| Complaint: | Complaint 18-93 |
|---|---|
| Respondent: | Sarah Carotenuto |
| Premises: | VCA Valley Animal Hospital |
| Related: | 18-90, 18-91, 18-92 |
This complaint follows from 18-90 and specifically relates to Carotenuto's involvement.
Carotenuto's response notes that the complainant took his dog to four different clinics, saying that their clinic was the only one that he pursued care with because all the others recommended euthanasia. She states that the mere fact they were willing to take the case "speaks to other veterinarians' wariness of this case and difficulty with the owner." She states that at no time did anyone there rule out the possibility of a blockage and points to disagreements between board-certified radiologists, none of whom could actually examine the patient. She also states that their "supportive tender, loving care" was a major reason that the dog was able to pass the pit; after all, if it were truly obstructive, it would never have come out. She states that "we are so glad that despite the odds, Lady has made the recovered [sic] desired by her owner." She also says that "many of us realize the benefits of holistic medication" as even many Western medications are plant-based, the only reason the dog was able to receive the slippery elm was because of their supportive care.
The Investigative Committee discussion appears to be a copy from 18-90.
If you'd like to read another tale of medical professionals, including Carotenuto, tag-teaming a dog with a blockage at the same VCA emergency center, feel free to skip ahead to 20-94. Carotenuto's response there tends to have a very similar tone.
| Source: | August 8, 2018 AM Investigative Committee Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| David Stoll | Respondent Attorney |
| Sarah Carotenuto | Respondent |
| Roll Call: | |
| Carolyn Ratajack | Aye |
| Christina Tran | Aye |
| Mary Williams | Aye |
| Robert Kritsberg | Aye |
| Ryan Ainsworth | Aye |
| Result: | Passed |
| Source: | September 9, 2018 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| W Reed Campbell | Respondent Attorney |
| Proposed By: | Sarah Heinrich |
| 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.