| Complaint: | Complaint 18-10 |
|---|---|
| Respondent: | Estevan Fernandez |
| Premises: | Chino Valley Animal Hospital |
The complainant took his dog to Chino Valley for illness and states his concern that the dog was hospitalized without a diagnosis for five days and never improved. He says that the dog improved once he discharged the dog after they suggested euthanasia. The dog then declined again after receiving further treatment at the veterinarian for infection at a catheter site; we're told that skin began peeling off and he was given poor instructions for how to care for the wound. He suggests that the medicines killed the dog when he was starting to improve at home.
Fernandez's response is almost a non-response, so we have nothing to go on there. He basically gives us a list of every veterinarian and veterinary technician that saw the dog and not much else. The medical records are not included in the public record. Based on the official findings of fact, the dog was having problems with minor vomiting and not eating or drinking. He brought his dog to Chino Valley where another veterinarian, Styre, couldn't find anything wrong but sent him home with some meds. Parvo tests at both Chino Valley and Prescott Animal Hospital were negative. The dog continued to decline and was hospitalized for five days at Chino Valley where he was given medication and supportive treatment by Styre, Fernandez, and others. His condition worsened and euthanasia was suggested. The complainant took his dog home and said that the dog was getting better but went back for an infection at the catheter site and received medications. Seizures began and the dog died.
The Investigative Committee helpfully noted that there was definitely something wrong with the dog, that catheters sometimes blow, and that maybe it was parvo after all.
| Source: | October 10, 2017 PM Investigative Committee Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| David Stoll | Respondent Attorney |
| Estevan Fernandez | Respondent |
| Roll Call: | |
| Adam Almaraz | Aye |
| Amrit Rai | Aye |
| Donald Noah | Aye |
| Robert Kritsberg | Aye |
| Tamara Murphy | Aye |
| Result: | Passed |
| Source: | November 11, 2017 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| David Stoll | Respondent Attorney |
| Proposed By: | Darren Wright |
| Seconded By: | Jessica Creager |
| Roll Call: | |
| Christina Bertch-Mumaw | Aye |
| Darren Wright | Aye |
| J Greg Byrne | Aye |
| Jessica Creager | Aye |
| Jim Loughead | Aye |
| Julie Young | Aye |
| Nikki Frost | Absent |
| Robyn Jaynes | Aye |
| Sarah Heinrich | Aye |
| Result: | Passed |
The primary source for the above summary was obtained as a public record from the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board. You are welcome to review the original records and board meeting minutes by clicking the relevant links. While we endeavor to provide an accurate summary of the complaint, response, investigative reports and board actions, we encourage you to review the primary sources and come to your own conclusions. In some cases we have also been able to reach out to individuals with knowledge of specific complaints, and where possible that information will be included here.