5.5%, plus 0.25% per quarter................................    --      171
                                                                ------  ------
                                                                 3,749  11,867
Less installments due within one year..........................   (807) (3,292)
                                                                ------  ------
                                                                $2,942  $8,575
                                                                ======  ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
 
                      HESKA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  The SBA, IDED, City of Des Moines and 10.0% promissory notes are secured by
a first security interest in essentially all assets of Diamond except assets
acquired through capital leases, and are included as cross-collateralized
obligations by the respective lenders. These notes, along with the unsecured
note to the customer, were assumed as a result of the 1996 Diamond
acquisition. The $1.0 million commercial bank line of credit requires Diamond
to maintain a minimum net worth of $3.5 million.
 
  One of the Company's Swiss subsidiaries also has a CHF 250,000 line of
credit with a stated interest rate of 5.5%, plus 0.25% per quarter. There were
no borrowings against this credit facility as of December 31, 1997.
 
  The Company's other debt instruments are secured by the assets of the
respective subsidiaries and general corporate guarantees by Heska Corporation.
 
  As of December 31, 1997, the Company was in compliance with all covenants of
the debt agreements.
 
 
  Maturities of long-term debt and notes payable as of December 31, 1997 were
as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      YEAR ENDING
      DECEMBER 31,
      ------------
      <S>                                                                <C>
       1998............................................................. $ 3,292
       1999.............................................................   2,037
       2000.............................................................   5,265
       2001.............................................................     800
       2002.............................................................      85
       Thereafter.......................................................     388
                                                                         -------
                                                                         $11,867
                                                                         =======
</TABLE>
 
6. ACCRUED PENSION LIABILITY
 
  Diamond has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering all
employees who have met the eligibility requirements. The plan provides monthly
benefits based on years of service which are subject to certain reductions if
the employee retires before reaching age 65. Diamond's funding policy is to
make the minimum annual contribution that is required by applicable
regulations. Effective October 1992, Diamond froze the plan, restricting new
participants and benefits for future service.
 
  Net pension cost for Diamond's defined benefit pension plan consisted of the
following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 --------------
                                                                  1996    1997
                                                                 ------  ------
      <S>                                                        <C>     <C>
      Interest cost on projected benefit obligation............. $   55  $   74
      Actual return on plan assets..............................     14     (96)
      Net amortization and deferral.............................    (70)     28
                                                                 ------  ------
          Net periodic pension cost............................. $   (1) $    6
                                                                 ======  ======
</TABLE>
 
  The following table sets forth the plan's funded status and amounts
recognized in the accompanying balance sheets (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                               ---------------
                                                                1996    1997
                                                               ------  -------
      <S>                                                      <C>     <C>
      Actual present value of benefit obligations:
      Vested benefit obligation..............................  $1,089  $ 1,117
      Accumulated benefit obligation.........................  $1,089  $ 1,117
      Projected benefit obligation...........................  $1,089  $ 1,117
      Less: plan assets, consisting primarily of bonds and
       commercial mortgage notes.............................    (962)  (1,004)
                                                               ------  -------
      Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets..  $  127  $   113
                                                               ======  =======
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-14
<PAGE>
 
                      HESKA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Assumptions used by Diamond in the determination of the pension plan
information consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 --------------
                                                                  1996    1997
                                                                 ------  ------
      <S>                                                        <C>     <C>
      Discount rate.............................................   7.00%   7.00%
      Expected long-term ratio of return on plan assets.........   7.75%   7.75%
</TABLE>
 
7. INCOME TAXES
 
  The Company accounts for income taxes under the provisions of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes.
As of December 31, 1997 the Company had approximately $59.5 million of net
operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards for income tax purposes and approximately
$1.1 million of research and development tax credits available to offset
future federal income tax, subject to limitations for alternative minimum tax.
The NOL and credit carryforwards are subject to examination by the tax
authorities and expire in various years from 2003 through 2011. The Tax Reform
Act of 1986 contains provisions that may limit the NOL and credit
carryforwards available for use in any given year upon the occurrence of
certain events, including significant changes in ownership interest. A change
in ownership of a company of greater than 50% within a three-year period
results in an annual limitation on the Company's ability to utilize its NOL
carryforwards from tax periods prior to the ownership change. The acquisition
of Diamond in April 1996 resulted in such a change of ownership and the
Company estimates that the resulting NOL carryforward limitation will be
approximately $4.7 million per year for periods subsequent to April 19, 1996.
The Company does not believe that this limitation will affect the eventual
utilization of its total NOL carryforwards.
 
  The acquisition of Diamond was completed on a tax free basis. Accordingly,
the basis of the assets for financial reporting purposes exceeds the basis of
the assets for income tax purposes. The Company has recorded a deferred tax
liability related to this basis difference. As the Company had previously
recorded a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets, the Company
reduced its valuation allowance in an amount equal to the deferred tax
liability at the date of the merger.
 
  The Company's NOLs represent a previously unrecognized tax benefit.
Recognition of these benefits requires future taxable income, the attainment
of which is uncertain, and therefore, a valuation allowance has been
established for the entire tax benefit and no benefit for income taxes has
been recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
 
  Deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             DECEMBER 31,          DECEMBER 31,
                                                 1996     CHANGES      1997
                                             ------------ -------  ------------
      <S>                                    <C>          <C>      <C>
      Deferred tax assets:
        Research and development credits....   $    731   $   417    $ 1,148
        Inventory valuation and reserves....         71       136        207
        Deferred revenue....................         90       (52)        38
        Pension liability...................         49        (6)        43
        Accrued compensation................        122        (1)       121
        Amortization of intangible assets...         86       132        218
        Other...............................         11        22         33
        Net operating loss carryforwards....     10,317    12,450     22,767
                                               --------   -------    -------
                                                 11,477    13,098     24,575
        Less valuation allowance............    (10,818)  (13,064)   (23,882)
                                               --------   -------    -------
                                                    659        34        693
      Deferred tax liability:
        Property and equipment..............       (659)      (34)      (693)
                                               --------   -------    -------
                                                   (659)      (34)      (693)
                                               --------   -------    -------
          Net deferred taxes................   $    --    $   --     $   --
                                               ========   =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
 
                                     F-15
<PAGE>
 
                      HESKA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
8. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS
 
  In June 1994, the Company entered into agreements with Bayer AG ("Bayer"), a
pharmaceutical company, pursuant to which Bayer is funding and assisting in
the development of certain technologies. In return, the Company granted Bayer
the option to license the technologies to manufacture certain products for
sale, as well as the right to distribute for all parts of the world, except
Japan and East Asia. To the extent the Company is determined to have
manufacturing capabilities, under the terms of the agreement, Bayer will be
required to purchase its requirements for such products from the Company.
 
  In exchange for the above, Bayer agreed to provide research funding to the
Company, of which $1.5 million was received in 1995, $500,000 in 1996 and
$550,000 in 1997. The Company expects to receive periodic research payments
until June 1999 as the related expenses are incurred and specified milestones
are reached. In connection with this contract, the Company recognized research
revenue of $1.5 million, $1.3 million and $1.2 million for the years ended
December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
  Additionally, the Company will receive royalties based on a percentage of
any net sales of products developed under the agreements not manufactured by
the Company.
 
  Bayer may terminate the agreement for convenience at any anniversary, with
90 days notice, in which case, the product rights revert to the Company. In
the event of such a termination, the Company would be required to pay Bayer a
royalty at a modest rate on net sales of these products exceeding a specified
threshold. The total amount of this royalty would not exceed the amount of
research funding provided by Bayer.
 
  In January 1993, the Company entered into an agreement with Eisai Co., Ltd.
("Eisai") pursuant to which Eisai obtained the exclusive right to market
certain products in Japan and East Asia. Under the terms of the agreement, the
Company is to receive periodic payments for support of research, one half of
which is only to be received upon completion of certain milestones. The
Company recognized $337,000 as research and development revenue for the year
ended December 31, 1995 related to this agreement. No revenue was recognized
for the years ended December 31, 1996 or 1997. Although the agreement does not
expire until 2008, Eisai may terminate its research support for any product
with 90 days written notice.
 
  In October 1996, the Company and Diamond entered into three related
agreements with a pharmaceutical company concerning the research, development,
licensing, manufacturing and marketing of certain products. Under the research
and development agreement, Diamond granted a non-exclusive, royalty-free,
paid-up right and license to develop, manufacture and market certain of its
bovine products. In return, the pharmaceutical company agreed to fund certain
research costs associated with the development of these products, subject to
the achievement of certain milestones. In connection with this research
funding, the Company recognized research and development revenue of $210,000
during the fourth quarter of 1996 and $1.1 million for the year ended December
31, 1997. As additional consideration, the Company received an exclusive,
royalty-free, worldwide license for certain feline biological vaccines. The
Company also has a three-year agreement with the pharmaceutical company for
the manufacture of these feline vaccines.
 
  The Company estimates its future cash flows from its existing research and
development contracts, subject to scheduled completion of specified
milestones, are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           YEAR ENDING
           DECEMBER 31,
           ------------
           <S>                                         <C>
            1998...................................... $1,195
            1999......................................    925
            2000......................................    600
                                                       ------
                                                       $2,720
                                                       ======
</TABLE>
 
 
                                     F-16
<PAGE>
 
                      HESKA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
  The Company holds certain rights to market and manufacture all products
developed under certain research and development agreements with various
entities. In connection with such agreements, the Company has agreed to pay
the entities royalties on net product sales. In the year ended December 31,
1997, $15,000 in royalties became payable under these agreements.
 
  In connection with an equity investment by a pharmaceutical firm in April
1996 (see Note 10)(the "Investor"), the Company granted the Investor the
rights, co-exclusive with the Company's rights, to market two products under
development by the Company, the flea control vaccine and feline heartworm
vaccine. The Company and the Investor have a revenue sharing arrangement for
net sales of these products through the year 2005.
 
  In addition to the marketing agreements described above, the Company entered
into a pharmaceutical screening cooperation agreement with the Investor,
pursuant to which the two parties may enter into joint development
arrangements to develop pharmaceutical and vaccine products. In addition, to
the extent that the Company decides to grant a license to any third party for
any products or technology for companion or food animal applications, the
Investor must be offered first right to negotiate to acquire such license.
 
  In connection with the acquisition of Center (see Note 3), the Company
entered into a sales and marketing agreement with a domestic distribution
company which grants the right to the distribution company to market and sell
Center's allergenic extracts for human use. The agreement expires in December
2002, with sales commission rates which vary from 20 to 25%.
 
  The Company contracts with various parties that conduct research and
development on the Company's behalf. In return, the Company generally receives
the right to commercialize any products resulting from these contracts. In the
event the Company licenses any technology developed under these contracts, the
Company will generally be obligated to pay royalties at specified percentages
of future sales of products utilizing the licensed technology.
 
  The Company has entered into operating leases for its office and research
facilities and certain equipment with future minimum payments as of December
31, 1997 as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           YEAR ENDING
           DECEMBER 31,
           ------------
           <S>                                         <C>
            1998...................................... $1,438
            1999......................................  1,224
            2000......................................  1,040
            2001......................................    859
            2002......................................    804
            Thereafter................................  1,498
                                                       ------
                                                       $6,863
                                                       ======
</TABLE>
 
  The Company had rent expense of $208,000, $564,000 and $1.3 million in 1995,
1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
                                     F-17
<PAGE>
 
                      HESKA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
10. CAPITAL STOCK
 
Preferred Stock
 
  Preferred stock consisted of the following until July 1997 when the Company
completed a public offering and converted all of the outstanding shares of
Series A, B, C, D, E and F Preferred Stock into 11,289,388 shares of Common
Stock:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                  --------------
                                                                   1996    1997
                                                                  ------- ------
                                                                  (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                            <C>     <C>
   Series A, $.001 par value, 300,000 shares authorized; 300,000
    and no shares issued and outstanding, converted into Common
    Stock in connection with the IPO............................  $   300 $  --
   Series B, $.001 par value, 250,000 shares authorized; 250,000
    and no shares issued and outstanding, respectively,
    converted into Common Stock in connection with the IPO......      500    --
   Series C, $.001 par value, 1,346,400 shares authorized;
    1,340,000 and no shares issued and outstanding,
    respectively, converted into Common Stock in connection with
    the IPO.....................................................    3,350    --
   Series D, $.001 par value, 824,992 shares authorized; 800,000
    and no shares issued and outstanding, respectively,
    converted into Common Stock in connection with the IPO......    2,600    --
   Series E, $.001 par value, 5,100,000 shares authorized;
    4,769,999 and no shares issued and outstanding,
    respectively, converted into Common Stock in connection with
    the IPO.....................................................   19,838    --
   Series F, $.001 par value, 3,000,000 shares authorized;
    3,000,000 and no shares issued and outstanding,
    respectively, converted into Common Stock in connection with
    the IPO.....................................................   36,000    --
                                                                  ------- ------
                                                                  $62,588 $  --
                                                                  ======= ======
</TABLE>
 
  In 1996, the Company increased the total authorized number of preferred
shares to 25,000,000. Preferred stock may be issued in one or more series with
rights and dividend preferences determined by the board of directors.
 
  In April 1996, the Company issued 3,000,000 shares of its Series F preferred
stock to a pharmaceutical firm (the "Investor") at $12.00 per share. In
connection with this equity investment, the Company and the Investor signed
certain joint marketing, pharmaceutical screening and product development
agreements. As a result of the agreements between the Company and the
Investor, the Investor was granted first right of refusal to negotiate for
future distribution of certain products. In addition, the two parties will
participate with royalty rights on sales of specified products (see Note 9).
 
Common Stock
 
  In July 1997 the Company completed its IPO of 5,637,850 shares of Common
Stock (including an underwriters' over-allotment option exercised for 637,850
shares) at a price of $8.50 per share, providing the Company with net proceeds
of approximately $43.9 million. Upon closing of the IPO, all of the
outstanding shares of Series A, B, C, D, E and F Preferred Stock were
automatically converted into 11,289,388 shares of Common Stock.
 
                                     F-18
<PAGE>
 
                       HESKA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  The Company has granted stock purchase rights to acquire 322,000 shares of
common stock to key executives pursuant to the 1994 Key Executive Stock Plan.
As of December 31, 1997, executives had exercised all of these stock purchase
rights by executing promissory notes payable to the Company. The fair market
value of the underlying Common Stock equaled the exercise price on the date of
grant and the date of exercise. The notes mature in six years, bear interest at
7.5% and are secured by a pledge of certain shares of the Company's Common
Stock. Under the terms of the Key Executive Stock Plan, if the purchaser's
relationship with the Company ceases for any reason within 48 months of the
grant date, the Company may, within 90 days following termination, repurchase
at the original exercise price all of the stock which has not vested. The stock
vests ratably over a 48 month period. During the years ended December 31, 1996
and 1997, 170,350 and 250,834 shares had vested and been released from the
purchase option, respectively.
 
Stock Option Plans
 
  The Company has a stock option plan which authorizes the grant of stock
options and stock purchase rights to employees, officers, directors and
consultants of the Company to purchase shares of common stock. In 1997, the
board of directors adopted the 1997 Stock Incentive Plan (the "1997 Plan") and
terminated two prior option plans. All shares remaining available for grant
under the terminated plans were rolled into the 1997 Plan. The Board also
increased the total number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance
under the 1997 Plan to 3,495,254. The number of shares reserved for issuance
under the plan increases automatically on January 1 of each year by a number
equal to the lesser of (a) 1,500,000 shares or (b) 5% of the shares of Common
Stock outstanding on the immediately preceding December 31. The number of
shares reserved for issuance as of January 1, 1998 was 4,437,955.
 
  The stock options granted by the board of directors may be either incentive
stock options ("ISO") or nonstatutory stock options ("NSO") and expire as
determined by the board of directors. The purchase price for options under the
plan may be no less than 100% of fair market value for ISOs or 85% of fair
market value for NSOs. Options granted will expire no later than the tenth
anniversary subsequent to the date of grant or 90 days following termination of
employment, except in cases of death or disability, in which case the options
will remain exercisable for up to twelve months. Under the terms of the 1997
Plan, in the event the Company is sold or merged, options granted will either
be assumed by the surviving corporation or vest immediately.
 
Statement Of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 ("SFAS 123")
 
  SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, defines a fair value based
method of accounting for employee stock options, employee stock purchases, or
similar equity instruments. However, SFAS 123 allows the continued measurement
of compensation cost for such plans using the intrinsic value based method
prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees
("APB 25"), provided that pro forma disclosures are made of net income or loss,
assuming the fair value based method of SFAS 123 had been applied. The Company
has elected to account for its stock-based compensation plans under APB 25;
accordingly, for purposes of the pro forma disclosures presented below, the
Company has computed the fair values of all options granted during 1995, 1996
and 1997, using the Black-Scholes pricing model and the following weighted
average assumptions:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1995       1996       1997
                                                ---------- ---------- ----------
      <S>                                       <C>        <C>        <C>
      Risk-free interest rate..................      5.93%      6.12%      6.49%
      Expected lives........................... 3.30 years 3.11 years 4.93 years
      Expected volatility......................        80%        80%        72%
      Expected dividend yield..................         0%         0%         0%
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>
 
                      HESKA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  To estimate expected lives of options for this valuation, it was assumed
options will be exercised at varying schedules after becoming fully vested
dependent upon the income level of the option holder. For measurement
purposes, options have been segregated into three income groups, and estimated
exercise behavior of option recipients varies from zero to one year from the
date of vesting, dependent on income group (less highly compensated employees
are expected to have shorter holding periods). All options are initially
assumed to vest. Cumulative compensation cost recognized in pro forma basic
net income or loss with respect to options that are forfeited prior to vesting
is adjusted as a reduction of pro forma compensation expense in the period of
forfeiture. Because the Company's common stock has only recently been publicly
traded, the expected market volatility was estimated for 1995 and 1996 using
the estimated average volatility of four publicly held companies which the
Company believes to be similar with respect to the markets in which they
compete. Actual volatility of the Company's stock has been slightly lower than
this estimate since the date of the Company's IPO and was used for 1997
computations. Fair value computations are highly sensitive to the volatility
factor assumed; the greater the volatility, the higher the computed fair value
of the options granted.
 
  The total fair value of options granted was computed to be approximately
$1.2 million and $3.9 million for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997,
respectively. The amounts are amortized ratably over the vesting periods of
the options. Pro forma stock-based compensation, net of the effect of
forfeitures, was $367,000 and $1.8 million for 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
  A summary of the Company's stock option plans is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                        ---------------------------------------
                                               1996                1997
                                        ------------------- -------------------
                                                   WEIGHTED            WEIGHTED
                                                   AVERAGE             AVERAGE
                                                   EXERCISE            EXERCISE
                                         OPTIONS    PRICE    OPTIONS    PRICE
                                        ---------  -------- ---------  --------
<S>                                     <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>
Outstanding at beginning of period..... 1,279,592  $0.2973  1,898,992  $0.6250
  Granted..............................   794,624  $1.1031  1,022,250  $3.6177
  Cancelled............................   (72,942) $0.4634    (96,017) $1.8866
  Exercised............................  (102,282) $0.3559   (398,340) $0.3579
                                        ---------           ---------
Outstanding at end of period........... 1,898,992  $0.6250  2,426,885  $1.8795
                                        =========           =========
Exercisable at end of period...........   850,662  $0.4049    983,977  $0.8951
                                        =========           =========
</TABLE>
 
  The weighted average exercise prices and weighted average estimated fair
value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997
were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                          -------------------------------------------------------
                                     1996                        1997
                          -------------------------- ----------------------------
                                  WEIGHTED                     WEIGHTED
                                   AVERAGE  WEIGHTED            AVERAGE  WEIGHTED
                          NUMBER  ESTIMATED AVERAGE            ESTIMATED AVERAGE
                            OF      FAIR    EXERCISE NUMBER OF   FAIR    EXERCISE
                          OPTIONS   VALUE    PRICE    OPTIONS    VALUE    PRICE
                          ------- --------- -------- --------- --------- --------
<S>                       <C>     <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
Exercise price equal to
 estimated fair value...  133,523  $0.2400  $0.7147    167,400  $5.4622  $9.3684
Exercise price less than
 estimated fair value...  661,101   1.8223   1.2000    854,850   3.5078   2.4916
                          -------                    ---------
                          794,624  $1.5157  $1.1031  1,022,250  $3.8279  $3.6177
                          =======                    =========
</TABLE>
 
  The Company recorded deferred compensation (as calculated under APB 25) of
$879,000 as of December 31, 1996 and $1.4 million during the year ended
December 31, 1997 based on the difference between the estimated fair value of
the underlying common stock of $1.80 per share and $4.65 per share,
respectively, and
 
                                     F-20
<PAGE>
 
                      HESKA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
the relative weighted average exercise prices of options of $1.20 per share
and $2.49 per share, respectively, for options to purchase 661,101 and 854,850
shares of Common Stock, respectively. Deferred compensation is being amortized
over the applicable vesting periods, or 48 months. Amortization of deferred
compensation totaled $525,000 in the year ended December 31, 1997.
Amortization of deferred compensation during the year ended December 31, 1996
was not material.
 
  The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding
and exercisable at December 31, 1997:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        OPTIONS OUTSTANDING             OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
               ------------------------------------- --------------------------
                 NUMBER OF      WEIGHTED
                  OPTIONS        AVERAGE    WEIGHTED                   WEIGHTED
               OUTSTANDING AT   REMAINING   AVERAGE  NUMBER OF OPTIONS AVERAGE
  EXERCISE      DECEMBER 31,   CONTRACTUAL  EXERCISE  EXERCISABLE AT   EXERCISE
   PRICES           1997      LIFE IN YEARS  PRICE   DECEMBER 31, 1997  PRICE
  --------     -------------- ------------- -------- ----------------- --------
<S>            <C>            <C>           <C>      <C>               <C>
$0.15               90,492        3.58      $ 0.1500       90,492      $ 0.1500
$0.25              156,258        5.48      $ 0.2500      156,258      $ 0.2500
$0.35              579,768        7.43      $ 0.3500      318,450      $ 0.3500
$1.20            1,036,156        8.72      $ 1.2000      347,384      $ 1.2000
$3.00              233,876        9.21      $ 3.0000       42,506      $ 3.0000
$5.00              168,235        9.37      $ 5.0000       21,645      $ 5.0000
$8.63-$12.50       146,850        9.60      $ 8.9131        7,127      $ 8.7591
$13.63-$14.50       15,250        9.83      $13,8154          115      $13.9477
                 ---------                                -------
$0.15-$14.50     2,426,885        8.17      $ 1.8795      983,977      $ 0.8951
                 =========                                =======
</TABLE>
 
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP")
 
  Under the 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the Company is authorized to
issue up to 250,000 shares of common stock to its employees. Employees of the
Company and its U.S. subsidiaries who work at least 20 hours per week are
eligible to participate. Under the terms of the plan, employees can choose to
have up to 10% of their annual base earnings withheld to purchase the
Company's common stock. The purchase price of the stock is 85% of the lower of
its beginning-of-enrollment period or end-of-measurement period market price.
Each enrollment period is two years, with six month measurement periods ending
July 30 and December 31.
 
  The Company has computed the fair values of stock purchased under the ESPP
in 1997, using the Black-Scholes pricing model and the following weighted
average assumptions:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          1997
                                                                         -------
      <S>                                                                <C>
      Risk-free interest rate...........................................  5.69%
      Expected lives.................................................... 2 years
      Expected volatility...............................................   72%
      Expected dividend yield...........................................   0%
</TABLE>
 
  The total fair value of stock sold under the ESPP was computed to be
approximately $103,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997 with a weighted-
average fair value of the purchase rights granted of $4.73 per share. Pro
forma stock-based compensation, net of the effect of forfeitures, was $103,000
in 1997 for the ESPP.
 
                                     F-21
<PAGE>
 
                      HESKA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
Pro Forma Basic Net Loss per Share under SFAS 123
 
  If the Company had accounted for all of its stock-based compensation plans
in accordance with SFAS 123, the Company's net loss would have been reported
as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                  ----------------------------
                                                    1995      1996      1997
                                                  --------  --------  --------
      <S>                                         <C>       <C>       <C>
      Net loss:
        As reported.............................. $ (4,566) $(17,975) $(37,292)
                                                  ========  ========  ========
        Pro forma (unaudited).................... $ (4,604) $(18,342) $(39,101)
                                                  ========  ========  ========
      Pro forma basic net loss per share:
        As reported (unaudited)..................           $  (1.35) $  (2.33)
                                                            ========  ========
        Pro forma (unaudited)....................           $  (1.38) $  (2.44)
                                                            ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
Stock Warrants
 
  The Company had issued warrants to purchase 6,400 shares of Series C
preferred stock at an exercise price of $2.50 per share and 6,225 shares, 267
shares and 18,500 shares of Series D preferred stock at an exercise price of
$3.25 per share in connection with certain leases discussed in Note 4. Upon
the closing of the IPO, the rights were converted to warrants to purchase the
Company's common stock at the original exercise prices. These warrants expire
on November 7, 1998, June 7, 2002, December 30, 2002 and October 20, 2003,
respectively. In September 1997, the Company issued 5,323 shares of common
stock in exchange for the warrant for 6,400 shares at an exercise price of
$2.50 per share in a cashless "net" exercise. No other warrants have been
exercised as of December 31, 1997.
 
11. MAJOR CUSTOMERS
 
  The Company had sales of greater than 10% of total revenue to only one
customer during the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997. This customer,
which represented 64% and 29% of total revenues, respectively, purchases
vaccines from Diamond.
 
                                     F-22
<PAGE>
 
                      HESKA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONCLUDED)
 
12. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 YEAR ENDED
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                             ------------------
                                                             1995  1996   1997
                                                             ---- ------ ------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                          <C>  <C>    <C>
Cash paid for interest...................................... $ 55 $  331 $1,119
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
  Issuance of debt related to acquisitions..................  --     207  3,465
  Issuance of preferred stock and options to purchase common
   stock in exchange for the common stock of Diamond, net of
   cash acquired............................................  --   7,058    --
  Issuance of common and preferred stock related to acquisi-
   tions, net of cash
   acquired.................................................  --     --   3,892
  Reduction in future payment on debt to customer in ex-
   change for the granting of certain rights................  --   1,250    --
  Issuance of preferred stock in exchange for cancellation
   of indebtedness, including accrued interest..............  639    --     --
  Purchase of assets under direct capital lease financing...  416    --     894
</TABLE>
 
13. GEOGRAPHIC SEGMENT REPORTING
 
  The Company manufactures and markets its products in two major geographic
areas, North America and Europe. The Company's two manufacturing facilities
are located in North America.
 
  All revenues from research and development are earned in North America by
Heska or Diamond. There have been no significant exports from North America or
Europe.
 
  In 1997, European subsidiaries purchased products from North America for
sale to European customers. Transfer prices to foreign subsidiaries are
intended to allow the North American companies to produce profit margins
commensurate with their sales and marketing efforts. Prior to 1997, the
Company had neither foreign subsidiaries, nor foreign revenues. Certain
information by geographic area is as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              NORTH AMERICA EUROPE  CONSOLIDATED
                                              ------------- ------  ------------
<S>                                           <C>           <C>     <C>
Product revenues, net........................   $ 16,075    $2,224    $ 18,299
Loss from operations.........................   $(37,187)   $ (581)   $(37,768)
Identifiable assets..........................   $ 63,379    $1,869    $ 65,248
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-23
<PAGE>
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
 
The Board of Directors
Diamond Animal Health, Inc.
Des Moines, Iowa
 
  We have audited the accompanying statements of income and cash flows of
Diamond Animal Health, Inc. for the year ended March 31, 1996. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit.
 
  We conducted out audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Diamond
Animal Health, Inc. for the year ended March 31, 1996 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
 
Des Moines, Iowa
May 14, 1996
 
                                     F-24
<PAGE>
 
                          DIAMOND ANIMAL HEALTH, INC.
 
                              STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
                           YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1996
                                 (in thousands)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1996
                                                                        -------
<S>                                                                     <C>
Net sales (Note 6)..................................................... $ 8,124
Cost of goods sold.....................................................   6,467
                                                                        -------
    Gross profit.......................................................   1,657
Selling, general and administrative expenses (Note 5)..................   2,829
                                                                        -------
    Operating loss.....................................................  (1,172)
                                                                        -------
Financial expense:
  Interest income......................................................      12
  Interest (expense)...................................................    (426)
                                                                        -------
                                                                           (414)
                                                                        -------
Loss before income tax benefit.........................................  (1,586)
Income tax benefit (Note 4)............................................    (130)
                                                                        -------
    Net loss........................................................... $(1,456)
                                                                        =======
</TABLE>
 
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>
 
                          DIAMOND ANIMAL HEALTH, INC.
 
                            STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
                           YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1996
                                 (in thousands)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1996
                                                                       -------
<S>                                                                    <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Net income (loss)................................................... $(1,456)
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash (used in) op-
   erating activities:
    Depreciation......................................................     159
    Amortization......................................................      23
    Noncash pension expense...........................................       7
    Noncash interest expense..........................................     195
    Change in operating assets and liabilities:
      (Increase) in trade receivables.................................     (37)
      (Increase) in income tax refund claim receivable................    (160)
      (Increase) in inventories.......................................    (667)
      (Increase) in prepaid expenses..................................     (70)
      Decrease in other assets........................................      16
      Increase in accounts payable....................................     421
      Increase in accrued expenses....................................     152
      Increase in customer deposits...................................     623
                                                                       -------
        Net cash (used in) operating activities.......................    (794)
                                                                       -------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Purchase of property and equipment..................................    (218)
                                                                       -------
        Net cash (used in) investing activities.......................    (218)
                                                                       -------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Proceeds from debt..................................................   1,505
  Principal payments on debt, including capital lease obligations.....    (482)
                                                                       -------
        Net cash provided by financing activities.....................   1,023
                                                                       -------
        Net increase in cash..........................................      11
CASH
  Beginning...........................................................      83
                                                                       -------
  Ending.............................................................. $    94
                                                                       -------
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
  Cash payments for:
    Interest.......................................................... $   221
    Income taxes......................................................       5
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Accretion (valuation) of redeemable common stock purchase warrants
   (Note 3)...........................................................    (116)
  Capital lease obligations incurred for the purchase of equipment....     136
  347,028 shares of common stock issued in exchange for redeemable
   common stock purchase warrants, net of $100 cash secured (Note 3)..     135
  (Decrease) in minimum pension liability as stockholder's equity.....     (24)
</TABLE>
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>
 
                          DIAMOND ANIMAL HEALTH, INC.
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1. NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  Nature of business: Diamond Animal Health, Inc. (the "Company") manufactures
and sells animal health products to the agricultural and veterinary markets in
the United States, Canada and Europe. The Company, which was incorporated in
1993 and began operations in its current legal form in 1994, is a successor
corporation to an original manufacturing company which was founded in 1952.
 
 Significant accounting policies:
 
  Cost of goods sold: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined
by using first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, or market.
 
  Depreciation: Depreciation is provided on the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of the assets, including 10 to 15 years for buildings
and 5 to 10 years for machinery and equipment. It is the Company's policy to
include amortization of assets acquired under capital leases with depreciation
expense on owned assets.
 
  Amortization: Costs incurred in connection with the organization of the
Company are amortized on the straight-line basis over five years.
 
  Deferred taxes: Deferred taxes are provided on a liability method whereby
deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and
tax credit carryforwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for
taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences
between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis.
Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion
of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the
deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities
are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of
enactment.
 
  Stock options and awards: Employee stock options and awards are accounted
for in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 using the
intrinsic value method. Under that method, the excess of the fair value of the
underlying stock over the exercise price is determined at the measurement date
and recognized as compensation expense over the related service period.
 
  Research and development: Expenditures for research and development are
charged to expense as incurred. Expense for the year ended March 31, 1996 was
approximately $1,455,000.
 
  Revenue recognition: Revenue is recognized upon shipment of orders.
 
  Estimates and assumptions: The preparation of financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues
and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from
those estimates.
 
NOTE 2. RENT EXPENSE
 
  The Company leases its primary production and office facility under a
noncancelable operating lease expiring on December 31, 1998. The lease
contains a five-year renewal option exercisable at the option of the Company.
In addition, the Company leases certain office equipment and autos under
operating leases expiring from February 1997 to May 2000. Total rent expense
was approximately $182,000 for the year ended March 31, 1996.
 
NOTE 3. REDEEMABLE COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANTS
 
  In connection with the initial capitalization of the Company, warrants were
issued to subordinated lenders to purchase a total of 337,028 shares of common
stock at an exercise price of $.005 per share. Total proceeds
 
                                     F-27
<PAGE>
 
                          DIAMOND ANIMAL HEALTH, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
received from the lenders were allocated to long-term debt and warrants based
on fair value, resulting in an initial carrying value of the warrants of
$133,000. The carrying value of the warrants was being accreted to the
estimated redemption price on a pro-rata basis over the period until the
initial redemption date, with a corresponding credit to retained earnings of
$(116,000) for the year ended March 31, 1996. All warrants were exercised
during the year ended March 31, 1996. Under a similar agreement, warrants to
purchase 20,000 shares of common stock were issued in March 1996, with 10,000
warrants exercised at $.01 per share and the remaining 10,000 exercised
subsequent to year-end at $.01 per share.
 
NOTE 4. INCOME TAXES
 
  The income tax provision differs from the amount of income tax determined by
applying the U.S. federal income tax rate to pretax income (loss) from
continuing operations for the year ended March 31, 1996 due to the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1996
                                                                     ---------
   <S>                                                               <C>
   Computed "expected" benefit...................................... $(544,000)
   Increase in valuation allowance..................................   414,000
                                                                     ---------
                                                                     $(130,000)
                                                                     =========
</TABLE>
 
  At March 31, 1996, the Company had research and development tax credit
carryforwards of approximately $370,000 which expire in 2000 through 2003. The
Company also had net operating loss carryforwards of $567,000 which expire in
the year 2010.
 
NOTE 5. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
  The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering all
employees who have met the eligibility requirements. The plan provides monthly
benefits based on years of service which are subject to certain reductions if
the employee retires before reaching age 65. Substantially all employees were
eligible for the plan prior to the plan being frozen. The Company's funding
policy is to make the minimum annual contribution that is required by
applicable regulations. Effective October 1992, the Company froze the plan
restricting new participants and benefits for future service.
 
  Net pension cost for the Company's defined benefit pension plan consisted of
the following components for the year ended March 31, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1996
                                                                      ---------
   <S>                                                                <C>
   Interest cost on projected benefit obligation..................... $  72,000
   Actual return on plan assets......................................  (171,000)
   Net amortization and deferral.....................................   106,000
                                                                      ---------
                                                                      $   7,000
                                                                      =========
</TABLE>
 
 
                                     F-28
<PAGE>
 
                          DIAMOND ANIMAL HEALTH, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Assumptions used by the Company in the determination of the pension plan
information consisted of the following as of March 31, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                                     <C>
   Discount rate.......................................................... 7.00%
   Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets....................... 7.75%
</TABLE>
 
  The Company has a 401(k) plan covering substantially all full-time
employees. Under the terms of the plan, participants may contribute up to 15%
of the salary to the plan. The Company matches certain employee contributions,
depending on length of service with the Company. Expense related to this plan
was approximately $82,000 for the year ended March 31, 1996. The Company also
has a defined contribution plan covering substantially all full-time
employees. The Company contributed 3% of all eligible employee earnings for
the year ended March 31, 1996. Expense related to this plan was approximately
$108,000 for the year ended March 31, 1996.
 
  The Company has an employee stock option plan providing for the issuance of
up to 337,028 shares of the Company's common stock. The plan provides for
options to be issued to key employees at an exercise price of not less than
fair market value with a term of ten years and a month to exercise from date
of grant. At March 31, 1996 the Company had options outstanding for a total of
129,737 shares at an exercise price of $3.18 per share, all of which were
fully vested and exercisable and expire in the years ending March 31, 2005 and
2006.
 
NOTE 6. MAJOR CUSTOMER
 
  Approximately 71% of the Company's revenues for the year ended March 31,
1996 were derived from the Company's major customer representing sales of
approximately $5,766,000. The Company has a supply agreement with the customer
which obligates the customer to purchase a minimum quantity of vaccines from
the Company annually on a calendar year basis starting January 1, 1996. The
agreement is effective through June 1999, renewable annually thereafter. This
agreement is terminable by either party for material breach which remains
uncured by the other party or after June 30, 1999 on 18 months' written
notice.
 
NOTE 7. INTEREST EXPENSE
 
  The Company had long-term debt, bank and other notes payable totaling
$5,347,000 at March 31, 1996 at interest rates ranging primarily from 8% to
10%.
 
                                     F-29
<PAGE>
 
                       [INSIDE BACK COVER OF PROSPECTUS]
 
[PHOTOGRAPHS OF DOG, CAT AND HORSE AND DRAWINGS OF THE LOGOS OF HESKA'S
SUBSIDIARIES, BLOXHAM LABORATORIES, LTD., CMG CENTRE MEDICAL DES GRAND'PLACES
SA, DIAMOND ANIMAL HEALTH, AND CENTER LABORATORIES, INCORPORATED. APPEAR HERE]

 
 CAPTION READS: OUR MISSION: TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF COMPANION
                           ANIMALS AND THEIR OWNERS.
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER INDIVIDUAL HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IN
CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING COVERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS. IF GIVEN OR MADE,
SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AU-
THORIZED BY THE COMPANY, THE SELLING STOCKHOLDER OR THE UNDERWRITERS. THIS
PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER
TO BUY, THE COMMON STOCK IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM,
IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES,
CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET
FORTH IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HERE-
OF.
 
                               ----------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PAGE
                                                                          ----
<S>                                                                       <C>
Prospectus Summary.......................................................   3
Risk Factors.............................................................   7
Use of Proceeds..........................................................  14
Price Range of Common Stock..............................................  14
Dividend Policy..........................................................  15
Capitalization...........................................................  15
Dilution.................................................................  16
Selected Consolidated Financial Data.....................................  17
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
 of Operations...........................................................  18
Business.................................................................  22
Management...............................................................  41
Principal and Selling Stockholders.......................................  49
Certain Transactions.....................................................  51
Description of Capital Stock.............................................  53
Shares Eligible for Future Sale..........................................  55
Certain United States Federal Tax Considerations for Non-United States
 Holders.................................................................  55
Underwriting.............................................................  57
Legal Matters............................................................  59
Experts..................................................................  59
Additional Information...................................................  59
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements............................... F-1
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                               5,000,000 SHARES
 
                   [LOGO OF HESKA CORPORATION APPEARS HERE]
 
                                 COMMON STOCK
 
                               ----------------
 
                                  PROSPECTUS
 
                               ----------------
 
                              MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
 
                          CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
 
                               HAMBRECHT & QUIST
 
                                      , 1998
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
                    INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
  The following table sets forth the various expenses expected to be incurred
by the Registrant in connection with the sale and distribution of the
securities being registered hereby, other than underwriting discounts and
commissions. All amounts are estimated except the Securities and Exchange
Commission registration fee and the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. filing fee.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     PAYABLE BY
                                                                     REGISTRANT
                                                                     ----------
      <S>                                                            <C>
      SEC registration fee..........................................  $ 19,825
      National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. filing fee...     7,220
      Blue Sky fees and expenses....................................     5,000
      Accounting fees and expenses..................................    25,000
      Legal fees and expenses.......................................   100,000
      The Nasdaq Stock Market additional listing fee................    17,500
      Printing and engraving expenses...............................   150,000
      Registrar and Transfer Agent's fees...........................     5,000
      Miscellaneous fees and expenses...............................    20,455
                                                                      --------
          Total.....................................................  $350,000
                                                                      ========
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
  Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides for the
indemnification of officers, directors, and other corporate agents in terms
sufficiently broad to indemnify such persons under certain circumstances for
liabilities (including reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the
Securities Act. Article VIII of the Registrant's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation (Exhibit 3.1 hereto) authorizes the Board of Directors of the
Registrant to indemnify the Registrant's directors, officers, employees and
other agents to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General
Corporation Law. The Registrant has also entered into agreements with its
directors and officers that will require the Registrant, among other things,
to indemnify them against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of
their status or service as directors or officers to the fullest extent not
prohibited by law.
 
  The Purchase Agreement (Exhibit 1.1) provides for indemnification by the
Underwriters of the Registrant, its directors and officers, and by the
Registrant of the Underwriters, for certain liabilities, including liabilities
arising under the Act, and affords certain rights of contribution with respect
thereto.
 
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
 
  (a) On various dates between January 1995 and August 1997, the Registrant
issued an aggregate of 506,550 shares of its Common Stock to 78 employees and
consultants pursuant to the exercise of options granted under its stock option
plans. The exercise prices per share ranged from $.10 to $3.00, for an
aggregate consideration of $189,554. The Registrant relied on the exemption
provided by Rule 701 under the Act.
 
  (b) In February 1995 and January 1997, the Registrant issued an aggregate of
322,000 shares of its Common Stock to two senior executives and a director of
the Company pursuant to restricted stock purchase agreements under a stock
option plan. The purchase prices ranged from $0.35 to $1.20 per share for an
aggregate consideration of $133,950. The Registrant relied on the exemption
provided by Section 4(2) and Rule 701 under the Act.
 
 
                                     II-1
<PAGE>
 
  (c) In 1994 and 1995, the Registrant issued an aggregate of 3,928,085 shares
of Series E Preferred Stock to a total of three accredited investors at an
effective price per share of $3.25, for an aggregate cash consideration of
$12,766,276. In April 1996, the Company issued 3,000,000 shares of its Series
F Preferred Stock to a single accredited investor at a purchase price of
$12.00 per share for an aggregate cash consideration of $36,000,000. The
Registrant relied on the exemptions provided by Sections 4(2) and 4(6) of the
Act.
 
  (d) On various dates between March 1994 and October 1997, the Registrant
issued an aggregate of 4,725 shares of Common Stock to two consultants and a
former employee of the Registrant in consideration of consulting services and
the settlement of an employment dispute. The Registrant relied upon the
exemptions provided by Rule 701 and Rule 505 of Regulation D of the Act.
 
  (e) In April 1996, the Registrant issued an aggregate of 841,914 shares of
Series E Preferred Stock to the eight shareholders of Diamond Animal Health,
Inc. in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of Diamond. The Registrant
relied upon the exemption provided by Section 4(2) of the Act.
 
  (f) In February 1997, the Registrant issued an aggregate of 54,000 shares of
Series E Preferred Stock to the three shareholders of Bloxham Laboratories
Limited in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of Bloxham. The
Registrant relied upon the exemption provided by Section 4(2) of the Act.
 
  (g) In May 1997, the Registrant issued an aggregate of 376,000 shares of
Common Stock and 70,000 shares of Series E Preferred Stock to the three
shareholders of Astarix Institute, Inc. in exchange for all of the outstanding
shares of Astarix. The Registrant relied upon the exemption provided by
Section 4(2) of the Act.
 
  (h) In August 1997, the Registrant issued an aggregate of 59,905 shares of
Common Stock to two shareholders of Centre Medical des Grand'Places SA ("CMG")
in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of CMG held by them. The
Registrant relied upon the exemption provided by Regulation S of the Act.
 
  (i) Between July 1997 and August 1997, the Registrant issued an aggregate of
705,389 shares in connection with the issuance of Common Stock in the
Registrant's initial public offering to an existing stockholder pursuant to
certain anti-dilution provisions contained in the Registrant's Certificate of
Incorporation. The Registrant relied upon the exemption provided by Section
4(2) of the Act.
 
  (j) In September 1997, the Registrant issued 5,323 shares to an equipment
lessor pursuant to the net exercise of a warrant for 6,400 shares of Heska
Common Stock. The Registrant relied upon the exemption provided by Section
4(2) of the Act.
 
  (k) In October 1997, the Registrant issued 17,606 shares of Common Stock to
a company in exchange for certain assets. The Registrant relied upon the
exemption provided by Rule 505 of Regulation D and Section 4(2) of the Act.
 
  Where required, the recipients of the above-described securities represented
their intention to acquire the securities for investment only and not with a
view to distribution thereof. Appropriate legends were affixed, where
required, to the stock certificates issued in such transactions. All
recipients had adequate access, through employment or other relationships, to
information about the Registrant.
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
  (A) EXHIBITS
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                  DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
 -------                 -----------------------
 <C>     <S>
   1.1   Form of Purchase Agreement.
   3.1   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant.(1)
   3.2   Bylaws of Registrant.(1)
   4.1   Specimen Common Stock Certificate.(1)
</TABLE>
 
 
                                     II-2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                          DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
 -------                         -----------------------
 <C>     <S>
  4.2    First Amended Investors' Rights Agreement by and among Registrant and
          certain stockholders of Registrant dated as of April 12, 1996.(1)
  4.3    Form of warrant to purchase Series C Preferred Stock.(1)
  4.4    Form of warrant to purchase Series D Preferred Stock.(1)
  5.1    Opinion of Pillsbury Madison & Sutro LLP.
  9.1    Voting Agreement by and among Registrant and certain stockholders of
          Registrant, dated as of April 12, 1996.(1)
 10.1+   Collaborative Agreement between Registrant and Eisai Co., Ltd. dated
          January 25, 1993.(1)
 10.2+   Canine Heartworm Cooperation Agreement between Registrant and Bayer AG
          dated as of June 10, 1994.(1)
 10.3+   Feline Toxoplasmosis Cooperation Agreement between Registrant and
          Bayer AG dated as of June 10, 1994.(1)
 10.4+   Product Supply and License Agreement between Registrant and Atrix
          Laboratories, Inc. dated May 1, 1995, as amended June 23, 1995.(1)
 10.5+   Screening and Development Agreement between Ciba-Geigy Limited and
          Registrant, dated as of April 12, 1996.(1)
 10.6    Right of First Refusal Agreement between Ciba-Geigy Limited and
          Registrant, dated as of April 12, 1996(1).
 10.7    Marketing Agreement between Registrant and Ciba-Geigy Limited dated as
          of April 12, 1996.(1)
 10.8+   Marketing Agreement between Registrant and Ciba-Geigy Corporation
          dated as of April 12, 1996.(1)
 10.9+   Manufacturing and Supply Agreement between and among Diamond Animal
          Health, Inc., Agrion Corporation, Diamond Scientific Co. and Miles
          Inc. dated December 31, 1993 and Amendment and Extension thereto
          dated September 1, 1995.(1)
 10.10   Employment Agreement between Registrant and Robert B. Grieve dated
          January 1, 1994, as amended March 4, 1997.(1)
 10.11   Employment Agreement between Registrant and Fred M. Schwarzer dated
          November 1, 1994, as amended March 4, 1997.(1)
 10.12   Employment Agreement between Registrant and R. Lee Seward dated
          October 17, 1994.(1)
 10.13   Employment Agreement between Registrant and Louis G. Van Daele dated
          April 14, 1996.(1)
 10.14   Employment Agreement between Registrant and Giuseppe Miozzari dated
          July 1, 1997.
 10.15+  Supply Agreement between Registrant and Quidel Corporation dated July
          3, 1997.(2)
 10.16   Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement dated February 28, 1995 by and
          between Registrant and Fred M. Schwarzer.(1)
 10.17   Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement dated February 28, 1995 by and
          between Registrant and R. Lee Seward.(1)
 10.18   Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement dated January 11, 1997 by and
          between Registrant and Denis H. Pomroy.(1)
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                         DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
 -------                        -----------------------
 <C>     <S>
  10.19  Form of Indemnification Agreement to be entered into between
          Registrant and its directors and certain officers.(1)
  10.20  1997 Incentive Stock Plan of Registrant.(1)
  10.21  Forms of Option Agreement.(1)
  10.22  1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Registrant.(1)
  10.23  Lease Agreement dated March 8, 1994 between Sharp Point Properties,
          LLC and Registrant.(1)
  10.24  Lease Agreement dated as of June 27, 1996 between GB Ventures and
          Registrant.(1)
  10.25  Lease Agreement dated as of July 11, 1996 between GB Ventures and
          Registrant.(1)
  10.26  Lease Agreement dated as of December 31, 1993 between Miles, Inc. and
          Diamond Animal Health, Inc., as amended September 1, 1995.(1)
  11.1   Statement of computation of earnings per share.
  21.1   Subsidiaries of the Company.
  23.1   Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
  23.2   Consent of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP.
  23.3   Consent of Pillsbury Madison & Sutro LLP (included in its opinion
          filed as Exhibit 5.1 to this Registration Statement).
  24.1   Power of Attorney (see page II-6).
  27.1   Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
- --------
+  Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions
   of these agreements.
(1) Filed with the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No.
    333-25767).
(2) Filed with the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
    1997.
 
  (B)FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
    None.
 
  Schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or not required
or because the information is included elsewhere in the Financial Statements
or the notes thereto.
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
 
  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act,
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the
Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is
asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with
the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of
its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a
court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by
it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by
the final adjudication of such issue.
 
                                     II-4
<PAGE>
 
  The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
    (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Act, the
  information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
  registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form
  of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or
  497(h) under the Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration
  statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
    (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Act, each
  post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed
  to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
  therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
  to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
    (3) It will provide to the underwriters at the closing(s) specified in
  the underwriting agreement certificates in such denominations and
  registered in such names as required by the underwriters to permit prompt
  delivery to each purchaser.
 
                                     II-5
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
 
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Fort Collins, State of
Colorado, on the 23rd day of January, 1998.
 
                                          Heska Corporation
 
                                                   /s/ Fred M. Schwarzer
                                          By __________________________________
                                                    Fred M. Schwarzer
                                              President and Chief Executive
                                                         Officer
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Fred M. Schwarzer, Robert B. Grieve, Deborah E.
Robbins, William G. Skolout, Paul Hudnut and A. Lynn DeGeorge, and each of
them, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full
power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including
post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any
registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration
Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933,
and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done,
as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or
their substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.
 
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
              SIGNATURE                        TITLE                 DATE
 
        /s/ Fred M. Schwarzer          President and Chief       January 23,
- -------------------------------------   Executive Officer            1998
          FRED M. SCHWARZER             (Principal
                                        Executive Officer)
                                        and Director
 
       /s/ William G. Skolout          Chief Financial           January 23,
- -------------------------------------   Officer (Principal           1998
         WILLIAM G. SKOLOUT             Financial and
                                        Accounting Officer)
 
          /s/ A. Barr Dolan            Chairman of the           January 23,
- -------------------------------------   Board                        1998
            A. BARR DOLAN
 
                                     II-6
<PAGE>
 
              SIGNATURE                         TITLE                DATE
 
     /s/ Robert B. Grieve, Ph.D.        Chief Scientific      January 23, 1998
- -------------------------------------    Officer and Vice            
       ROBERT B. GRIEVE, PH.D.           Chairman
 
      /s/ Lyle A. Hohnke, Ph.D.         Director              January 23, 1998
- -------------------------------------                                
        LYLE A. HOHNKE, PH.D.
 
         /s/ Denis H. Pomroy            Director              January 23, 1998
- -------------------------------------                                
           DENIS H. POMROY
 
   /s/ Lynnor B. Stevenson, Ph.D.       Director              January 23, 1998
- -------------------------------------                                
     LYNNOR B. STEVENSON, PH.D.
 
                                        Director               January  , 1998
- -------------------------------------
            GUY L. TEBBIT
 
                                      II-7

<PAGE>
                                                                     EXHIBIT 1.1

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                               HESKA CORPORATION



                            (a Delaware corporation)



                       [5,000,000] Shares of Common Stock



                               PURCHASE AGREEMENT



                           Dated:  February __, 1998


 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                                                     DRAFT OF JANUARY 16, 1998


                               HESKA CORPORATION

                           (a Delaware corporation)

                      [5,000,000] Shares of Common Stock

                          (Par Value $.001 Per Share)

                              PURCHASE AGREEMENT
                              ------------------

                                                            February __, 1998

MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
          Incorporated
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation
Hambrecht & Quist LLC
 as Representatives of the several Underwriters
c/o  Merrill Lynch & Co.
      Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
                 Incorporated
North Tower
World Financial Center
New York, New York  10281-1209

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     Heska Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company") and the persons
listed in Schedule B hereto (the "Selling Shareholders"), confirm their
respective agreements with Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &
Smith Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch") and each of the other Underwriters named in
Schedule A hereto (collectively, the "Underwriters", which term shall also
include any underwriter substituted as hereinafter provided in Section 10
hereof), for whom Merrill Lynch, Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation and
Hambrecht & Quist LLC are acting as representatives (in such capacity, the
"Representatives"), with respect to (i) the sale by the Company and the Selling
Shareholder(s), acting severally and not jointly, and the purchase by the
Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, of the respective numbers of
shares of Common Stock, par value $.001 per share, of the Company ("Common
Stock") set forth in Schedules A and B hereto and (ii) the grant to the
Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, of the option 

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
described in Section 2(b) hereof to purchase all or any part of [750,000]
additional shares of Common Stock to cover over-allotments, if any. The
aforesaid [5,000,000] shares of Common Stock (the "Initial Securities") to be
purchased by the Underwriters and all or any part of the [750,000] shares of
Common Stock subject to the option described in Section 2(b) hereof (the "Option
Securities") are hereinafter called, collectively, the "Securities".

  The Company and the Selling Shareholder(s) understand that the Underwriters
propose to make a public offering of the Securities as soon as the
Representatives deem advisable after this Agreement has been executed and
delivered.

  The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a registration statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-______) covering the
registration of the Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"1933 Act"), including the related preliminary prospectus or prospectuses.
Promptly after execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company will either
(i) prepare and file a prospectus in accordance with the provisions of Rule 430A
("Rule 430A") of the rules and regulations of the Commission under the 1933 Act
(the "1933 Act Regulations") and paragraph (b) of Rule 424 ("Rule 424(b)") of
the 1933 Act Regulations or (ii) if the Company has elected to rely upon Rule
434 ("Rule 434") of the 1933 Act Regulations, prepare and file a term sheet (a
"Term Sheet") in accordance with the provisions of Rule 434 and Rule 424(b). The
information included in such prospectus or in such Term Sheet, as the case may
be, that was omitted from such registration statement at the time it became
effective but that is deemed to be part of such registration statement at the
time it became effective (a) pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 430A is referred
to as "Rule 430A Information" or (b) pursuant to paragraph (d) of Rule 434 is
referred to as "Rule 434 Information." Each prospectus used before such
registration statement became effective, and any prospectus that omitted, as
applicable, the Rule 430A Information or the Rule 434 Information, that was used
after such effectiveness and prior to the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, is herein called a "preliminary prospectus."  Such registration
statement, including the exhibits thereto and schedules thereto at the time it
became effective and including the Rule 430A Information and the Rule 434
Information, as applicable, is herein called the "Registration Statement."  Any
registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the 1933 Act Regulations
is herein referred to as the "Rule 462(b) Registration Statement," and after
such filing the term "Registration Statement" shall include the Rule 462(b)
Registration Statement.  The final prospectus in the form first furnished to the
Underwriters for use in connection with the offering of the Securities is herein
called the "Prospectus."  If Rule 434 is relied on, the term "Prospectus" shall
refer to the preliminary prospectus dated February 1998 together with the Term
Sheet and all references in this Agreement to the date of the Prospectus shall
mean the date of the Term Sheet. For purposes of this Agreement, all references
to the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus or any
Term Sheet or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing shall be
deemed to include the copy filed with the Commission pursuant to its Electronic
Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system ("EDGAR").

                                      2  
<PAGE>
 
     SECTION 1.  Representations and Warranties.
                 ------------------------------   

     (a)     Representations and Warranties by the Company.    The Company
represents and warrants to each Underwriter as of the date hereof, as of the
Closing Time referred to in Section 2(c) hereof, and as of each Date of Delivery
(if any) referred to in Section 2(b) hereof, and agrees with each Underwriter,
as follows:

             (i) A registration statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-_______) relating
     to the Securities, including a form of prospectus, has been filed with
     Commission and either (A) has been declared effective under the Act and is
     not proposed to be amended or (B) is proposed to be amended by amendment or
     post-effective amendment. If such registration statement (the "initial
     registration statement") has been declared effective, either (A) a Rule
     462(b) Registration Statement relating to the Securities may have been
     filed with the Commission and, if so filed, has become effective upon
     filing pursuant to such Rule and the Securities all have been duly
     registered under the Act pursuant to the initial registration statement
     and, if applicable, the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement or (B) such a
     Rule 462(b) Registration Statement is proposed to be filed with the
     Commission and will become effective upon filing pursuant to such Rule and
     upon such filing the Securities will all have been duly registered under
     the Act pursuant to the initial registration statement and such Rule 462(b)
     Registration Statement. If the Company does not propose to amend the
     initial registration statement or if a Rule 462(b) Registration Statement
     has been filed and the Company does not propose to amend it, and if any
     post-effective amendment to either such registration statement has been
     filed with the Commission prior to the execution and delivery of this
     Agreement, the most recent amendment (if any) to each such registration
     statement has been declared effective by the Commission or has become
     effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(c) ("Rule 462(c)") under the Act
     or, in the case of the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, Rule 462(b). For
     purposes of this Agreement, "Effective Time" with respect to the initial
     registration statement or, if filed prior to the execution and delivery of
     this Agreement, the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement means (A) if the
     Company has advised the Representatives that it does not propose to amend
     such registration statement, the date and time as of which such
     registration statement, or the most recent post-effective amendment thereto
     (if any) filed prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, was
     declared effective by the Commission or has become effective upon filing
     pursuant to Rule 462(c), or (B) if the Company has advised the
     Representatives that it proposes to file an amendment or post-effective
     amendment to such registration statement, the date and time as of which
     such registration statement, as amended by such amendment or post-effective
     amendment, as the case may be, is declared effective by the Commission. If
     a Rule 462(b) Registration Statement has not been filed prior to the
     execution and delivery of this Agreement but the Company has advised the
     Representatives that it proposes to file one, "Effective Time" with respect
     to such Rule 462(b) Registration Statement means the date and time as of

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
     which such registration statement is filed and becomes effective
     pursuant to Rule 462(b). "Effective Date" with respect to the initial
     registration statement or the additional registration statement (if any)
     means the date of the Effective Time thereof. The initial registration
     statement, as amended at its Effective Time, including all information
     contained in the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement (if any) and deemed to
     be a part of the initial registration statement as of the Effective Time of
     the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement pursuant to the General Instructions
     of the Form on which it is filed and including all information (if any)
     deemed to be a part of the initial registration statement as of its
     Effective Time pursuant to Rule 430A(b) ("Rule 430A(b)") under the Act, is
     hereinafter referred to as the "Initial Registration Statement". The Rule
     462(b) Registration Statement, as amended at its Effective Time, including
     the contents of the initial registration statement incorporated by
     reference therein and including all information (if any) deemed to be a
     part of the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement as of its Effective Time
     pursuant to Rule 430A(b), is hereinafter referred to as the "Rule 462(b)
     Registration Statement".  The Initial Registration Statement and the
     Additional Registration are hereinafter referred to collectively as the
     "Registration Statements" and individually as a "Registration Statement".
     The form of prospectus relating to the Securities, as first filed with the
     Commission pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 424(b) ("Rule 424(b)")
     under the Act or (if no such filing is required) as included in a
     Registration Statement, is hereinafter referred to as the "Prospectus". No
     document has been or will be prepared or distributed in reliance on Rule
     434 under the Act.

          (ii) If the Effective Time of the Initial Registration Statement is
     prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement: (A) on the Effective
     Date of the Initial Registration Statement, the Initial Registration
     Statement conformed in all material respects to the requirements of the Act
     and the rules and regulations of the Commission ("Rules and Regulations")
     and did not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
     state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
     the statements therein not misleading, (B) on the Effective Date of the
     Rule 462(b) Registration Statement (if any), each Registration Statement
     conformed or will conform, in all material respects to the requirements of
     the Act and the Rules and Regulations and did not include, or will not
     include, any untrue statement of a material fact and did not omit, or will
     not omit, to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
     necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and (C) on the
     date of this Agreement, the Initial Registration Statement and, if the
     Effective Time of the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement is prior to the
     execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Rule 462(b) Registration 
     Statement each conforms, and at the time of filing of the Prospectus
     pursuant to Rule 424(b) or (if no such filing is required) at the Effective
     Date of the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement in which the Prospectus is
     included, each Registration Statement and the Prospectus will conform, in
     all material respects to the requirements of the Act and the Rules and
     Regulations, and neither of such documents includes, or will include, 

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
     any untrue statement of a material fact or omits, or will omit, to state
     any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
     statements therein not misleading. If the Effective Time of the Initial
     Registration Statement is subsequent to the execution and delivery of this
     Agreement: on the Effective Date of the Initial Registration Statement, the
     Initial Registration Statement and the Prospectus will conform in all
     material respects to the requirements of the Act and the Rules and
     Regulations, neither of such documents will include any untrue statement of
     a material fact or will omit to state any material fact required to be
     stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, (in the case of
     the Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made),
     not misleading, and no Rule 462(b) Registration Statement has been or will
     be filed. The two preceding sentences do not apply to statements in or
     omissions from a Registration Statement or the Prospectus based upon
     written information furnished to the Company by any Underwriter through
     Merrill Lynch specifically for use therein.

          (iii)  The Company has been duly incorporated and is an existing
     corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, with
     power and authority (corporate and other) to own its properties and conduct
     its business as described in the Prospectus; and the Company is duly
     qualified to do business as a foreign corporation in good standing in all
     other jurisdictions in which its ownership or lease of property or the
     conduct of its business requires such qualification, except where the
     failure to so qualify would not have a material adverse effect on the
     condition (financial or other), business, properties, results of operation,
     business affairs or business prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries
     taken as a whole, whether of not arising in the ordinary course of business
     ("Material Adverse Effect").

          (iv)   Each subsidiary of the Company has been duly incorporated and
     is an existing corporation in good standing under the laws of the
     jurisdiction of its incorporation, with power and authority (corporate and
     other) to own its properties and conduct its business as described in the
     Prospectus; and each subsidiary of the Company is duly qualified to do
     business as a foreign corporation in good standing in all other
     jurisdictions in which its ownership or lease of property or the conduct of
     its business requires such qualification, except where the failure to so
     qualify would not have a Material Adverse Effect; all of the issued and
     outstanding capital stock of each subsidiary of the Company has been duly
     authorized and validly issued and is fully paid and nonassessable; and the
     capital stock of each subsidiary owned by the Company, directly or through
     subsidiaries, is owned free from liens, encumbrances and defects.

          (v)    The Securities and all other outstanding shares of capital
     stock of the Company have been duly authorized, when issued in accordance
     with this Agreement will be, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable
     and conform to the description

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
     thereof contained in the Prospectus; and the stockholders of the Company
     have no preemptive rights with respect to the Securities.

          (vi)   Except as disclosed in the Prospectus, there are no contracts,
     agreements or understandings between the Company and any person that would
     give rise to a valid claim against the Company or any Underwriter for a
     brokerage commission, finder's fee or other like payment in connection with
     this offering.

          (vii)  There are no contracts, agreements or understandings between
     the Company and any person granting such person the right to require the
     Company to file a registration statement under the Act with respect to any
     securities of the Company owned or to be owned by such person or to require
     the Company to include such securities in the securities registered
     pursuant to a Registration Statement or in any securities being registered
     pursuant to any other registration statement filed by the Company under the
     Act other than such rights which have been satisfied or waived.

          (viii) The Securities have been approved for listing subject to
     notice of issuance on The Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market.

          (ix)   No consent, approval, authorization, or order of, or filing
     with, any governmental agency or body or any court is required to be
     obtained or made by the Company for the consummation of the transactions
     contemplated by this Agreement in connection with the sale of the
     Securities, except such as have been obtained and made under the Act and
     such as may be required under state securities laws.

          (x)    The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, and
     the consummation of the transactions herein contemplated will not result in
     a breach or violation of any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute
     a default under, any statute, any rule, regulation or order of any
     governmental agency or body or any court, domestic or foreign, having
     jurisdiction over the Company or any subsidiary of the Company or any of
     their properties, or any material agreement or instrument to which the
     Company or any such subsidiary is a party or by which the Company or any
     such subsidiary is bound or to which any of the properties of the Company
     or any such subsidiary is subject, or the charter or by-laws of the Company
     or any such subsidiary.

          (xi)   This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered
     by the Company.

          (xii)  Except as disclosed in the Prospectus, the Company and its
     subsidiaries have good and marketable title to all real properties and all
     other properties and assets owned by them, in each case free from liens,
     encumbrances and defects that would materially affect the value thereof or
     materially interfere with the use made or to be made

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
     thereof by them and except for liens securing equipment to equipment
     lessors; and except as disclosed in the Prospectus, the Company and its
     subsidiaries hold any leased real or personal property under valid and
     enforceable leases with no exceptions that would materially interfere with
     the use made or to be made thereof by them.

          (xiii)  The Company and its subsidiaries possess adequate
     certificates, authorities or permits issued by appropriate governmental
     agencies or bodies necessary to conduct the business now operated by them
     and have not received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation
     or modification of any such certificate, authority or permit that, if
     determined adversely to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, would
     individually or in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect.

          (xiv)   The Company and its subsidiaries have complied with the Hart-
     Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (15 U.S.C. (S) 18a) and the
     regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.

          (xv)    No labor dispute with the employees of the Company or any
     subsidiary exists or, to the knowledge of the Company, is imminent that
     might have a Material Adverse Effect.

          (xvi)   The Company and its subsidiaries own, possess or can acquire
     on reasonable terms, adequate trademarks, trade names and other rights to
     inventions, know-how, patents, copyrights, confidential information and
     other intellectual property (collectively, "intellectual property rights")
     necessary to conduct the business now operated by them, or presently
     employed by them, and except as disclosed in the Prospectus have not
     received any notice of infringement of or conflict with asserted rights of
     others with respect to any intellectual property rights that, if determined
     adversely to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, would individually or
     in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect.

          (xvii)  Except as disclosed in the Prospectus, neither the Company nor
     any of its subsidiaries is in violation of any statute, any rule,
     regulation, decision or order of any governmental agency or body or any
     court, domestic or foreign, relating to the use, disposal or release of
     hazardous or toxic substances or relating to the protection or restoration
     of the environment or human exposure to hazardous or toxic substances
     (collectively, "environmental laws"), owns or operates any real property
     contaminated with any substance that is subject to any environmental laws,
     is liable for any off-site disposal or contamination pursuant to any
     environmental laws, or is subject to any claim relating to any
     environmental laws, which violation, contamination, liability or claim
     would individually or in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect; and
     the Company is not aware of any pending investigation that might lead to
     such a claim.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
          (xviii)  Except as disclosed in the Prospectus, there are no pending
     actions, suits or proceedings against or affecting the Company, any of its
     subsidiaries or any of their respective properties that, if determined
     adversely to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, would individually or
     in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect, or would materially and
     adversely affect the ability of the Company to perform its obligations
     under this Agreement, or that are otherwise material in the context of the
     sale of the Securities; and no such actions, suits or proceedings are
     threatened or, to the Company's knowledge, contemplated.

          (xix)    The financial statements included in each Registration
     Statement and the Prospectus present fairly the financial position of the
     Company and its consolidated subsidiaries as of the dates shown and their
     results of operations and cash flows for the periods shown, and such
     financial statements have been prepared in conformity with the generally
     accepted accounting principles in the United States applied on a consistent
     basis and the schedules included in each Registration Statement present
     fairly the information required to be stated therein.

          (xx)     Except as disclosed in the Prospectus, since the date of the
     latest audited financial statements included in the Prospectus there has
     been no material adverse change, nor any development or event involving a
     prospective material adverse change, in the condition (financial or other),
     business, properties or results of operations of the Company and its
     subsidiaries taken as a whole, and, except as disclosed in or contemplated
     by the Prospectus, there has been no dividend or distribution of any kind
     declared, paid or made by the Company on any class of its capital stock.

          (xxi)    The Company is not and, after giving effect to the offering
     and sale of the Securities and the application of the proceeds thereof as
     described in the Prospectus, will not be an "investment company" as defined
     in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

          (xxii)   Neither the Company nor any of its affiliates does business
     with the government of Cuba or with any person or affiliate located in Cuba
     within the meaning of Section 517.075, Florida Statutes and the Company
     agrees to comply with such Section if prior to the completion of the
     distribution of the Securities it commences doing such business.

     (b)  Representations and Warranties by the Selling Shareholder(s).
Each Selling Shareholder severally represents and warrants to each Underwriter
as of the date hereof, as of the Closing Time, and, if the Selling Shareholder
is selling Option Securities on a Date of Delivery, as of each such Date of
Delivery, and agrees with each Underwriter, as follows:

          (i)      Accurate Disclosure.  To the best knowledge of such Selling
     Shareholder, the representations and warranties of the Company contained in
     Section 1(a) hereof are true and 

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
     correct; such Selling Shareholder has reviewed and is familiar with the
     Registration Statement and the Prospectus and neither the Prospectus nor
     any amendments or supplements thereto includes any untrue statement of a
     material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make
     the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they
     were made, not misleading; such Selling Shareholder is not prompted to sell
     the Securities to be sold by such Selling Shareholder hereunder by any
     information concerning the Company or any subsidiary of the Company which
     is not set forth in the Prospectus.

          (ii)  Authorization of Agreements.  Each Selling Shareholder has the
                ---------------------------
     full right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement and a Power of
     Attorney and Custody Agreement (the "Power of Attorney and Custody
     Agreement") and to sell, transfer and deliver the Securities to be sold by
     such Selling Shareholder hereunder. The execution and delivery of this
     Agreement and the Power of Attorney and Custody Agreement and the sale and
     delivery of the Securities to be sold by such Selling Shareholder and the
     consummation of the transactions contemplated herein and compliance by such
     Selling Shareholder with its obligations hereunder have been duly
     authorized by such Selling Shareholder and do not and will not, whether
     with or without the giving of notice or passage of time or both, conflict
     with or constitute a breach of, or default under, or result in the creation
     or imposition of any tax, lien, charge or encumbrance upon the Securities
     to be sold by such Selling Shareholder or any property or assets of such
     Selling Shareholder pursuant to any contract, indenture, mortgage, deed of
     trust, loan or credit agreement, note, license, lease or other agreement or
     instrument to which such Selling Shareholder is a party or by which such
     Selling Shareholder may be bound, or to which any of the property or assets
     of such Selling Shareholder is subject, nor will such action result in any
     violation of the provisions of the charter or by-laws or other
     organizational instrument of such Selling Shareholder, if applicable, or
     any applicable treaty, law, statute, rule, regulation, judgment, order,
     writ or decree of any government, government instrumentality or court,
     domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over such Selling Shareholder or
     any of its properties.

          (iii) Good and Marketable Title.  Such Selling Shareholder has and
                -------------------------
     will at the Closing Time have good and marketable title to the Securities
     to be sold by such Selling Shareholder hereunder, free and clear of any
     security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, charge, claim, equity or
     encumbrance of any kind, other than pursuant to this Agreement; and upon
     delivery of such Securities and payment of the purchase price therefor as
     herein contemplated, assuming each such Underwriter has no notice of any
     adverse claim, each of the Underwriters will receive good and marketable
     title to the Securities purchased by it from such Selling Shareholder, free
     and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, charge, claim,
     equity or encumbrance of any kind.

                                       9

<PAGE>
 
          (iv)  Due Execution of Power of Attorney and Custody Agreement.  Such
                --------------------------------------------------------
     Selling Shareholder has duly executed and delivered, in the form heretofore
     furnished to the Representatives, the Power of Attorney and Custody
     Agreement with ______________ and ________________ as attorney(s)-in-fact
     (the "Attorney(s)-in-Fact") and ______________, as custodian (the
     "Custodian"); the Custodian is authorized to deliver the Securities to be
     sold by such Selling Shareholder hereunder and to accept payment therefor;
     and each Attorney-in-Fact is authorized to execute and deliver this
     Agreement and the certificate referred to in Section 5(f) or that may be
     required pursuant to Section(s) 5(l) on behalf of such Selling Shareholder,
     to sell, assign and transfer to the Underwriters the Securities to be sold
     by such Selling Shareholder hereunder, to determine the purchase price to
     be paid by the Underwriters to such Selling Shareholder, as provided in
     Section 2(a) hereof, to authorize the delivery of the Securities to be sold
     by such Selling Shareholder hereunder, to accept payment therefor, and
     otherwise to act on behalf of such Selling Shareholder in connection with
     this Agreement.

          (v)  Absence of Manipulation.  Such Selling Shareholder has not taken,
               -----------------------
     and will not take, directly or indirectly, any action which is designed to
     or which has constituted or which might reasonably be expected to cause or
     result in stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the
     Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Securities.

          (vi) Absence of Further Requirements.  No filing with, or consent,
               -------------------------------
     approval, authorization, order, registration, qualification or decree of,
     any court or governmental authority or agency, domestic or foreign, is
     necessary or required for the performance by each Selling Shareholder of
     its obligations hereunder or in the Power of Attorney and Custody
     Agreement, or in connection with the sale and delivery of the Securities
     hereunder or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
     Agreement, except such as may have previously been made or obtained or as
     may be required under the 1933 Act or the 1933 Act Regulations or state
     securities laws.

          (vii) Restriction on Sale of Securities.  During a period of [120]
     days from the date of the Prospectus, such Selling Shareholder will not,
     without the prior written consent of Merrill Lynch, (i) offer, pledge,
     sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase
     any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to
     purchase or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any
     share of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or
     exchangeable for Common Stock or file any registration statement under the
     1933 Act with respect to any of the foregoing or (ii) enter into any swap
     or any other agreement or any transaction that transfers, in whole or in
     part, directly or indirectly, the economic consequence of ownership of the
     Common Stock, whether any such swap or transaction described in clause (i)
     or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock or such other
     securities, in cash or otherwise. The foregoing sentence shall not apply to
     the Securities to be sold hereunder.

                                      10
<PAGE>
 
          (viii)  Certificates Suitable for Transfer.  Certificates for all of
                  ----------------------------------
     the Securities to be sold by such Selling Shareholder pursuant to this
     Agreement, in suitable form for transfer by delivery or accompanied by duly
     executed instruments of transfer or assignment in blank with signatures
     guaranteed, have been placed in custody with the Custodian with irrevocable
     conditional instructions to deliver such Securities to the Underwriters
     pursuant to this Agreement.

          (ix)    No Association with NASD. Neither such Selling Stockholder nor
                  ------------------------
     any of his affiliates directly, or indirectly through one or more
     intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control
     with, or has any other association with (within the meaning of Article I,
     Section 1(m) of the By-laws of the National Association of Securities
     Dealers, Inc.), any member firm of the National Association of Securities
     Dealers, Inc.

     (c)  Officer's Certificates . Any certificate signed by any officer of the
Company or any of its subsidiaries delivered to the Representatives or to
counsel for the Underwriters shall be deemed a representation and warranty by
the Company to each Underwriter as to the matters covered thereby; and any
certificate signed by or on behalf of the Selling Shareholder(s) as such and
delivered to the Representatives or to counsel for the Underwriters pursuant to
the terms of this Agreement shall be deemed a representation and warranty by
such Selling Shareholder to the Underwriters as to the matters covered thereby.

     SECTION 2.  Sale and Delivery to Underwriters; Closing.
                 ------------------------------------------ 

     (a)  Initial Securities.  On the basis of the representations and
warranties herein contained and subject to the terms and conditions herein set
forth, the Company and each Selling Shareholder, severally and not jointly,
agree to sell to each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, and each
Underwriter, severally and not jointly, agrees to purchase from the Company and
each Selling Shareholder, at the price per share set forth in Schedule C, that
proportion of the number of Initial Securities set forth in Schedule B opposite
the name of the Company or such Selling Shareholder, as the case may be, which
the number of Initial Securities set forth in Schedule A opposite the name of
such Underwriter, plus any additional number of Initial Securities which such
Underwriter may become obligated to purchase pursuant to the provisions of
Section 10 hereof, bears to the total number of Initial Securities, subject, in
each case, to such adjustments among the Underwriters as the Representatives in
their sole discretion shall make to eliminate any sales or purchases of
fractional securities.

     (b)  Option Securities.  In addition, on the basis of the representations
and warranties herein contained and subject to the terms and conditions herein
set forth, the Company hereby grant(s) an option to the Underwriters, severally
and not jointly, to purchase up to an additional [750,000] shares of Common
Stock, as set forth in Schedule B, at the price per share set forth in


                                      11
<PAGE>
 
Schedule C, less an amount per share equal to any dividends or distributions
declared by the Company and payable on the Initial Securities but not payable on
the Option Securities. The option hereby granted will expire 30 days after the
date hereof and may be exercised in whole or in part from time to time only for
the purpose of covering over-allotments which may be made in connection with the
offering and distribution of the Initial Securities upon notice by the
Representatives to the Company setting forth the number of Option Securities as
to which the several Underwriters are then exercising the option and the time
and date of payment and delivery for such Option Securities. Any such time and
date of delivery (a "Date of Delivery") shall be determined by the
Representatives, but shall not be later than seven full business days after the
exercise of said option, nor in any event prior to the Closing Time, as
hereinafter defined. If the option is exercised as to all or any portion of the
Option Securities, each of the Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly,
will purchase that proportion of the total number of Option Securities then
being purchased which the number of Initial Securities set forth in Schedule A
opposite the name of such Underwriter bears to the total number of Initial
Securities, subject in each case to such adjustments as the Representatives in
their discretion shall make to eliminate any sales or purchases of fractional
shares.

     (c)  Payment.  Payment of the purchase price for, and delivery of
certificates for, the Initial Securities shall be made at the offices of
Pillsbury Madison & Sutro LLP, San Francisco, California, or at such other place
as shall be agreed upon by the Representatives and the Company and the Selling
Shareholders, at 7:00 A.M. (California time) on the third (fourth, if the
pricing occurs after 4:30 P.M. (Eastern time) on any given day) business day
after the date hereof (unless postponed in accordance with the provisions of
Section 10), or such other time not later than ten business days after such date
as shall be agreed upon by the Representatives and the Company and the Selling
Shareholder(s) (such time and date of payment and delivery being herein called
"Closing Time").

     In addition, in the event that any or all of the Option Securities are
purchased by the Underwriters, payment of the purchase price for, and delivery
of certificates for, such Option Securities shall be made at the above-mentioned
offices, or at such other place as shall be agreed upon by the Representatives
and the Company and the Selling Shareholder(s), on each Date of Delivery as
specified in the notice from the Representatives to the Company and the Selling
Shareholder(s).

     Payment shall be made to the Company and the Selling Shareholder(s) by wire
transfer of immediately available funds to bank account(s) designated by the
Company and the Custodian pursuant to each Selling Shareholder's Power of
Attorney and Custody Agreement against delivery to the Representatives for the
respective accounts of the Underwriters of certificates for the Securities to be
purchased by them.  It is understood that each Underwriter has authorized the
Representatives, for its account, to accept delivery of, receipt for, and make
payment of the purchase price for, the Initial Securities and the Option
Securities, if any, which it has agreed to 

                                      12
 
<PAGE>
 
purchase. Merrill Lynch, individually and not as representative of the
Underwriters, may (but shall not be obligated to) make payment of the purchase
price for the Initial Securities or the Option Securities, if any, to be
purchased by any Underwriter whose funds have not been received by the Closing
Time or the relevant Date of Delivery, as the case may be, but such payment
shall not relieve such Underwriter from its obligations hereunder.

     (d)  Denominations; Registration.  Certificates for the Initial Securities
and the Option Securities, if any, shall be in such denominations and registered
in such names as the Representatives may request in writing at least one full
business day before the Closing Time or the relevant Date of Delivery, as the
case may be. The certificates for the Initial Securities and the Option
Securities, if any, will be made available for examination and packaging by the
Representatives in The City of New York not later than 10:00 A.M. (Eastern time)
on the business day prior to the Closing Time or the relevant Date of Delivery,
as the case may be.

     SECTION 3.  Covenants of the Company.  The Company covenants with each
                 ------------------------                               
Underwriter as follows:

            (a)  Compliance with Securities Regulations and Commission Requests.
     The Company, subject to Section 3(b), will comply with the requirements of
     Rule 430A or Rule 434, as applicable, and will notify the Representatives
     immediately, and confirm the notice in writing, (i) when any post-effective
     amendment to the Registration Statement shall become effective, or any
     supplement to the Prospectus or any amended Prospectus shall have been
     filed, (ii) of the receipt of any comments from the Commission, (iii) of
     any request by the Commission for any amendment to the Registration
     Statement or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or for
     additional information, and (iv) of the issuance by the Commission of any
     stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or of
     any order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus,
     or of the suspension of the qualification of the Securities for offering or
     sale in any jurisdiction, or of the initiation or threatening of any
     proceedings for any of such purposes. The Company will promptly effect the
     filings necessary pursuant to Rule 424(b) and will take such steps as it
     deems necessary to ascertain promptly whether the form of prospectus
     transmitted for filing under Rule 424(b) was received for filing by the
     Commission and, in the event that it was not, it will promptly file such
     prospectus. The Company will make every reasonable effort to prevent the
     issuance of any stop order and, if any stop order is issued, to obtain the
     lifting thereof at the earliest possible moment.

            (b)  Filing of Amendments. The Company will give the Representatives
     notice of its intention to file or prepare any amendment to the
     Registration Statement (including any filing under Rule 462(b)), any Term
     Sheet or any amendment, supplement or revision to either the prospectus
     included in the Registration Statement at the time it became

                                      13
<PAGE>
 
     effective or to the Prospectus, will furnish the Representatives with
     copies of any such documents a reasonable amount of time prior to such
     proposed filing or use, as the case may be, and will not file or use any
     such document to which the Representatives or counsel for the Underwriters
     shall object.

          (c)  Delivery of Registration Statements. The Company has furnished or
     will deliver to the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters,
     without charge, signed copies of the Registration Statement as originally
     filed and of each amendment thereto (including exhibits filed therewith or
     incorporated by reference therein) and signed copies of all consents and
     certificates of experts, and will also deliver to the Representatives,
     without charge, a conformed copy of the Registration Statement as
     originally filed and of each amendment thereto (without exhibits) for each
     of the Underwriters. The copies of the Registration Statement and each
     amendment thereto furnished to the Underwriters will be identical to the
     electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission
     pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.

          (d)  Delivery of Prospectuses. The Company has delivered to each
     Underwriter, without charge, as many copies of each preliminary prospectus
     as such Underwriter reasonably requested, and the Company hereby consents
     to the use of such copies for purposes permitted by the 1933 Act. The
     Company will furnish to each Underwriter, without charge, during the period
     when the Prospectus is required to be delivered under the 1933 Act or the
     Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act"), such number of copies of
     the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented) as such Underwriter may
     reasonably request. The Prospectus and any amendments or supplements
     thereto furnished to the Underwriters will be identical to the
     electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission
     pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.

          (e)  Continued Compliance with Securities Laws. The Company will
     comply with the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations so as to permit the
     completion of the distribution of the Securities as contemplated in this
     Agreement and in the Prospectus. If at any time when a prospectus is
     required by the 1933 Act to be delivered in connection with sales of the
     Securities, any event shall occur or condition shall exist as a result of
     which it is necessary, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters or
     for the Company, to amend the Registration Statement or amend or supplement
     the Prospectus in order that the Prospectus will not include any untrue
     statements of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in
     order to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the
     circumstances existing at the time it is delivered to a purchaser, or if it
     shall be necessary, in the opinion of such counsel, at any such time to
     amend the Registration Statement or amend or supplement the Prospectus in
     order to comply with the requirements of the 1933 Act or the 1933 Act
     Regulations, the Company will promptly prepare and file with the
     Commission, subject to Section 3(b), such amendment or supplement as may be
     necessary
                                      14
 
<PAGE>
 
     to correct such statement or omission or to make the Registration Statement
     or the Prospectus comply with such requirements, and the Company will
     furnish to the Underwriters such number of copies of such amendment or
     supplement as the Underwriters may reasonably request.

          (f)  Blue Sky Qualifications. The Company will use its best efforts,
     in cooperation with the Underwriters, to qualify the Securities for
     offering and sale under the applicable securities laws of such states and
     other jurisdictions (domestic or foreign) as the Representatives may
     designate and to maintain such qualifications in effect for a period of not
     less than one year from the later of the effective date of the Registration
     Statement and any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement; provided, however,
     that the Company shall not be obligated to file any general consent to
     service of process or to qualify as a foreign corporation or as a dealer in
     securities in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or to
     subject itself to taxation in respect of doing business in any jurisdiction
     in which it is not otherwise so subject. In each jurisdiction in which the
     Securities have been so qualified, the Company will file such statements
     and reports as may be required by the laws of such jurisdiction to continue
     such qualification in effect for a period of not less than one year from
     the effective date of the Registration Statement and any Rule 462(b)
     Registration Statement.

          (g)  Rule 158. The Company will timely file such reports pursuant to
     the 1934 Act as are necessary in order to make generally available to its
     securityholders as soon as practicable an earnings statement for the
     purposes of, and to provide the benefits contemplated by, the last
     paragraph of Section 11(a) of the 1933 Act.

          (h)  Use of Proceeds. The Company will use the net proceeds received
     by it from the sale of the Securities in the manner specified in the
     Prospectus under "Use of Proceeds".

          (i)  Listing. The Company will use its best efforts to effect and
     maintain the quotation of the Securities on the Nasdaq National Market and
     will file with the Nasdaq National Market all documents and notices
     required by the Nasdaq National Market of companies that have securities
     that are traded in the over-the-counter market and quotations for which are
     reported by the Nasdaq National Market.

          (j)  Restriction on Sale of Securities. During a period of 120 days
     from the date of the Prospectus, the Company will not, without the prior
     written consent of Merrill Lynch, (i) directly or indirectly, offer,
     pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase,
     purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant
     to purchase or otherwise transfer or dispose of any share of Common Stock
     or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for
     Common Stock or file any registration

                                      15
<PAGE>
 
     statement under the 1933 Act with respect to any of the foregoing or (ii)
     enter into any swap or any other agreement or any transaction that
     transfers, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, the economic
     consequence of ownership of the Common Stock, whether any such swap or
     transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by
     delivery of Common Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise.
     The foregoing sentence shall not apply to (A) the Securities to be sold
     hereunder, (B) any shares of Common Stock issued by the Company upon the
     exercise of an option or warrant or the conversion of a security
     outstanding on the date hereof and referred to in the Prospectus or (C) any
     shares of Common Stock issued or options to purchase Common Stock granted
     pursuant to existing employee benefit plans of the Company referred to in
     the Prospectus.

          (k)    Reporting Requirements. The Company, during the period when the
     Prospectus is required to be delivered under the 1933 Act or the 1934 Act,
     will file all documents required to be filed with the Commission pursuant
     to the 1934 Act within the time periods required by the 1934 Act and the
     rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

     SECTION 4.  Payment of Expenses. (a) Expenses. The Company and the Selling
                 -------------------
Shareholder(s) will pay or cause to be paid all expenses incident to the
performance of their obligations under this Agreement, including (i) the
preparation, printing and filing of the Registration Statement (including
financial statements and exhibits) as originally filed and of each amendment
thereto, (ii) the preparation, printing and delivery to the Underwriters of this
Agreement, any Agreement among Underwriters and such other documents as may be
required in connection with the offering, purchase, sale, issuance or delivery
of the Securities, (iii) the preparation, issuance and delivery of the
certificates for the Securities to the Underwriters, including any stock or
other transfer taxes and any stamp or other duties payable upon the sale,
issuance or delivery of the Securities to the Underwriters, (iv) the fees and
disbursements of the Company's counsel, accountants and other advisors, (v) the
qualification of the Securities under securities laws in accordance with the
provisions of Section 3(f) hereof, including filing fees and the reasonable fees
and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection therewith and in
connection with the preparation of the Blue Sky Survey and any supplement
thereto, (vi) the printing and delivery to the Underwriters of copies of each
preliminary prospectus, any Term Sheets and of the Prospectus and any amendments
or supplements thereto, (vii) the preparation, printing and delivery to the
Underwriters of copies of the Blue Sky Survey and any supplement thereto, (viii)
the fees and expenses of any transfer agent or registrar for the Securities and
(ix) the filing fees incident to, and the reasonable fees and disbursements of
counsel to the Underwriters in connection with, the review by the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD") of the terms of the sale of
the Securities and (x) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the
inclusion of the Securities in the Nasdaq National Market.

                                      16
 
<PAGE>
 
          (b) Expenses of the Selling Shareholder(s). The Selling Shareholders
will pay all expenses incident to the performance of their respective
obligations under, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, including (i) any stamp duties, capital duties and stock transfer
taxes, if any, payable upon the sale of the Securities to the Underwriters, and
their transfer between the Underwriters pursuant to an agreement between such
Underwriters, and (ii) the fees and disbursements of their respective counsel
and accountants.

          (c) Termination of Agreement. If this Agreement is terminated by the
Representatives in accordance with the provisions of Section 5, Section 9(a)(i)
or Section 11 hereof, the Company and the Selling Shareholder(s) shall reimburse
the Underwriters for all of their out-of-pocket expenses, including the
reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters.

          (d) Allocation of Expenses. The provisions of this Section shall not
affect any agreement that the Company and the Selling Shareholder(s) may make
for the sharing of such costs and expenses.

          SECTION 5. Conditions of Underwriters' Obligations. The obligations of
                     ---------------------------------------
the several Underwriters hereunder are subject to the accuracy of the
representations and warranties of the Company and the Selling Shareholder(s)
contained in Section 1 hereof or in certificates of any officer of the Company
or any subsidiary of the Company or on behalf of any Selling Shareholder
delivered pursuant to the provisions hereof, to the performance by the Company
of its covenants and other obligations hereunder, and to the following further
conditions:

               (a)   Effectiveness of Registration Statement. The Registration
     Statement, including any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, has become
     effective and at Closing Time no stop order suspending the effectiveness of
     the Registration Statement shall have been issued under the 1933 Act or
     proceedings therefor initiated or threatened by the Commission, and any
     request on the part of the Commission for additional information shall have
     been complied with to the reasonable satisfaction of counsel to the
     Underwriters. A prospectus containing the Rule 430A Information shall have
     been filed with the Commission in accordance with Rule 424(b) (or a post-
     effective amendment providing such information shall have been filed and
     declared effective in accordance with the requirements of Rule 430A) or, if
     the Company has elected to rely upon Rule 434, a Term Sheet shall have been
     filed with the Commission in accordance with Rule 424(b).


               (b)   Opinion of Counsel for Company. At Closing Time, the
     Representatives shall have received the favorable opinion, dated as of
     Closing Time, of Pillsbury Madison & Sutro LLP, counsel for the Company, in
     form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, together
     with signed or reproduced copies of such letter for each of the other
     Underwriters to the effect set forth in Exhibit A hereto and to such
     further effect as counsel to the Underwriters may reasonably request.

                                      17
 
<PAGE>
 
               (c)   Opinion of Patent Counsel for Company. At the Closing Time,
     the Representation(s) shall have received the favorable opinion, dated as
     of Closing Time, of Sheridan Ross PC, patent counsel for the Company, in
     form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, together
     with signed or reproduced copies of such letter for each of the other
     Underwriters to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereton and to such
     further effect as counsel to the Underwriters may reasonably request.

               (d)   Opinion of Counsel for the Selling Shareholder(s).  At
     Closing Time, the Representatives shall have received the favorable
     opinion, dated as of Closing Time, of _______________, counsel for the
     Selling Shareholder(s), in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for
     the Underwriters, together with signed or reproduced copies of such letter
     for each of the other Underwriters to the effect set forth in Exhibit C
     hereto and to such further effect as counsel to the Underwriters may
     reasonably request.

               (e)   Opinion of Counsel for Underwriters. At Closing Time, the
     Representatives shall have received the favorable opinion, dated as of
     Closing Time, of Cooley Godward LLP, counsel for the Underwriters, together
     with signed or reproduced copies of such letter for each of the other
     Underwriters with respect to the matters set forth in clauses (i), (ii),
     (v), (vi) (solely as to preemptive or other similar rights arising by
     operation of law or under the charter or by-laws of the Company), (viii)
     through (x), inclusive, (xii), (xiv) (solely as to the information in the
     Prospectus under "Description of Capital Stock--Common Stock") and the
     penultimate paragraph of Exhibit A hereto. In giving such opinion such
     counsel may rely, as to all matters governed by the laws of jurisdictions
     other than the law of the State of New York and the federal law of the
     United States and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware,
     upon the opinions of counsel satisfactory to the Representatives. Such
     counsel may also state that, insofar as such opinion involves factual
     matters, they have relied, to the extent they deem proper, upon
     certificates of officers of the Company and its subsidiaries and
     certificates of public officials.

               (f)   Officers' Certificate. At Closing Time, there shall not
     have been, since the date hereof or since the respective dates as of which
     information is given in the Prospectus, any material adverse change in the
     condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business affairs or
     business prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as one
     enterprise, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, and
     the Representatives shall have received a certificate of the President or a
     Vice President of the Company and of the chief financial or chief
     accounting officer of the Company, dated as of Closing Time, to the effect
     that (i) there has been no such material adverse change, (ii) the
     representations and warranties in Section 1(a) hereof are true and correct
     with the same force and effect as though expressly made at and as of
     Closing Time, (iii) the Company has complied with all agreements and
     satisfied all conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or
     prior to
                                      18
 
<PAGE>
 
     Closing Time, and (iv) no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
     Registration Statement has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose
     have been instituted or are pending or are contemplated by the Commission.

               (g)   Certificate of Selling Shareholder(s). At Closing Time, the
     Representatives shall have received a certificate of an Attorney-in-Fact on
     behalf of each Selling Shareholder, dated as of Closing Time, to the effect
     that (i) the representations and warranties of each Selling Shareholder
     contained in Section 1(b) hereof are true and correct in all respects with
     the same force and effect as though expressly made at and as of Closing
     Time and (ii) each Selling Shareholder has complied in all material
     respects with all agreements and all conditions on its part to be performed
     under this Agreement at or prior to Closing Time.

               (h)   Accountant's Comfort Letter. At the time of the execution
     of this Agreement, the Representatives shall have received from Arthur
     Andersen a letter dated such date, in form and substance satisfactory to
     the Representatives, together with signed or reproduced copies of such
     letter for each of the other Underwriters containing statements and
     information of the type ordinarily included in accountants' "comfort
     letters" to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and
     certain financial information contained in the Registration Statement and
     the Prospectus.

               (i)   Bring-down Comfort Letter. At Closing Time, the
     Representatives shall have received from Arthur Andersen a letter, dated as
     of Closing Time, to the effect that they reaffirm the statements made in
     the letter furnished pursuant to subsection (g) of this Section, except
     that the specified date referred to shall be a date not more than three
     business days prior to Closing Time.

               (j)   Approval of Listing. At Closing Time, the Securities shall
     have been approved for inclusion in the Nasdaq National Market, subject
     only to official notice of issuance.

               (k)   No Objection. The NASD has confirmed that it has not raised
     any objection with respect to the fairness and reasonableness of the
     underwriting terms and arrangements.

               (l)   Lock-up Agreements. At the date of this Agreement, the
     Representatives shall have received an agreement substantially in the form
     of Exhibit D hereto signed by the persons listed on Schedule D hereto.

               (m)   Conditions to Purchase of Option Securities. In the event
     that the Underwriters exercise their option provided in Section 2(b) hereof
     to purchase all or any portion of the Option Securities, the
     representations and warranties of the Company and the

                                      19
 
<PAGE>
 
  Selling Shareholder(s) contained herein and the statements in any certificates
  furnished by the Company, any subsidiary of the Company and the Selling
  Shareholder(s) hereunder shall be true and correct as of each Date of Delivery
  and, at the relevant Date of Delivery, the Representatives shall have
  received:

          (i)   Officers' Certificate. A certificate, dated such Date of
                ---------------------
          Delivery, of the President or a Vice President of the Company and of
          the chief financial or chief accounting officer of the Company
          confirming that the certificate delivered at the Closing Time pursuant
          to Section 5(e) hereof remains true and correct as of such Date of
          Delivery.

          (ii)  Certificate of Selling Shareholder(s). A certificate, dated such
                -------------------------------------
          Date of Delivery, of an Attorney-in-Fact on behalf of each Selling
          Shareholder confirming that the certificate delivered at Closing Time
          pursuant to Section 5(f) remains true and correct as of such Date of
          Delivery.

          (iii) Opinion of Counsel for Company.  The favorable opinion of
                ------------------------------
          Pillsbury Madison & Sutro LLP, counsel for the Company, together with
          the favorable opinion of Sheridan Ross PC, patent counsel for the
          Company, each in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the
          Underwriters, dated such Date of Delivery, relating to the Option
          Securities to be purchased on such Date of Delivery.

          (iv)  Opinion of Counsel for Underwriters.  The favorable opinion of
                -----------------------------------
          Cooley Godward, counsel for the Underwriters, dated such Date of
          Delivery, relating to the Option Securities to be purchased on such
          Date of Delivery and otherwise to the same effect as the opinion
          required by Section 5(d) hereof.

          (vi)  Bring-down Comfort Letter. A letter from Arthur Andersen, in
                -------------------------
          form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives and dated such
          Date of Delivery, substantially in the same form and substance as the
          letter furnished to the Representatives pursuant to Section 5(g)
          hereof, except that the "specified date" in the letter furnished
          pursuant to this paragraph shall be a date not more than five days
          prior to such Date of Delivery.

         (n)   Additional Documents. At Closing Time and at each Date of
Delivery counsel for the Underwriters shall have been furnished with such
documents and opinions as they may require for the purpose of enabling them to
pass upon the issuance and sale of the Securities as herein contemplated, or in
order to evidence the accuracy of any of the representations or warranties, or
the fulfillment of any of the conditions, herein contained; and all proceedings
taken by the Company and the Selling Shareholder(s) in connection with the
issuance and sale of

                                      20
 
<PAGE>
 
     the Securities as herein contemplated shall be satisfactory in form and
     substance to the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters.

               (o)   Termination of Agreement. If any condition specified in
     this Section shall not have been fulfilled when and as required to be
     fulfilled, this Agreement, or, in the case of any condition to the purchase
     of Option Securities on a Date of Delivery which is after the Closing Time,
     the obligations of the several Underwriters to purchase the relevant Option
     Securities, may be terminated by the Representatives by notice to the
     Company at any time at or prior to Closing Time or such Date of Delivery,
     as the case may be, and such termination shall be without liability of any
     party to any other party except as provided in Section 4 and except that
     Sections 1, 6, 7 and 8 shall survive any such termination and remain in
     full force and effect.

         SECTION 6.  Indemnification.
                     ----------------

         (a)   Indemnification of Underwriters. The Company agrees to indemnify
     and hold harmless each Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls
     any Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section
     20 of the 1934 Act to the extent and in the manner set forth in clauses
     (i), (ii) and (iii) below. In addition, each Selling Shareholder, severally
     and not jointly, agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter and
     each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of
     Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act as follows:

               (i)   against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and
     expense whatsoever, as incurred, arising out of any untrue statement or
     alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration
     Statement (or any amendment thereto), including the Rule 430A Information
     and the Rule 434 Information, if applicable, or the omission or alleged
     omission therefrom of a material fact required to be stated therein or
     necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or arising out of
     any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
     included in any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment
     or supplement thereto), or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a
     material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the
     light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;

               (ii)  against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and
     expense whatsoever, as incurred, to the extent of the aggregate amount paid
     in settlement of any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any
     governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or of any claim
     whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or omission, or any such
     alleged untrue statement or omission; provided that (subject to Section
     6(d) below) any such settlement is effected with the written consent of the
     Company; and

                                      21
 
<PAGE>
 
                (iii)  against any and all expense whatsoever, as incurred
(including the fees and disbursements of counsel chosen by Merrill Lynch),
reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any
litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or
body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever based upon any such
untrue statement or omission, or any such alleged untrue statement or omission;
to the extent that any such expense is not paid under (i) or (ii) above;

provided, however, that this indemnity agreement shall not apply to any loss,
liability, claim, damage or expense to the extent arising out of any untrue
statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance
upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by any
Underwriter through Merrill Lynch expressly for use in the Registration
Statement (or any amendment thereto), including the Rule 430A Information and
the Rule 434 Information, if applicable, or any preliminary prospectus or the
Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto).

        (b)     Indemnification of Company, Directors and Officers and Selling
Shareholder(s). Each Underwriter severally agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
the Company, its directors, each of its officers who signed the Registration
Statement, and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning
of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act, and each Selling
Shareholder against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense
described in the indemnity contained in subsection (a) of this Section, as
incurred, but only with respect to untrue statements or omissions, or alleged
untrue statements or omissions, made in the Registration Statement (or any
amendment thereto), including the Rule 430A Information and the Rule 434
Information, if applicable, or any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or
any amendment or supplement thereto) in reliance upon and in conformity with
written information furnished to the Company by such Underwriter through Merrill
Lynch expressly for use in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto)
or such preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement
thereto).

        (c)     Actions against Parties; Notification. Each indemnified party
shall give notice as promptly as reasonably practicable to each indemnifying
party of any action commenced against it in respect of which indemnity may be
sought hereunder, but failure to so notify an indemnifying party shall not
relieve such indemnifying party from any liability hereunder to the extent it is
not materially prejudiced as a result thereof and in any event shall not relieve
it from any liability which it may have otherwise than on account of this
indemnity agreement. In the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 6(a)
above, counsel to the indemnified parties shall be selected by Merrill Lynch,
and, in the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 6(b) above, counsel
to the indemnified parties shall be selected by the Company the Selling
Shareholder(s). An indemnifying party may participate at its own expense in the
defense of any such action; provided, however, that counsel to the indemnifying
party shall not (except with the

                                      22
 
<PAGE>
 
consent of the indemnified party) also be counsel to the indemnified party. In
no event shall the indemnifying parties be liable for fees and expenses of more
than one counsel (in addition to any local counsel) separate from their own
counsel for all indemnified parties in connection with any one action or
separate but similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of
the same general allegations or circumstances. No indemnifying party shall,
without the prior written consent of the indemnified parties, settle or
compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any
litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or
body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever in respect of which
indemnification or contribution could be sought under this Section 6 or Section
7 hereof (whether or not the indemnified parties are actual or potential parties
thereto), unless such settlement, compromise or consent (i) includes an
unconditional release of each indemnified party from all liability arising out
of such litigation, investigation, proceeding or claim and (ii) does not include
a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by
or on behalf of any indemnified party.


        (d)     Settlement without Consent if Failure to Reimburse. If at any
time an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party to
reimburse the indemnified party for fees and expenses of counsel, such
indemnifying party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of the
nature contemplated by Section 6(a) (ii) effected without its written consent if
(i) such settlement is entered into more than 45 days after receipt by such
indemnifying party of the aforesaid request, (ii) such indemnifying party shall
have received notice of the terms of such settlement at least 30 days prior to
such settlement being entered into and (iii) such indemnifying party shall not
have reimbursed such indemnified party in accordance with such request prior to
the date of such settlement.

        SECTION 7. Contribution.  If the indemnification provided for in
                   ------------                                         
Section 6 hereof is for any reason unavailable to or insufficient to hold
harmless an indemnified party in respect of any losses, liabilities, claims,
damages or expenses referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall
contribute to the aggregate amount of such losses, liabilities, claims, damages
and expenses incurred by such indemnified party, as incurred, (i) in such
proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the
Company and the Selling Shareholder(s) on the one hand and the Underwriters on
the other hand from the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement or
(ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) is not permitted by applicable
law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative
benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the
Company and the Selling Shareholder(s) on the one hand and of the Underwriters
on the other hand in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted
in such losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses, as well as any other
relevant equitable considerations.
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
        The relative benefits received by the Company and the Selling
Shareholder(s) on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand in
connection with the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement shall
be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the total net proceeds
from the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement (before deducting
expenses) received by the Company and the Selling Shareholder(s) and the total
underwriting discount received by the Underwriters, in each case as set forth on
the cover of the Prospectus, or, if Rule 434 is used, the corresponding location
on the Term Sheet bear to the aggregate initial public offering price of the
Securities as set forth on such cover.

        The relative fault of the Company and the Selling Shareholder(s) on the
one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand shall be determined by reference
to, among other things, whether any such untrue or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates
to information supplied by the Company or the Selling Shareholder(s) or by the
Underwriters and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information
and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.

        The Company, the Selling Shareholder(s) and the Underwriters agree that
it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 7
were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as
on entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not
take account of the equitable considerations referred to above in this Section
7. The aggregate amount of losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses
incurred by an indemnified party and referred to above in this Section 7 shall
be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such
indemnified party in investigating, preparing or defending against any
litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or
body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever based upon any such
untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission.

        Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7, no Underwriter shall
be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total
price at which the Securities underwritten by it and distributed to the public
were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages which such
Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of any such untrue or
alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission.

        No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of
Section 11(f) of the 1933 Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person
who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

        For purposes of this Section 7, each person, if any, who controls an
Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of
the 1934 Act shall have the same rights to contribution as such Underwriter, and
each director of the Company, each officer of the Company who signed the
Registration Statement, and each person, if any, who controls the 

                                      24
 
<PAGE>
 
Company [or [any/the] Selling Shareholder] within the meaning of Section 15 of
the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act shall have the same rights to
contribution as the Company [or such Selling Shareholder, as the case may be].
The Underwriters' respective obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section
7 are several in proportion to the number of Initial Securities set forth
opposite their respective names in Schedule A hereto and not joint.

        The provisions of this Section shall not affect any agreement among the
Company and the Selling Shareholder(s) with respect to contribution.

        SECTION 8.  Representations, Warranties and Agreements to Survive
                    -----------------------------------------------------
Delivery.  All representations, warranties and agreements contained in this
- --------                                                                   
Agreement or in certificates of officers of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or the Selling Shareholder(s) submitted pursuant hereto, shall
remain operative and in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation
made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or controlling person, or by or on
behalf of the Company or the Selling Shareholder(s), and shall survive delivery
of the Securities to the Underwriters.

        SECTION 9.  Termination of Agreement.
                    ------------------------ 

        (a)  Termination; General.  The Representatives may terminate this
Agreement, by notice to the Company and the Selling Shareholder(s), at any time
at or prior to Closing Time (i) if there has been, since the time of execution
of this Agreement or since the respective dates as of which information is given
in the Prospectus, any material adverse change in the condition, financial or
otherwise, or in the earnings, business affairs or business prospects of the
Company and its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, whether or not
arising in the ordinary course of business, or (ii) if there has occurred any
material adverse change in the financial markets in the United States; any
outbreak of hostilities or escalation thereof or other calamity or crisis or any
change or development involving a prospective change in national or
international political, financial or economic conditions, in each case the
effect of which is such as to make it, in the judgment of the Representatives,
impracticable to market the Securities or to enforce contracts for the sale of
the Securities, or (iii) if trading in any securities of the Company has been
suspended or materially limited by the Commission or the Nasdaq National Market,
or if trading generally on the American Stock Exchange or the New York Stock
Exchange or in the Nasdaq National Market has been suspended or materially
limited, or minimum or maximum prices for trading have been fixed, or maximum
ranges for prices have been required, by any of said exchanges or by such system
or by order of the Commission, the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. or any other governmental authority, or (iv) if a banking moratorium has
been declared by either Federal or New York authorities.

        (b)  Liabilities.  If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this
Section, such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other
party except as provided in

                                      25
 
<PAGE>
 
Section 4 hereof, and provided further that Sections 1, 6, 7 and 8 shall survive
such termination and remain in full force and effect.

        SECTION 10. Default by One or More of the Underwriters. If one or more
                    ------------------------------------------
of the Underwriters shall fail at Closing Time or a Date of Delivery to purchase
the Securities which it or they are obligated to purchase under this Agreement
(the "Defaulted Securities"), the Representatives shall have the right, within
24 hours thereafter, to make arrangements for one or more of the non-defaulting
Underwriters, or any other underwriters, to purchase all, but not less than all,
of the Defaulted Securities in such amounts as may be agreed upon and upon the
terms herein set forth; if, however, the Representatives shall not have
completed such arrangements within such 24-hour period, then:

                (a)  if the number of Defaulted Securities does not exceed 10%
of the number of Securities to be purchased on such date, each of the non-
defaulting Underwriters shall be obligated, severally and not jointly, to
purchase the full amount thereof in the proportions that their respective
underwriting obligations hereunder bear to the underwriting obligations of all
non-defaulting Underwriters, or

                (b)  if the number of Defaulted Securities exceeds 10% of the
number of Securities to be purchased on such date, this Agreement or, with
respect to any Date of Delivery which occurs after the Closing Time, the
obligation of the Underwriters to purchase and of the Company to sell the Option
Securities to be purchased and sold on such Date of Delivery shall terminate
without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter.

        No action taken pursuant to this Section shall relieve any defaulting
Underwriter from liability in respect of its default.

        In the event of any such default which does not result in a termination
of this Agreement or, in the case of a Date of Delivery which is after the
Closing Time, which does not result in a termination of the obligation of the
Underwriters to purchase and the Company to sell the relevant Option Securities,
as the case may be, either the (i) Representatives or (ii) the Company and any
Selling Shareholder shall have the right to postpone Closing Time or the
relevant Date of Delivery, as the case may be, for a period not exceeding seven
days in order to effect any required changes in the Registration Statement or
Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements. As used herein, the term
"Underwriter" includes any person substituted for an Underwriter under this
Section 10.

        SECTION 11. Default by One or more of the Selling Shareholder(s) or the
        -----------------------------------------------------------
Company.  If a Selling Shareholder shall fail at Closing Time or at a Date of
- -------                                                                      
Delivery to sell and deliver the number of Securities which such Selling
Shareholder or Selling Shareholders are obligated to sell hereunder, and the
remaining Selling Shareholders do not exercise the right hereby granted to

                                      26
 
<PAGE>
 
increase, pro rata or otherwise, the number of Securities to be sold by them
hereunder to the total number to be sold by all Selling Shareholders as set
forth in Schedule B hereto; then the Underwriters may, at option of the
Representatives, by notice from the Representatives to the Company and the non-
defaulting Selling Shareholder(s), either (a) terminate this Agreement without
any liability on the fault of any non-defaulting party except that the
provisions of Sections 1, 4, 6, 7 and 8 shall remain in full force and effect or
(b) elect to purchase the Securities which the non-defaulting Selling
Shareholder(s) and the Company have agreed to sell hereunder. No action taken
pursuant to this Section 11 shall relieve any Selling Shareholder so defaulting
from liability, if any, in respect of such default.

        In the event of a default by any Selling Shareholder as referred to in
this Section 11, each of the Representatives, the Company and the non-defaulting
Selling Shareholder(s) shall have the right to postpone Closing Time or Date of
Delivery for a period not exceeding seven days in order to effect any required
change in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or in any other documents or
arrangements.

        (b)  If the Company shall fail at Closing Time or at the Date of
Delivery to sell the number of Securities that it is obligated to sell
hereunder, then this Agreement shall terminate without any liability on the part
of any nondefaulting party; provided, however, that the provisions of Sections
1, 4, 6, 7 and 8 shall remain in full force and effect. No action taken pursuant
to this Section shall relieve the Company from liability, if any, in respect of
such default.

        SECTION 12. Notices.  All notices and other communications hereunder
                    -------
shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if mailed or
transmitted by any standard form of telecommunication. Notices to the
Underwriters shall be directed to the Representatives at North Tower, World
Financial Center, New York, New York 10281-1201 attention of ________________; 
notices to the Company shall be directed to it at 1825 Sharp Point Drive, Fort
Collins, Colorado 80525, attention of General Counsel, and notices to the
Selling Shareholder(s) shall be directed to ______________ , attention of 
_____________.

        SECTION 13. Parties.  This Agreement shall each inure to the benefit of
                    -------
and be binding upon the Underwriters, the Company and the Selling Shareholder(s)
and their respective successors. Nothing expressed or mentioned in this
Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any person, firm or
corporation, other than the Underwriters, the Company and the Selling
Shareholder(s) and their respective successors and the controlling persons and
officers and directors referred to in Sections 6 and 7 and their heirs and legal
representatives, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in
respect of this Agreement or any provision herein contained. This Agreement and
all conditions and provisions hereof are intended to be for the sole and
exclusive benefit of the Underwriters, the Company and the Selling
Shareholder(s) and their respective successors, and said controlling persons and
officers and directors and their heirs

                                      27
 
<PAGE>
 
and legal representatives, and for the benefit of no other person, firm or
corporation.  No purchaser of Securities from any Underwriter shall be deemed to
be a successor by reason merely of such purchase.

        SECTION 14. GOVERNING LAW AND TIME.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY
                    ----------------------
AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. EXCEPT AS
OTHERWISE SET FORTH HEREIN,] SPECIFIED TIMES OF DAY REFER TO NEW YORK CITY TIME.

        SECTION 15. Effect of Headings.  The Article and Section headings herein
                    ------------------
and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the
construction hereof.

                                      28
<PAGE>
 
        If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our
agreement, please sign and return to the Company and the Attorneys-in-Fact for
the Selling Shareholder(s) a counterpart hereof, whereupon this instrument,
along with all counterparts, will become a binding agreement among the
Underwriters, the Company and the Selling Shareholders in accordance with its
terms.

                                    Very truly yours,

                                    HESKA CORPORATION


                                    By_______________________________________
                                      Title:

                                    ATTORNEY-IN-FACT


                                    By_______________________________________
                                      As Attorney-in-Fact acting on behalf of
                                      the Selling Shareholder(s) named in
                                      Schedule B hereto

CONFIRMED AND ACCEPTED,
  as of the date first above written:

MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH
            INCORPORATED
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON CORPORATION
HAMBRECHT & QUIST LLC

By: MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH
              INCORPORATED

By _______________________________________
     Authorized Signatory

   For themselves and as Representatives of the other Underwriters named in
                              Schedule A hereto.

                                      29
 
<PAGE>
 
                                   SCHEDULE A


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Number of
                                                                           Initial
     Name of Underwriter                                                  Securities
     -------------------                                                  ----------
<S>                                                                   <C>
 
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
            Incorporated............................................
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation..............................
Hambrecht & Quist LLC...............................................
                                                                          -----------
 
Total...............................................................      [5,000,000]
                                                                          ===========
</TABLE>
 

<PAGE>
 
                                   SCHEDULE B

                               HESKA CORPORATION
                       [5,000,000] Shares of Common Stock
                          (Par Value $.001 Per Share)


          1.  The initial public offering price per share for the Securities,
     determined as provided in said Section 2, shall be $______.


          2.  The purchase price per share for the Securities to be paid by the
     several Underwriters shall be $____, being an amount equal to the initial
     public offering price set forth above less $_____ per share; provided that
     the purchase price per share for any Option Securities purchased upon the
     exercise of the over-allotment option described in Section 2(b) shall be
     reduced by an amount per share equal to any dividends or distributions
     declared by the Company and payable on the Initial Securities but not
     payable on the Option Securities.
 

<PAGE>
 
                                  [SCHEDULE C]


                         [List of persons and entities
                              subject to lock-up]


                                   Sch C-1
<PAGE>

 
                                                                       Exhibit A

                     FORM OF OPINION OF COMPANY'S COUNSEL
                          TO BE DELIVERED PURSUANT TO
                                 SECTION 5(b)

          (i)    The Company and each subsidiary have been duly incorporated and
     is an existing corporation in good standing under the laws of the
     jurisdiction of its incorporation, with corporate power and authority to
     own its properties and conduct its business as described in the Prospectus;
     and the Company and each subsidiary are duly qualified to do business as a
     foreign corporation in good standing in all other jurisdictions in which
     its ownership or lease of property or the conduct of their business
     requires such qualification, except where the failure to so qualify would
     not have a Material Adverse Effect;

          (ii)   The Securities delivered on such Closing Date and all other
     outstanding shares of the Common Stock of the Company have been duly
     authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable and conform
     to the description thereof contained in the Prospectus; and the
     stockholders of the Company have no preemptive rights pursuant to statute
     or the Company's Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws or, to the best of
     such counsel's knowledge, any other preemptive rights with respect to the
     Securities;

          (iii)  Except as disclosed in or specifically contemplated by the
     Prospectus, to the best of such counsel's knowledge, there are no
     outstanding options, warrants or other rights calling for the issuance of,
     and no commitments, plans or arrangements to issue, any shares of capital
     stock of the Company or any security convertible into or exchangeable for
     capital stock of the Company;

          (iv)   The Company is not in violation of its certificate of
     incorporation or bylaws or, to the best of such counsel's knowledge, in
     breach of or default with respect to any provision of any agreement,
     mortgage, deed of trust, lease, franchise, license, indenture, permit or
     other instrument known to such counsel to which the Company is a party or
     by which it or its properties may be bound or affected, except where such
     default would not materially and adversely affect the Company; and, to the
     best of such counsel's knowledge, the Company is in compliance with all
     laws, rules, regulations, judgments, decrees, orders and statutes of any
     court or jurisdiction to which it is subject, except where noncompliance
     would not materially adversely affect the Company.

          (v)    To the best of such counsel's knowledge, there are no
     contracts, agreements or understandings known to such counsel between the
     Company and any person granting such person the right to require the
     Company to file a registration statement under the Act with respect to any
     securities of the Company owned or to be

                                      A-2

<PAGE>
 
     owned by such person or to require the Company to include such securities
     in the securities registered pursuant to the Registration Statement or in
     any securities being registered pursuant to any other registration
     statement filed by the Company under the Act other than such rights that
     have been waived or otherwise satisfied;

          (vi)   The Company is not and, after giving effect to the offering and
     sale of the Securities and the application of the proceeds thereof as
     described in the Prospectus, will not be an "investment company" as defined
     in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

          (vii)  To such counsel's knowledge, no consent, approval,
     authorization or order of, or filing with, any governmental agency or body
     or any court is required to be obtained or made by the Company for the
     consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in
     connection with the sale of the Securities, except such as have been
     obtained and made under the Act and such as may be required under state
     securities laws as to which such counsel renders no opinion;

          (viii) To such counsel's knowledge, the execution, delivery and
     performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
     herein contemplated will not result in a breach or violation of any of the
     terms and provisions of, or constitute a default under, any statute, any
     rule, regulation or order of any governmental agency or body or any court
     having jurisdiction over the Company or any subsidiary of the Company or
     any of their properties, or any material agreement or instrument to which
     the Company or any such subsidiary is a party or by which the Company or
     any such subsidiary is bound or to which any of the properties of the
     Company or any such subsidiary is subject, or the charter or by-laws of the
     Company or any such subsidiary;

          (ix)   To the best knowledge of such counsel, there are no pending
     actions, suits or proceedings against or affecting the Company or its
     subsidiaries or any of its properties that, if determined adversely to the
     Company, would individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse
     effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), business, properties or
     results of operations of the Company, or would materially and adversely
     affect the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this
     Agreement, or that are otherwise material in the context of the sale of the
     Securities; and no such actions, suits or proceedings are threatened or, to
     the Company's knowledge, contemplated.

          (x)    The Initial Registration Statement was declared effective under
     the Act as of the date and time specified in such opinion, the Additional
     Registration Statement (if any) was filed and became effective under the
     Act as of the date and time (if determinable) specified in such opinion,
     the Prospectus either was filed with the Commission pursuant to the
     subparagraph of Rule 424(b) specified in such opinion on the date specified
     therein or was included in the Initial Registration Statement or the
     Additional Registration Statement (as the case may be), and, to the best of
     the knowledge of such counsel, no stop order suspending the effectiveness
     of a Registration Statement or any part thereof has been issued and no
     proceedings for that purpose have been instituted 

                                      A-3


<PAGE>

     or are pending or contemplated under the Act, and each Registration
     Statement and the Prospectus, and each amendment or supplement thereto, as
     of their respective effective or issue dates, complied as to form in all
     material respects with the requirements of the Act and the Rules and
     Regulations; the descriptions in the Registration Statements and Prospectus
     of statutes, legal and governmental proceedings and contracts and other
     documents are accurate and fairly present the information required to be
     shown; and such counsel do not know of any legal or governmental
     proceedings required to be described in a Registration Statement or the
     Prospectus that are not described as required or of any contracts or
     documents of a character required to be described in a Registration
     Statement or the Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to a Registration
     Statement that are not described and filed as required; it being understood
     that such counsel need express no opinion as to the financial statements or
     other financial data contained in the Registration Statements or the
     Prospectus; and

          (xi)   The Company has full right, corporate power and authority to
     enter into this Agreement and to sell and deliver the Common Shares to be
     sold by it to the several Underwriters; this Agreement has been duly and
     validly authorized by all necessary corporate action by the Company, has
     been duly and validly executed and delivered by and on behalf of the
     Company, and is a valid and binding agreement of the Company enforceable in
     accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by
     general equitable principles, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
     moratorium or other laws affecting creditors; rights generally and except
     as to those provisions relating to indemnity or contribution for
     liabilities arising under the Act as to which no opinion need be expressed.

     In addition, such counsel shall include a statement to the effect that such
counsel has participated in conferences with officials and other representatives
of the Company, the Representatives, Underwriters' Counsel and the independent
public accountants of the Company, at which conferences the contents of the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus and related matters were discussed,
and although they have not verified the accuracy or completeness of the
statements contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, nothing
has come to the attention of such counsel which caused them to believe that, at
the time the Registration Statement became effective the Registration Statement
(except as to financial statements, financial and statistical data and
supporting schedules contained therein and intellectual property matters, as to
which such counsel need express no opinion) contained any untrue statement of a
material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or at the Closing
Date or any later Option Closing Date, as the case may be, the Registration
Statement or the Prospectus (except as a aforesaid) contained any untrue
statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under, which they were made, not misleading.

                                      A-4
 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                       Exhibit B

                  FORM OF OPINION OF COMPANY'S PATENT COUNSEL
                          TO BE DELIVERED PURSUANT TO
                                 SECTION 5(c)

          (i)    Such Counsel have no reason to believe that the Registration
     Statement, as of the Effective Date, and the Prospectus as of its date and
     as of the applicable Closing Date: (A) contained or contain any untrue
     statements of material fact with respect to patents, trade secrets or other
     proprietary information of the Company, or with respect to any allegation
     that the Company is infringing any patents, trade secrets or proprietary
     information of any other person' or (B) omitted or omit to state any
     material fact that relates to patents, trade secrets or other proprietary
     information of the Company and, in the opinion of such counsel, is required
     to be stated in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus in order to
     make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which
     they were made, not misleading:

          (ii)   The statements in the Prospectus under the caption "Risk
     FactorsUncertainty of Patent and Proprietary Technology Protection" and
     under the caption "BusinessIntellectual Property" contain accurate
     descriptions of the Company's patents and patent applications and, insofar
     as such statements constitute matters of United States patent law or legal
     conclusions thereunder, are accurate and fairly present such matters of law
     and legal conclusion:

          (iii)  Such counsel have reviewed the Company's patent applications
     filed in the U.S., Europe, Japan and other jurisdictions in which Company
     has filed patent applications ("Applications"), which Applications are
     listed on Schedule I to such opinion, and nothing has come to the attention
     of such counsel that has caused them to believe that the Applications were
     not properly prepared and filed, not being diligently pursued by the
     Company, or are not held by or licensed to the Company, and such counsel
     are not aware of others who have asserted any ownership rights in such
     Applications other than as described in the Registration Statement and
     Prospectus;

          (iv)   Such counsel are not aware that any issued patent held or
     licensed by the Company ("Patents"), all of which are listed on Schedule I,
     are invalid or that any patent issued in respect of an Application would be
     invalid, and are not aware of others who have asserted ownership rights in
     such Patents other than as described in the Registration Statement and
     Prospectus;

          (v)    To the best of such counsel's knowledge and except as set forth
     in the Prospectus under the caption "Risk FactorsUncertainty of Patent and
     Proprietary Technology Protection; License of Technology of Third Parties"
     and under the caption

                                      A-5
 
<PAGE>
 
     "Business-Intellectual Property," there are no legal or governmental
     proceedings (other than the patent application proceedings themselves)
     pending or threatened against the Company relating to patent rights, trade
     secrets or other proprietary information owned or licensed by the Company;
     and

          (vi)   Except as set forth in the Prospectus, such counsel are not
     aware that the Company has received any notice of infringement with respect
     to any Patent or any notice challenging the validity, scope or
     enforceability of any of the patents licensed to the Company, and to the
     best of such counsel's knowledge, the Company is not infringing or
     otherwise violating any patents, trade secrets or other proprietary
     information; and to the best of such counsel's knowledge, counsel is
     unaware of any infringements by others of the Company's patents, trade
     secrets or other proprietary information that, in the judgment of such
     counsel, could materially and adversely affect the Company's rights to use
     such patents, trade secrets or other proprietary information.

                                      A-6

<PAGE>
 
                                                                       Exhibit C

                         FORM OF OPINION OF COUNSEL FOR
                           THE SELLING SHAREHOLDER(S)
                          TO BE DELIVERED PURSUANT TO
                                  SECTION 5(d)


          (i)    No filing with, or consent, approval, authorization, license,
order, registration, qualification or decree of, any court or governmental
authority or agency, domestic or foreign, (other than the issuance of the order
of the Commission declaring the Registration Statement effective and such
authorizations, approvals or consents as may be necessary under state securities
laws, as to which we need express no opinion) is necessary or required to be
obtained by the Selling Shareholder(s) for the performance by [each/the] Selling
Shareholder of its obligations under the Purchase Agreement or in the Power of
Attorney and Custody Agreement, or in connection with the offer, sale or
delivery of the Securities.

          (ii)   Each Power of Attorney and Custody Agreement has been duly
executed and delivered by the respective Selling Shareholder(s) named therein
and constitutes the legal, valid and binding agreement of such Selling
Shareholder.

          (iii)  The Purchase Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
delivered by or on behalf of each Selling Shareholder.

          (iv)   Each Attorney-in-Fact has been duly authorized by the Selling
Shareholder(s) to deliver the Securities on behalf of the Selling Shareholder(s)
in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement.

          (v)    The execution, delivery and performance of the Purchase
Agreement and the Power of Attorney and Custody Agreement and the sale and
delivery of the Securities and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
in the Purchase Agreement and in the Registration Statement and compliance by
the Selling Shareholder(s) with its obligations under the Purchase Agreement
have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Selling
Shareholder(s) and do not and will not, whether with or without the giving of
notice or passage of time or both, conflict with or constitute a breach of, or
default under or result in the creation or imposition of any tax, lien, charge
or encumbrance upon the Securities or any property or assets of the Selling
Shareholder(s) pursuant to, any contract, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust,
loan or credit agreement, note, license, lease or other instrument or agreement
to which any Selling Shareholder is a party or by which they may be bound, or to
which any of the property or assets of the Selling Shareholder(s) may be subject
nor will such action result in any violation of the provisions of the charter or
by-laws of the Selling Shareholder(s), if applicable, or any law, administrative
regulation, judgment or order of any governmental agency or body or

                                      B-1
 
<PAGE>
 
any administrative or court decree having jurisdiction over [such/the] Selling
Shareholder or any of its properties.

          (vi)   To the best of our knowledge, each Selling Shareholder has
valid and marketable title to the Securities to be sold by such Selling
Shareholder pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, free and clear of any pledge,
lien, security interest, charge, claim, equity or encumbrance of any kind, and
has full right, power and authority to sell, transfer and deliver such
Securities pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. By delivery of a certificate or
certificates therefor such Selling Shareholder will transfer to the Underwriters
who have purchased such Securities pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (without
notice of any defect in the title of such Selling Shareholder and who are
otherwise bona fide purchasers for purposes of the Uniform Commercial Code)
valid and marketable title to such Securities, free and clear of any pledge,
lien, security interest, charge, claim, equity or encumbrance of any kind.

          Nothing has come to our attention that would lead us to believe that
the Registration Statement or any amendment thereto, including the Rule 430A
Information and Rule 434 Information (if applicable), (except for financial
statements and schedules and other financial data included therein or omitted
therefrom, as to which we  need make no statement), at the time such
Registration Statement or any such amendment became effective, contained an
untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading
or that the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto (except for
financial statements and schedules and other financial data included therein or
omitted therefrom, as to which we need make no statement), at the time the
Prospectus was issued, at the time any such amended or supplemented prospectus
was issued or at the Closing Time, included or includes an untrue statement of a
material fact or omitted or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to
make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading.

                                      B-2
 
<PAGE>
 
       [FORM OF LOCK-UP FROM DIRECTORS, OFFICERS OR OTHER STOCKHOLDERS 
                           PURSUANT TO SECTION 5(i)]

                                                                       Exhibit D

                               Febuary  __, 1998

MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
            Incorporated,
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON CORPORATION
HAMBRECHT & QUIST LLC
 as Representative(s) of the several
 Underwriters to be named in the
 within-mentioned Purchase Agreement
c/o  Merrill Lynch & Co.
       Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
                  Incorporated
North Tower
World Financial Center
New York, New York  10281-1209

     Re:  Proposed Public Offering by Heska Corporation
          ---------------------------------------------

Dear Sirs:

     The undersigned, a stockholder [and an officer and/or director] of Heska
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), understands that Merrill
Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill
Lynch"), Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation and Hambrecht & Quist LLC
propose to enter into a Purchase Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with the
Company providing for the public offering of shares (the "Securities") of the
Company's common stock, par value $.001 per share (the "Common Stock").  In
recognition of the benefit that such an offering will confer upon the
undersigned as a stockholder [and an officer and/or director] of the Company,
and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of
which are hereby acknowledged, the undersigned agrees with each underwriter to
be named in the Purchase Agreement that, during a period of [120] days from the
date of the Purchase Agreement, the undersigned will not, without the prior
written consent of Merrill Lynch, directly or indirectly, (i) offer, pledge,
sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any
option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant for the sale of,
or otherwise dispose of or transfer any shares of the Company's Common Stock or
any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Common Stock,
whether now owned or hereafter acquired by the undersigned or with respect to
which the undersigned has or hereafter acquires the power of disposition, or
file any registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
with respect to any of the foregoing or (ii) enter into any swap or any other
agreement or any transaction that transfers, in

                                      B-3
<PAGE>
 
whole or in part, directly or indirectly, the economic consequence of ownership
of the Common Stock, whether any such swap transaction is to be settled by
delivery of Common Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise.

                                Very truly yours,


                                Signature:________________________

                                Print Name:_______________________

                                      B-4
<PAGE>
                                                                         Annex A

         [FORM OF ACCOUNTANTS' COMFORT LETTER PURSUANT TO SECTION 5(e)]

We are independent public accountants with respect to the Company within the
meaning of the 1933 Act and the applicable published 1933 Act Regulations.

          (i)  in our opinion, the audited financial statements and the related
     financial statement schedules included in the Registration Statement and
     the Prospectus comply as to form in all material respects with the
     applicable accounting requirements of the 1933 Act and the published rules
     and regulations thereunder;

          (ii) on the basis of procedures (but not an examination in accordance
     with generally accepted auditing standards) consisting of a reading of the
     latest available unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of the
     Company, a reading of the minutes of all meetings of the stockholders and
     directors of the Company and its subsidiaries and the Audit and
     Compensation Committees of the Company's Board of Directors and any
     subsidiary committees since January 1, 1998 inquiries of certain officials
     of the Company and its subsidiaries responsible for financial and
     accounting matters, a review of interim financial information in accordance
     with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public
     Accountants in Statement on Auditing Standards No. 71, Interim Financial
     Information ("SAS 71"), with respect to the [description of relevant
     periods] and such other inquiries and procedures as may be specified in
     such letter, nothing came to our attention that caused us to believe that:

               (i)   at February __, 1998 a specified date not more than five
          days prior to the date of this Agreement, there was any change in the
          financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company
          and its subsidiaries or any decrease in the revenues of the Company
          and its subsidiaries or any increase in the liabilities of the Company
          and its subsidiaries, in each case as compared with amounts shown in
          the latest balance sheet included in the Registration Statement,
          except in each case for changes, decreases or increases that the
          Registration Statement discloses have occurred or may occur; or

               (ii)  for the period from January 1, 1998 to a specified date not
          more than five days prior to the date of this Agreement, there was any
          decrease in _________, __________ or ___________, in each case as
          compared with the comparable period in the preceding year, except in
          each case for any decreases that the Registration Statement discloses
          have occurred or may occur;

               (iii) based upon the procedures set forth in clause (ii) above
          and a reading of the Selected Financial Data included in the
          Registration Statement and a reading of the financial statements from
          which such data were derived, nothing came to our attention that
          caused us to believe that the Selected Financial Data included in the
          Registration Statement do not comply as to form in all material
          respects with the disclosure requirements of Item 301 of Regulation S-
          K of the 1933 Act, that the amounts included in the Selected Financial
          Data are not in agreement with the corresponding amounts in the
          audited consolidated financial statements for the respective periods
          or that the financial statements not included in the Registration
          Statement from which certain of such data were derived are not in
          conformity with generally accepted accounting principles;
<PAGE>
 
                                                                         Annex A

 
               (iv)  we have compared the information in the Registration
          Statement under selected captions with the disclosure requirements of
          Regulation S-K of the 1933 Act and on the basis of limited procedures
          specified herein, nothing came to our attention that caused us to
          believe that this information does not comply as to form in all
          material respects with the disclosure requirements of Items 302, 402
          and 503(d), respectively, of Regulation S-K;

               (v)   we are unable to and do not express any opinion on the [Pro
          Forma Combined Statement of Operations] (the "Pro Forma Statement")
          included in the Registration Statement or on the pro forma adjustments
          applied to the historical amounts included in the Pro Forma Statement;
          however, for purposes of this letter we have:

                     (A)  read the Pro Forma Statement;

                     (B)  performed an audit a review in accordance with SAS 71
               of the financial statements to which the pro forma adjustments
               were applied;

                     (C)  made inquiries of certain officials of the Company who
               have responsibility for financial and accounting matters about
               the basis for their determination of the pro forma adjustments
               and whether the Pro Forma Statement complies as to form in all
               material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of
               Rule 11-02 of Regulation S-X;

                     (D)  proved the arithmetic accuracy of the application of
               the pro forma adjustments to the historical amounts in the Pro
               Forma Statement; and on the basis of such procedures and such
               other inquiries and procedures as specified herein, nothing came
               to our attention that caused us to believe that the Pro Forma
               Statement included in the Registration Statement does not comply
               as to form in all material respects with the applicable
               requirements of Rule 11-02 of Regulation S-X or that the pro
               forma adjustments have not been properly applied to the
               historical amounts in the compilation of those statements; and

               (vi)  in addition to the procedures referred to in clause (ii)
          above, we have performed other procedures, not constituting an audit,
          with respect to certain amounts, percentages, numerical data and
          financial information appearing in the Registration Statement, which
          are specified herein, and have compared certain of such items with,
          and have found such items to be in agreement with, the accounting and
          financial records of the Company.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1


                         PILLSBURY MADISON & SUTRO LLP
                                 P.O. BOX 7880
                            SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94120
                              Tel: (415) 983-1000
                              Fax: (415) 983-1200


                                                January 23, 1998


Heska Corporation
1825 Sharp Point Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80525


     Re: Registration Statement on Form S-1


Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We are acting as counsel for Heska Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), of 5,750,000 shares of Common Stock,
par value $.001 per share (the "Common Stock"), of the Company, of which
5,250,000 authorized but heretofore unissued shares (including 750,000 shares
subject to the underwriters' over-allotment option) are to be offered and sold
by the Company and 500,000 shares are to be offered and sold by a certain
stockholder of the Company (the "Selling Stockholder").  In this regard we have
participated in the preparation of a Registration Statement on Form S-1 relating
to such 5,750,000 shares of Common Stock.  (Such Registration Statement, as
amended, and including any registration statement related thereto and filed
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act (a "Rule 462(b) registration
statement") is herein referred to as the "Registration Statement.")

     We are of the opinion that (i) the shares of Common Stock to be offered and
sold by the Company (including any shares of Common Stock registered pursuant to
a Rule 462(b) registration statement) have been duly authorized and, when issued
and sold by the Company in the manner described in the Registration Statement
and in accordance with the resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the
Company, will be legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and (ii) the
shares of Common Stock to be offered and sold by the Selling Stockholder have
been duly authorized and legally issued and are fully paid and nonassessable.

     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the
Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the caption "Legal
Matters" in the Registration Statement and in the Prospectus included therein.


                                    Very truly yours,


                                    /s/ Pillsbury Madison & Sutro LLP


[01976]

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.14

                             EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
                             --------------------


          THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is entered into by and between
Heska AG, a corporation organized under the laws of Switzerland with its
principal office at Langarbenstrasse 14, CH-4416 Bubendorf, Switzerland
("Company") and Giuseppe Miozzari ("Employee"), effective as of July 1, 1997.

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

          WHEREAS  Company desires to employ Employee to act as its Managing
Director in an at-will capacity; and

          WHEREAS  Employee wishes to act as Company's Managing Director as an
employee in an at-will capacity;

          N O W,  T H E R E F O R E,  in consideration of the mutual covenants
and warranties contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

          1.  Employment.  Company hereby employs Employee as its Managing
              ----------                                                  
Director, and Employee hereby accepts such employment.

          2.  Duties and Responsibilities.  Employee shall serve as Managing
              ---------------------------                                   
Director of Company, with such duties and responsibilities as may be assigned to
him from time to time by the Board of Directors of Company, and with such on-
going daily duties and responsibilities as are typically entailed in such
position.  Employee shall devote his full time and energies to such duties.
Employee shall not be entitled to any special remuneration for overtime work.

          3.  Compensation.  Company shall pay Employee, as full compensation
              ------------                                                   
for all services rendered under this Agreement, a gross cash salary of 300,000
SFr per year, payable in accordance with the usual and customary payroll
practices of Company.  If for any reason during any given year, Employee does
not work an entire year, other than normal vacations as provided hereunder, the
compensation will be prorated to compensate only for the actual time worked.

          4.  Expenses.  Company shall reimburse Employee for his reasonable
              --------                                                      
out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the business of Company,
including travel away from Company's facilities, upon presentation of
appropriate written receipts and reports and subject to the customary practices
of Company.

          5.  Employee Benefits.  During the term of his employment hereunder,
              -----------------                                               
Employee shall be entitled to receive the same benefits that the Board of
Directors establishes generally for the other employees of  Company and as
comply with Swiss law.  These may include from time to time, life insurance,
paid vacation time and medical disability insurance.  In addition, Employee
shall be entitled to the following additional benefits:

          (a)  Company shall bear 50% of the cost of pension contributions with
respect to the full amount of Employee's gross annual salary, including amounts
above the statutory limit, 
<PAGE>
 
with Employee to bear the balance, all in the amounts set by the pension insurer
selected by Company for others of like age.

          (b)  Company shall bear the costs of leasing, insuring and maintaining
a car (including gasoline) for the business and personal use of Employee, with
the expected personal use not to exceed 25%.

          (c)  Employee's gross salary payable under Section 4 shall include an
expense allowance of 24,000 SFr per year for Employee's use in accordance with
reasonable policies to be adopted by Company.

          6.  Termination.
              ----------- 

          (a)  Right to Terminate.  This Agreement is entered into for an
               ------------------                                        
indefinite period of time and can be terminated by either party by giving one
month prior written notice, with the effective date of termination to be on the
last day of the month following the month in which notice is given.

          (b)  Termination for Valid Reasons.  Notwithstanding Section 6(a)
               -----------------------------                               
above, each party may, for valid reasons as defined in Article 337 of the Swiss
Code of Obligations or any successor statute, terminate this Agreement at any
time and without giving written notice to the other party.

           (c) Severance Pay.
               ------------- 

               (i)  Upon any involuntary termination of his employment as
defined in subsection (ii) below, or upon any termination of Employee's
employment by Employee as permitted by Section 6(b) above, Employee will be
entitled to severance pay as provided below. Upon request by Company, Employee
will sign a release of claims against Company and its affiliates as a condition
to receiving severance pay. No severance pay shall be payable upon any
termination of Employee's employment other than upon an involuntary termination
or by Employee as permitted by Section 6(b) above, and in such events Employee
shall only receive pay and benefits which Employee earned as of the date of
termination.

               (ii) "Involuntary termination" shall mean any termination of
Employee's employment by Company, other than 

                        (A) as permitted by Section 6(b) above;

                        (B) any termination caused by Employee's transfer to any
company affiliated with Company;

                        (C) any termination by Company or Employee following
Employee's refusal to accept a reasonable transfer to a position with comparable
responsibility and salary with any affiliated company that does not involve
commuting more than 50 kilometers each way from his present home;

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
                         (D) Employee shall die, be adjudicated to be mentally
incompetent or become mentally or physically disabled to such an extent that
Employee is unable to perform his duties under this Employment Agreement for a
period of ninety (90) consecutive days;

                         (E) Company shall discontinue its business (for the
purpose of this provision, a merger, acquisition or sale of Company in which
Company's business is carried on by the surviving entity shall not be deemed to
be a discontinuance of the business of Company);

                         (F) Employee shall commit any material breach of his
obligations under this Agreement;

                         (G) Employee shall commit any material breach of any
material fiduciary duty to Company;

                         (H) Employee shall be convicted of, or enter a plea of
nolo contendere to, any crime involving moral turpitude or dishonesty, whether a
felony or misdemeanor, or any crime which reflects so negatively on Company to
be detrimental to Company's image or interests;

                         (I) Employee shall commit repeated insubordination or
refusal to comply with any reasonable request of the Board of Directors of
Company relating to the scope or performance of Employee's duties;

                         (J) Employee shall possess any illegal drug on Company
premises or Employee shall be under the influence of illegal drugs or abusing
prescription drugs or alcohol while on Company business or on Company premises;
or

                         (K) Employee shall conduct himself in a manner which,
in the good faith and reasonable determination of the Board of Directors,
demonstrates Employee's gross unfitness to serve.

          (iii)  In the event that severance pay is due to Employee under
Section 6(c)(i) above as a result of a termination within three years of the
effective date of this Agreement, Employee will be paid eleven (11) months'
salary in equal monthly installments (subject to all applicable tax and other
deductions), with such installments being due on the last day of each month
beginning with the month following the month in which the termination is
effective, as provided in Section 6(a) above.  In the event that severance pay
is due to Employee under Section 6(c)(i) above as a result of a termination of
his employment more than three years after the date of this Agreement, Employee
will be paid five (5) months' salary in equal monthly installments (subject to
all applicable tax and other deductions), with such installments being on the
last day of each month beginning with the month following the month in which the
termination is effective, as provided in Section 6(a) above.  Any severance
payment due as a result of Employee's termination of his employment as provided
in Section 6(b) shall be reduced by any compensation granted to Employee by the
Swiss courts, if any, with such reduction to apply to the latest instalments
otherwise due.  Company will continue to make the pension contributions provided
under Section 5(a) with respect to severance payments during the severance pay
period but shall otherwise have no obligation to continue any benefits other
than salary during the severance pay period.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
          7.  Proprietary Information.  Employee agrees that he will promptly
              -----------------------                                        
execute Company's standard employee proprietary information and assignment of
inventions agreement.

          8.  Attorneys' Fees.  If any legal action arises under this Agreement
              ---------------                                                  
or by reason of any asserted breach of it, the prevailing party shall be
entitled to recover all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys'
fees, incurred in enforcing or attempting to enforce any of the terms, covenants
or conditions, including costs incurred prior to commencement of legal action,
and all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred in
any appeal from an action brought to enforce any of the terms, covenants or
conditions.  For purposes of this section, "prevailing party" includes without
limitation a party who agrees to dismiss a suit or proceeding upon the other's
payment or performance of substantially the relief sought.

          9.  Notices.  Any notice to be given to Company under the terms of
              -------                                                       
this Agreement shall be addressed to Company at the address of its principal
place of business, and any notice to be given to Employee shall be addressed to
him at his home address last shown on the records of Company, or to such other
address as a party shall have given notice of hereunder.

          10.  Miscellaneous. This Agreement is the entire agreement of the
               -------------                                               
parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior
understandings and agreements.  This Agreement may be modified only by a writing
signed by both parties.

               IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the parties hereto have executed this
Agreement the day and year hereinabove written.

                                    HESKA AG



By:  /s/ Giuseppe Miozzari           By:  /s/ Fred M. Schwarzer
     __________________________           ____________________________ 

Its: President                       Its: Vice President
     __________________________           ____________________________



                                     /s/ Giuseppe Miozzari
                                     _________________________________
                                     Giuseppe Miozzari

                                      -4-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 11.1

                               HESKA CORPORATION
        STATEMENT RE: COMPUTATION OF PRO FORMA BASIC NET LOSS PER SHARE
                   (in thousands, except per share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              Year Ended      Year Ended
                                                             December 31,    December 31,
                                                                 1996            1997
                                                             ------------    ------------
<S>                                                          <C>             <C>
Weighted average common shares outstanding................           938           9,750

Assumed conversion of preferred stock from
    original date of issuance.............................        11,183           5,870
                                       
Effect of common stock and common stock
    equivalents issued within one year prior to
    initial public offering (SAB 83).......................         1,186             593
                                                             ------------    ------------
          Total............................................        13,307          16,033
                                                             ============    ============

Net loss...................................................  $    (17,975)   $    (37,292)
                                                             ============    ============

Pro forma basic net loss per share.........................  $      (1.35)   $      (2.33)
                                                             ============    ============
</TABLE>


<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 21.1

                            SUBSIDIARIES OF COMPANY

Astarix Institute, Inc., a Delaware corporation
Bloxham Laboratories Limited, a public limited company organized under the laws
     of England
Center Laboratories, Inc., a Delaware corporation
Centre Medical des Grand'Places S. A., a corporation incorporated under the laws
     of Switzerland
Diamond Animal Health, Inc., an Iowa corporation
Heska AG, a corporation incorporated under the laws of Switzerland
Heska Holding AG, a corporation incorporated under the laws of Switzerland

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
  As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our
report (and all references to our Firm) included in or made part of this
registration statement.
 
                                          Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Denver, Colorado
January 23, 1998

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.2
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
  As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use in this
Registration Statement of our report, dated May 14, 1996 relating to the
financial statements of Diamond Animal Health, Inc., and to the reference to
our Firm under the caption "Experts" in the Prospectus.
 
                                          McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
 
Des Moines, Iowa
January 23, 1998

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Company's Form S-1 Registration Statement and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                                        <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                              12-MOS                  12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996             DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996             DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                           6,609                  10,673
<SECURITIES>                                    17,091                  18,073
<RECEIVABLES>                                      749                   4,374
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0                       0
<INVENTORY>                                      4,430                   8,510
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                29,213                  42,812
<PP&E>                                           9,713                  19,559
<DEPRECIATION>                                   1,504                   3,745
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  42,169                  65,248
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            5,258                  11,268
<BONDS>                                              0                       0
                                0                       0
                                     62,588                       0
<COMMON>                                             1                      19
<OTHER-SE>                                    (30,206)                  43,653
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    42,169                  65,248
<SALES>                                          9,959                  20,877
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                 9,959                  20,877
<CGS>                                            6,648                  14,245
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                    6,648                  14,245
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                22,172                  44,400
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0                       0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 325                   1,209
<INCOME-PRETAX>                               (17,975)                (37,292)
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0                       0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                           (17,975)                (37,292)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                               (17,975)                (37,292)
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                  (17,975)                (17,975)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (1.35)                  (2.33)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (1.35)                  (2.33)
        

</TABLE>


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