A cat slowly declines and fills with poop over three months and three veterinary visits: Part II

Complaint: Complaint 18-88
Respondent: Dennis White
Premises: University Pet Clinic
Related: 18-87

This complaint follows on with 18-87 and concerns White, the veterinarian who saw the complainant's cat for the last of three visits over the three-month period. The complainant says that unlike Adams, White did conclude that "she's full of poop."

White's response mentions the earlier suggestion from Adams regarding pancreatitis. Interestingly, he also mentions an obstruction as a possiblity, one of the primary concerns the complainant relayed on her first visit to Adams. He also notes that the complainant declined many recommended tests because of lack of money. He then concludes with his own list of problems he has with the complainant. He is concerned because the complainant didn't bring the cat to their clinic more often and then asks why she kept bringing the cat back if she had lost confidence in their clinic. He also complains that the complainant didn't agree to many of the offered diagnostics. He also says he would not have used the word "poop." White concludes by saying that he's been a veterinarian for many years and deals with the challenge of people wanting a perfect outcome but not wanting to spend any money.

The Investigative Committee discussion was largely copied and pasted from 18-87. However, they did state a particular concern with White in that lactulose (used to treat constipation) was included on an estimate but not sent back with the complainant. The Committee found that this constituted a violation. The veterinary board agreed and White was required to take five hours of continuing education and pay $100.

They also suspected that the hospital administrator, Karen Schorr, may have altered medical records and recommended opening an investigation into the responsible veterinarian for the premises, Richard Schorr.

Motions

Investigative Motion: Find violation

Source: July 7, 2018 PM Investigative Committee Meeting
People:
Dennis White Respondent
Roll Call:
Adam Almaraz Aye
Amrit Rai Aye
Christine Butkiewicz Aye
Donald Noah Aye
Tamara Murphy Aye
Violations:
ARS 32-2232 (12) as it relates to AAC R3-11-501 (1) for failure to provide professionally acceptable procedures bynot dispensing lactulose which would have been a pro-active medical approach for the condition of the cat; Complainant had signed the estimate approving the medication to be dispensed.
Result: Passed

Board Motion: Schedule informal interview

Source: August 8, 2018 Board Meeting
Proposed By: Darren Wright
Seconded By: Julie Young
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

Board Motion: Open investigation into responsible veterinarian at premises

Source: August 8, 2018 Board Meeting
Proposed By: Nikki Frost
Seconded By: Darren Wright
Roll Call:
Christina Bertch-Mumaw Aye
Darren Wright Nay
J Greg Byrne Absent
Jessica Creager Nay
Jim Loughead Aye
Julie Young Aye
Nikki Frost Aye
Robyn Jaynes Nay
Sarah Heinrich Nay
Result: Failed

Board Motion: Offer consent agreement

Source: September 9, 2018 Board Meeting
People:
Dennis White Respondent
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
Violations:
ARS 32-2232 (12) Failure to provide professionally acceptable procedures
Result: Passed

Board Motion: Issue board order

Source: October 10, 2018 Board Meeting
Proposed By: Darren Wright
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

Board Order: Order 18088 DENNIS WHITE, DVM

Source: Order 18088 (October 10, 2018)
Violations:
A.R.S. ยง 32-2232 (12) as it relates to A.A.C. R3-11-501 (1) failure to provide professionally acceptable procedures by not discussing long term home care instructions to manage constipation issues.
Penalties:
Probation (1 year)
Continuing education (5 hours in GI issues in cats)
Civil penalty ($100)

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.