| Complaint: | Complaint 18-81 |
|---|---|
| Respondent: | Stephen Waldo |
| Premises: | 1st Pet Veterinary Centers Mesa |
| Related: | 18-82 |
The complainants brought their dog to 1st Pet because of concerns regarding an infection in what are euphemistically referred to as the "female organs." Waldo saw the dog and suggested about $800 in tests which the complainants declined, leaving without medication and only an exam visit. The dog declined and was brought back to see Kafer who performed a low-cost $15 ultrasound and based on her diagnosis recommended a $4000 surgery or euthanasia. The latter suggestion went over poorly with the complainants, who took their dog to a different clinic that performed surgery for $2000 and saved the dog. The complainant was concerned that Waldo didn't offer the same during the first visit and was truly shocked that Kafer would suggest euthanizing an otherwise healthy dog.
Waldo's writeup says that the dog presented with a history of vomiting, diarrhea, and vulvar discharge (though he didn't see any of that on the exam). He notes based on history and exam findings it could have been anything from cancer to pancreatitis to an upset tummy and many, many other things. He suggested a variety of tests and some initial treatment, stating that their dog could have a life-threatining illness and might die. Waldo quotes from "Small Animal Critical Care Medicine, Second Edition" by Silverstein and Hopper as evidence his suggestions were appropriate, and states that he bears no responsibility regarding subsequent problems with the dog because they took the dog home and delayed in getting further care.
The Investigative Committee found that Waldo made appropriate recommendations for care and treatment and that the complainants didn't have the money to fork over.
| Source: | June 6, 2018 PM Investigative Committee Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| Stephen Waldo | Respondent |
| Roll Call: | |
| Adam Almaraz | Aye |
| Amrit Rai | Aye |
| Christine Butkiewicz | Aye |
| Donald Noah | Absent |
| Tamara Murphy | Aye |
| Result: | Passed |
| Source: | August 8, 2018 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| David Stoll | Respondent Attorney |
| Proposed By: | Jessica Creager |
| Seconded By: | Christina Bertch-Mumaw |
| 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.