Another dog, another dental, and another twenty-four extracted teeth

Complaint: Complaint 18-53
Respondent: Christina Innocenti
Premises: Novak Animal Care Center

The complainant brought her dog in for a dental and was scheduled for three extractions by Innocenti. The complainant says she had earlier brushed her dog's teeth and that none of them seemed infected or loose. Innocenti subsequently called the complainant and said that she had pulled 14 teeth on one side of the mouth and starting on the other side; the complainant says she was surprised and upset. Innocenti called later and stated that an additional 10 teeth were removed. The complainant says the dog is having a tough time and wishes she had been asked first. Innocenti's response states that the complainant had been difficult in the past, had indicated her dog had oral health problems, authorized extractions on the paperwork, and that she never asked to be called prior to commencing any tooth extractions. She also states that because the teeth came out so easily she didn't charge them per tooth, leading to confusion about the bill. The Investigative Committee's discussion barely mentions the events of the actual case; they reiterate that veterinarians never pull healthy teeth and that leaving in diseased teeth would be malpractice.

Motions

Investigative Motion: Dismiss with no violation

Source: April 4, 2018 PM Investigative Committee Meeting
People:
Christina Innocenti Respondent
Roll Call:
Adam Almaraz Aye
Amrit Rai Aye
Christine Butkiewicz Aye
Donald Noah Aye
Tamara Murphy Aye
Result: Passed

Board Motion: Dismiss with no violation

Source: May 5, 2018 Board Meeting
People:
David Stoll Respondent Attorney
Proposed By: Darren Wright
Seconded By: Christina Bertch-Mumaw
Roll Call:
Christina Bertch-Mumaw Aye
Darren Wright Aye
J Greg Byrne Aye
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.