| Complaint: | Complaint 21-114 |
|---|---|
| Respondent: | Mary Johnson |
| Premises: | Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson |
| Related: | 21-112, 21-113 |
This complaint follows from 21-112 and pertains to Johnson's involvement in the dog's care. The complainant says that despite what the records say, Johnson failed to call her when her dog started to decline; Johnson was also apparently very involved in the dog's care during his hospitalization according to the Findings of Fact.
Johnson says that she first took over care of the dog after he had been admitted. At that time he was on a continuous insulin infusion (judging by the Findings of Fact it appears the dog's blood sugars ranged from around 600 to 400). She went home and the dog was handed off (to Lee at some point?) and ultrasound and other diagnostics suggested Cushing's disease; we're also told the dog's diabetic ketosis had now progressed to diabetic ketoacidosis. She came back on shift and noted the dog was now having a harder time breathing; x-rays were performed but found no problems and so were not entered into the medical record (?!). The dog also started having significant electrolyte problems and was having notable abdominal discomfort. The dog's neurological condition changed and his blood pressure dropped so medications, fluids, and Hetastarch (largely withdrawn from human use after the discovery of scientific fraud) were given to the dog. She tried to call the complainant to reach her but could not; the dog's blood pressure started to recover with administration of dobutamine but the dog still seemed dull. She went home and handed the case off to Wynn.
The Investigative Committee said Johnson's care for the dog was appropriate but that communication could have been better. Oddly, unlike the words for Wynn ("exceptional") here we're told that "it is easy to question the care and treatment of a pet after-the-fact."
| Source: | September 9, 2021 AM Investigative Committee Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| Mary Johnson | Respondent |
| Roll Call: | |
| Carolyn Ratajack | Aye |
| Christina Tran | Aye |
| Jarrod Butler | Aye |
| Robert Kritsberg | Aye |
| Steve Seiler | Aye |
| Result: | Passed |
| Source: | October 10, 2021 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| Proposed By: | Darren Wright |
| Seconded By: | Jessica Creager |
| Roll Call: | |
| Darren Wright | Aye |
| J Greg Byrne | Absent |
| Jane Soloman | Aye |
| Jessica Creager | Aye |
| Jim Loughead | Aye |
| Nikki Frost | Aye |
| Robyn Jaynes | Aye |
| Sarah Heinrich | Absent |
| 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.