| Complaint: | Complaint 21-36 |
|---|---|
| Respondent: | Judith Hammerich |
| Premises: | VCA Northern Animal Hospital |
| Related: | 21-37 |
The complainant says she's been bringing her dogs to VCA for over five years and that VCA has been great; however, she also says that all those appointments were for shots or vaccines and not anything that involved an actual sickness. She tells us this time was different because her dog was actually sick and went to VCA eight times in four months spending over $2500. Her dog was thin and vomiting. VCA ran tests and diagnosed cryptosporidium infection, which was treated, but the dog still didn't gain weight. The dog went back and was diagnosed with very low B12 and given supplements. She told the VCA veterinarians that she could see gas bubbles in the dog's stomach and that when he does it he rolls over or even vomits. The vet allegedly told her this was normal because the dog was so thin and that it couldn't be a blockage as the dog was still urinating and defecating; she was also allegedly told the dog was a "Hollywood dog" because he was a picky eater. The complainant said she thought the dog needed an x-ray or ultrasound but that was never done. She took the dog to Roadrunner Animal Hospital for a second opinion. They found something in his intestines on x-ray, performed surgery, and found the dog's intestines were very mangled. The dog was subsequently euthanized. The complainant laments that VCA kept racking up hundreds of dollars in bloodwork and fecal tests while the dog did nothing but suffer. (The Findings of Fact, should you choose to believe them, suggest that Roadrunner found a dilated small intestine with large pockets, thin walls, and a piece of bone; it sounds like Cordova brought up lifelong diarrhea and unnamed "quality of life" worries that summoned the Grim Reaper in for this little rescue dog.)
Hammerich's response gives us a visit-by-visit account of the five times she saw the dog at VCA. She tells us the dog was brought in after being rescued as a stray and that the primary concern was his inability to gain weight; she specifically states that the complainant never told her that the dog was vomiting. We're given a list of tests and differential diagnoses, starting with the treatment for cryptosporidium. She relates that x-rays were not considered as the dog did not seem likely to have a blockage, particularly as she was never aware of vomiting. She consulted with an Antech (also part of Mars Petcare, just like VCA) internal medicine specialist who thought Addison's disease was unlikely. She also says the dog was gaining weight because she could no longer see his bones; he also appeared bouncy and active on exam and the complainant said the dog would eat at home if other dogs were also eating. Hammerich relates that the dog appeared to be part Chihuahua and she relates that most owners she spoke with have indicated that their Chihuahuas were picky eaters. She's sorry to hear the dog died as he was a very sweet dog.
The Investigative Committee concludes that the complainant is likely a liar. They state that the medical records have no mention of vomiting being reported by the complainant; they also cite the respondent veterinarians as stating that they would not have vaccinated the dog and would have run x-rays if they had known the dog was vomiting. They conclude that the complaiant had taken her dog there many times to two different veterinarians, and obviously if she had really said the dog was vomiting (as she claims), someone would have written something down.
Those with personal experience of the veterinary sector might dispute whether they're really that good at taking histories or keeping notes. The complainant's lament that the clinic did a great job until her pet was actually sick is also hauntingly familiar.
| Source: | April 4, 2021 AM Investigative Committee Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| David Stoll | Respondent Attorney |
| Judith Hammerich | Respondent |
| Roll Call: | |
| Carolyn Ratajack | Aye |
| Christina Tran | Aye |
| Jarrod Butler | Aye |
| Robert Kritsberg | Aye |
| Steve Seiler | Aye |
| Result: | Passed |
| Source: | May 5, 2021 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| David Stoll | Respondent Attorney |
| Proposed By: | Darren Wright |
| Seconded By: | Jessica Creager |
| Roll Call: | |
| Darren Wright | Aye |
| J Greg Byrne | Aye |
| 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.