| Complaint: | Complaint 22-10 |
|---|---|
| Respondent: | Megan Buscema |
| Premises: | Gilbert Queen Creek Emergency Veterinarian and Pet Urgent Care |
The complainant states that he brought his dog to the Queen Creek emergency clinic because of a moderate to severe recurring cough. Buscema examined the dog and ordered a Valley Fever test, blood chemistry, CBC, and imaging; she came up with a list of differential diagnoses ranging collapsing trachea, gall bladder problems, heart murmurs, and an enlarged heart. He was told that Buscema would soon be back to go over the recommendations, including referral to a cardiologist; this never happened, instead being given a cough suppressant and a heart medication before being sent out the door.
He notes that he spent 10 minutes with Buscema after being at the clinic for five hours, and he wasn't able to speak with her over the following two days either. He notes that on the third day, the hospital manager, Erin Greenwood, called him and attempted to speak with him; he states that she appeared well-meaning but knew little of the case, though she did state that the records didn't reflect any evidence of an enlarged heart.
Buscema's response states that she ordered a variety of tests and began suspecting a collapsing trachea and an enlarged heart, but that the complainant turned down some of the diagnostics and a radiology consult. She also discussed the possibility of heart disease based on the enlarged heart and the heart murmur, recommending a consultation with well-known traveling cardiologist Christopher Paige (a man who allegedly drew something resembling an eyeball on cardiology discharge instructions before more or less ghosting a customer in 21-41). She states that she wrote up a prescription for pimobendan and cough medicine. She says that the complainant was actually sent discharge instructions via email but the email address on file had a typo; records were also sent to the primary care veterinarian.
The Investigative Committee said that there were lapses in communication that have since been cleared up at the facility. The Committee had concerns about putting the dog on pimobendan as they "did not feel the radiographs supported a cardiac issue at the time" yet some felt it was not an issue because cardiomegaly is subjective. They helpfully note that there was no harm done to the pet and that emergency services are always chaotic; instead, they recommend the board send a letter of concern.
| Source: | January 1, 2022 PM Investigative Committee Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| Megan Buscema | Respondent |
| Roll Call: | |
| Adam Almaraz | Aye |
| Amrit Rai | Aye |
| Gregg Maura | Aye |
| Justin McCormick | Absent |
| Steven Dow | Aye |
| Result: | Passed |
| Source: | February 2, 2022 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| David Stoll | Respondent Attorney |
| Proposed By: | Craig Nausley |
| Seconded By: | Jane Soloman |
| Roll Call: | |
| Craig Nausley | Aye |
| Darren Wright | Absent |
| J Greg Byrne | Absent |
| Jane Soloman | Aye |
| Jessica Creager | Aye |
| Jim Loughead | Aye |
| Melissa Thompson | Aye |
| Nikki Frost | Aye |
| Robyn Jaynes | Aye |
| Result: | Passed |
| Source: | March 3, 2022 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| David Stoll | Respondent Attorney |
| Megan Buscema | Respondent |
| Proposed By: | Craig Nausley |
| Seconded By: | Darren Wright |
| Roll Call: | |
| Craig Nausley | Aye |
| Darren Wright | Aye |
| J Greg Byrne | Aye |
| Jane Soloman | Aye |
| Jessica Creager | Absent |
| 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.