The complainant believes that Ariano mismanaged seizures in her cat leading to his
euthanasia. The complainant brought her cat for generally not feeling well and being
dehydrated. Ariano did a workup and recommended reducing phenobarbital and added
Baytril for anemia, Mirtazapine for appetite, and prednisolone for a potential lung
issue. The cat went from having occasional breakthrough seizures to multiple grand
mal seizures, and the complainant found resources online suggesting the mirtazapine
dose could be to blame; overdoses can lead to Serotonin Syndrome. She also found
suggestions that Baytril is also contraindicated in cats with nervous system problems.
The complainant states that Ariano said the mirtazapine dose was incorrect but seemed
ambivalent about the cat's health. The cat ended up being taken to BluePearl's emergency
service where a veterinarian named Mayer recommended euthanasia. The cat had gone from
having an occasional breakthrough seizure (and none in the past six months) to having
ten in the time the cat was being helped by Ariano.
Ariano's response has additional medical detail and notes that she even responded to the
complainant's emails on her days off; she also says it's sad the cat was euthanized but
he was a very sick cat.
The Investigative Committee basically said that anything could cause breakthrough
seizures but that the dosages of Baytril and mirtazapine were both incorrectly recorded
and too high, thus finding violations. The veterinary board only kept the violation for
recordkeeping and issued a letter of concern for the dosage; Ariano had to pay $500 and
take six hours of continuing education.
ARS 32-2232 (21) as it relates to AAC R3-11-502 (L) (8) for failure to document in the medical record the frequency of the medications, Baytril, mirtazapine and prednisolone, were to be given to the cat
ARS 32-2232 (12) as it relates to AAC R3-11-501 (1) for failure to provide professionally acceptable procedures by prescribing Baytril and mirtazapine at too high of a dose.
Result:
Passed
Board Motion: Offer consent agreement with modified conclusions of law
A.R.S. ยง 32-2232 (21) as it relates to AAC R3-11-502 (L) (8) for failure to document in the medical record the frequency of the medications, Baytril, mirtazapine and prednisolone, which were to be given to the cat.
Penalties:
Probation (1 year)
Continuing education (6 hours in medical record keeping)
Civil penalty ($500)
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.