| Complaint: | Complaint 18-105 |
|---|---|
| Respondent: | Kathleen Hamilton |
| Premises: | Phoenix Dog Cat and Bird Hospital |
The complainants brought their dog in for a dental with Hamilton. They say that two extractions were performed but when they picked up their dog he was very red and crying. They asked for more pain medication and were told no. He cried all night and the clinic eventually gave more pain medication. Concerned, the complainants took the dog to another clinic who told them that their dog had been burned. They say the other veterinarian shaved the dog and found multiple second and third degree burns all over the dog. Sosnow, the owner at Hamilton's clinic, apparently told her the dog was burned by a heat lamp and offered to pay the bills.
Hamilton's response is more detailed on the medical side of things and suggests that the dog's temperature began to drop precipitiously during the dental procedure. They piled up blankets and warmers but the temperature continued to drop so they switched out the rectal thermometers to make sure the readings were accurate. Once verified they apparently set up a heat lamp about two feet away from the dog and used heavier blankets. She says that she can't believe the heat lamp actually burned the dog and that she's going to research better heating methods going forward. The heat lamp was allegedly put into storage where it couldn't hurt anyone.
The Investigative Committee said that no veterinarian ever wants to give a dog second or third degree burns from a heat lamp. They also pointed out that that the clinic took responsibility and offered to pay any resulting bills. They also noted that they didn't mean for it to happen and got rid of the heat lamp. Therefore, no violations occurred. The veterinary board sent a letter of concern.
| Source: | September 9, 2018 AM Investigative Committee Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| Kathleen Hamilton | Respondent |
| W Reed Campbell | Respondent Attorney |
| Roll Call: | |
| Carolyn Ratajack | Aye |
| Christina Tran | Aye |
| Mary Williams | Aye |
| Robert Kritsberg | Aye |
| Ryan Ainsworth | Aye |
| Result: | Passed |
| Source: | October 10, 2018 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| David Stoll | Respondent Attorney |
| Proposed By: | Christina Bertch-Mumaw |
| Seconded By: | Jessica Creager |
| Roll Call: | |
| Christina Bertch-Mumaw | Aye |
| Darren Wright | Aye |
| J Greg Byrne | Absent |
| Jessica Creager | Aye |
| Jim Loughead | Aye |
| Julie Young | Aye |
| Nikki Frost | Aye |
| 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.