| Complaint: | Complaint 19-09 |
|---|---|
| Respondent: | Kelsey Owen |
| Premises: | VCA Animal Hospital El Mirage |
The complainants adopted a little puppy from the Arizona Humane Society. They went to VCA for the free check-up that came with the adoption. Five weeks later the dog came down with parvo. They took the dog to their regular vet who diagnosed and they decided to euthanize the dog. They called the Arizona Humane Society and say they were told that VCA should have tested for parvo. They then got a mailing from VCA reminding them that their new dog needed a parvo vaccination. They say the Arizona Humane Society told them the incubation period was 3 to 6 weeks. They say they spoke with Brenda Bownan (?), the hospital manager, and Robert Waltman, the medical director, both of whom hung up on them.
Owen states in her response that she met the dog twice. Once was for a check up the same day the dog was adopted. She details some of the information she provided and states that she warned the complainants the puppy should be isolated until all vaccinations have been provided. They were also given complementary doses of Nexgard and Interceptor Plus, a welcome pack, and a Trupanion Certificate for 30 days of free pet insurance. She also says she warned them that the dog could still be at risk from infectious diseases at the Humane Society and should call with any concerns. She says the other visit with the dog was after he had been seen by the family vet for itchy skin, coughing, and possible Bordetella. At this point she says the dog was otherwise fine. She says the complainants would not be reimbursed for subsequent costs at the family veterinarian when VCA was closed because other VCA hospitals were still open and their contract with the Arizona Humane Society only covers VCA hospitals. She concludes by stating that the complainants actually spoke with Brenda Bowerman and Dennis Keith and they were sure to record the call.
The Investigative Committee said there was misunderstanding about the incubation period for parvo. (If the complainants' account is correct, it would appear that the confusion stems from the Arizona Humane Society.) The Committee said that if the dog was not showing symptoms there was no reason to test for parvo, and even if the test had come back positive, they wouldn't have done anything because the only treatment is supportive therapy.
| Source: | November 11, 2018 AM Investigative Committee Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| Kelsey Owen | Respondent |
| Roll Call: | |
| Carolyn Ratajack | Aye |
| Christina Tran | Absent |
| Mary Williams | Absent |
| Robert Kritsberg | Aye |
| Ryan Ainsworth | Aye |
| Result: | Passed |
| Source: | December 12, 2018 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| Proposed By: | Darren Wright |
| Seconded By: | Sarah Heinrich |
| Roll Call: | |
| Christina Bertch-Mumaw | Aye |
| Darren Wright | Aye |
| J Greg Byrne | Aye |
| Jane Soloman | Aye |
| Jessica Creager | Aye |
| Jim Loughead | Aye |
| Nikki Frost | Aye |
| Robyn Jaynes | Absent |
| 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.