| Complaint: | Complaint 21-119 |
|---|---|
| Respondent: | Gene Nightengale |
| Premises: | Buena Pet Clinic |
| Related: | 21-117, 21-118 |
This complaint pertains to 21-117 but specifically relates to Nightengale's role. Among other issues he appears to have been the one to dismiss the client from the clinic. He is also the responsible veterinarian for Buena Pet Clinic.
Nightengale tells us that his veterinarians "quickly and accurately" diagnosed the dog's condition as a pyometra (in fairness, Conley in 21-117 says that the complainant knew it was a pyometra when she walked in). He also says that Halbach "graciously" took over the case despite a busy case load; the dog's death was not completely unexpected as the dog was very sick. He also stands behind Halbach's treatment plan (keeping the dog there alone all night rather than sending the dog to a 24-hour facility). He says that based on the complainant's subsequent interactions with his stuff, in which she was yelling and used bad words, he discussed the matter with his staff and other veterinarians; he concluded he could not let his staff be in such a toxic situation and dismissed the complainant as a client. He says that the complainant also knew that his clinic wasn't a 24-hour facility as that was clearly printed on consent forms she signed in the past.
The Investigative Committe said there were many concerns (see 21-117 and 21-118, these included records omissions, lack of signed authorization, lack of referral to an emergency facility, discontinuation of IV fluids, and leaving the dog overnight alone with no benefit). However, they said that Nightengale wasn't responsible for any of those things. (After all, he's just the responsible veterinarian for the premises.)
In 18-42 the investigators found Nightengale guilty of several violations relating to a dog seizing and eventually dropping dead during a dental. The Board threw them all out and sent him a Letter of Concern. Interestingly, according to Buena Pet Clinic's website Nightengale was a past president and former board member of the Southern Arizona Veterinary Medical Association. (Note this is distinct from the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association; Arizona veterinarians are so awesome they need not one but two professional associations.)
| Source: | September 9, 2021 AM Investigative Committee Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| David Stoll | Respondent Attorney |
| Gene Nightengale | 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 |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| David Stoll | Respondent Attorney |
| Proposed By: | Robyn Jaynes |
| 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.