| Complaint: | Complaint 21-144 |
|---|---|
| Respondent: | Shellee Roe |
| Premises: | Desert Sky Animal Hospital |
The complainant says that she had Blackwell remove a growth from her dog; aside from a problem with the veterinary technician who said that bloodwork was mandatory when it wasn't, the complainant has nothing but good things to say about this visit. The complainant brought her back for follow-up visits on multiple occasions as the wound from the surgery was not healing. She tells us that as a licensed acupuncturist she brought a piece of paper about a Chinese wound-healing herb. Roe, another veterinarian at the clinic, apparently relayed through a technician that she was very experienced in the use of Yunnan Bai Yao but that it was reserved for only the most severe of cases. The complainant says that Yunnan Bai Yao is suitable for all audiences and would have helped the wound heal quicker; she believes Roe didn't offer it as an option because she wanted to make money by prolonging the healing process. The complainant tells us that any attempt to bring up the matter was rudely rebuffed; she also tells us of her concerns about sanitary practices when her dog was brought back bleeding on one visit. At one point she alleges she was told she was being aggressive for handing someone a note to send medical records to a new veterinarian. She also raises (very valid) concerns about veterinary practices using coronavirus restrictions as a way to avoid pet owners and be able to do whatever they want to pets without any oversight (whatever you think of this sort of New Age medicine, she's spot on regarding this particular point).
Roe tells us that Blackwell successfully removed the tail growth. She also told us that the removal was uneventful; the growth was sent out and found to be benign. The wound had problems healing and Roe relates that it required them to rely on it healing by second intention (despite the woo-sounding name, that means they're just going to let it heal on its own). Roe tells us that (contrary to what the complainant alleges) her experience with Yunnan Bai Yao is rather limited; she says it's only used to control bleeding hemangiomas and hemangiosarcomas. Roe also tells us about the various times the complainant brought the dog for veterinary technician appointments to change the bandages; she says that when she examined the wound it appeared to be healing well. She says that the situation deterioriated with the complainant being unhappy with the care and subsequently asking to have her records transferred; she says that when making the request the complainant violated another staff member's personal space making the staff member uncomfortable.
The Investigative Committee said that coronavirus is hard on everyone and that the case revolved around the complainant wanting to use an herb that Roe wasn't comfortable with. They also said they had concerns about Roe not making herself available to answer her questions; worse yet, they were concerned about "tech appointments" changing bandages without the supervision of a veterinarian (this is one matter the Board generally takes seriously because in many respects it's structured as an employment-protection racket for veterinarians). There was also some discussion about whether it was appropriate to have a tech tell the complainant "no" regarding the herb. The Committee had serious concerns with the breakdown in communication; the Board sent Roe a letter of concern.
| Source: | November 11, 2021 AM Investigative Committee Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| Shellee Roe | Respondent |
| Roll Call: | |
| Carolyn Ratajack | Aye |
| Christina Tran | Absent |
| Jarrod Butler | Aye |
| Robert Kritsberg | Aye |
| Steve Seiler | Aye |
| Result: | Passed |
| Source: | December 12, 2021 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| Proposed By: | Darren Wright |
| Seconded By: | Jane Soloman |
| Roll Call: | |
| Craig Nausley | Nay |
| Darren Wright | Aye |
| J Greg Byrne | Nay |
| Jane Soloman | Nay |
| Jessica Creager | Nay |
| Jim Loughead | Nay |
| Melissa Thompson | Nay |
| Nikki Frost | Nay |
| Robyn Jaynes | Nay |
| Result: | Failed |
| Source: | December 12, 2021 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| Proposed By: | Robyn Jaynes |
| Seconded By: | Jessica Creager |
| Roll Call: | |
| Craig Nausley | Nay |
| Darren Wright | Nay |
| J Greg Byrne | Aye |
| Jane Soloman | Aye |
| Jessica Creager | Aye |
| Jim Loughead | Aye |
| Melissa Thompson | Aye |
| Nikki Frost | Aye |
| Robyn Jaynes | 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.