| Complaint: | Complaint 19-36 |
|---|---|
| Respondent: | Kristen Andrews |
| Premises: | Stockton Hill Animal Hospital |
The complainants took their dog to Andrews for what they describe as a "slight gagging cough." Andrews examined the dog and diagnosed a small amount of fluid in the left lung and prescribed steroids. The complainants had concerns but were told the steroid was the best treatment. Over the next two weeks the dog was drinking and urinating constantly. About ten days later the dog was gagging for air and breathing shallowly and taken to another veterinarian. The dog did not improve and was euthanized. The complainants were concerned that the steroid may have made the situation worse.
Andrews' response begins by stating that she wanted to ensure that the cough was an actual cough and not a reverse sneeze. She says that an x-ray was performed that showed a bronchial pattern but no fluid. She suggested steroids based on her differential diagnosis of bronchitis or pneumonia. She says that they spoke with the complainant twice before the dog died and there were no concerns relayed about the dog's condition.
The Investigative Committee states that since nobody did a necropsy we'll never know what happened. They believed based on the information available that Andrews' actions were appropriate and also helpfully note the other veterinarian never came up with a conclusive diagnosis either.
| Source: | February 2, 2019 PM Investigative Committee Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| Kristen Andrews | Respondent |
| Roll Call: | |
| Adam Almaraz | Aye |
| Amrit Rai | Aye |
| Christine Butkiewicz | Aye |
| Donald Noah | Absent |
| William Hamilton | Aye |
| Result: | Passed |
| Source: | March 3, 2019 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| Proposed By: | Sarah Heinrich |
| Seconded By: | Christina Bertch-Mumaw |
| 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 | 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.