FW: [RC] Release to treat - Susan E. Garlinghouse, DVM
As a vet that might be (and has been) handed such a release, my
observation is that there are a lot of potential treatments that you might well
want, but have not specifically authorized (and by providing a list of the
procedures you authorize, a lot of vets would assume anything not on the list
is therefore forbidden). As well, “surgery” has a much broader definition
than I think what you are trying to define here---I assume you’re probably
saying don’t send the horse for abdominal colic surgery or arthroscopy---but
you’re saying suturing is okay, which is also “surgery”. Surgery can also
include some pretty minor procedures that you’d probably want for your horse,
such as such as removing a splinter from an eye, or a sharp stick that got
poked into a joint. But you’ve specifically forbidden that by saying “no
surgery”. Get my drift?
Also, I would have some trouble even accepting such a consent
from someone who is only leasing the horse, but is not the owner. What if
the lessor says “I won’t pay more than $1000, so if it will cost more than
that, put the horse down.” The vet does that, and then gets sued by the
actual owner, who (whoda thunk) would have been happy to pay the additional
cost to save the horse. You’re putting the vet in a bad position
providing a consent for euthanasia from anyone other than the actual owner.
May I suggest something broader in nature that outlines your
budget and humane desires for the horse rather than trying to specifically list
procedures you’re okay with. Something more like:
‘To the Attending Veterinarian;
I am the owner of the above named horse and have the authority
to execute this consent. In the event I cannot be contacted, I authorize
emergency treatment for my horse “Fuzzy Flyer” as deemed necessary for the
treatment of acute injury or disease. I agree to be financially
responsible for such veterinary services and medications up to the amount of
$1000. If, in your professional opinion, such injury or disease is life
threatening, and/or the animal is suffering unbearable pain with little
reasonable hope of recovery***, I authorize euthanasia and the removal of the
body from the premises. In the event that I am not available for
consultation, I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the veterinarian for any
damages which may result from services rendered in the treatment of my horse.’
*** A further notation to possibly include is YOUR definition of
“recovery”. Do you mean recovery so the horse can live without undue pain
in a pasture somewhere? Or is your definition of “recovery” limited to
return to full competition within six months or less? Most people are
happy with the former, but recent events have certainly illustrated that some
riders don’t view their horses as anything other than a means to a win.
You should spell it out by including something like, ‘For the purposes of this
consent, I define recovery as <enter goals here>.’
Somewhere on the consent should also be a reasonable description
of the horse, not just “my horse Fuzzy Flyer”, good contact information, an
address, a credit card number (ideally, one you are authorized to have) and original
signature.
