| Complaint: | Complaint 22-101 |
|---|---|
| Respondent: | Emma Krakoff |
| Premises: | Brown Road Animal Clinic |
The complainant relates that she brought her dog in for limping, alternating between front and back legs. She claims that Krakoff didn't do any exam or her legs or feet, and didn't even touch the dog until she asked Krakoff about cysts on the dog's neck and back. Samples were taken from both cysts but she was allegedly told there are no tests for cancer. She also says she asked if her dog's tight abdomen was the rest of back pain and was told no. X-rays were also taken but no areas of concern were noted and a radiologist (Heffelman) allegedly reported no issues as well. Allegedly Krakoff suggested that behavioral issues could be to blame. The complainant contacted her family vet in Nebraska who identified an area of possible concern on the x-rays and a PetSmart veterinarian (Browning) also agreed with the diagnosis after a full exam. The complainant says that Krakoff didn't perform a proper examination that would meet the standard of care; she also says that after leaving negative reviews on Nextdoor several other people related similar experiences to her.
Krakoff's response states that she saw the dog in question for inconsistent limping and two skin masses. She says that she took a full history from the technician and the complainant before proceeding with a full physical exam; she noted the limping and the skin masses but found no other issues. X-rays noted a mild chronic injury on the left wrist which was confirmed by a radiologist, so the dog was sent home with an anti-inflammatory. The dog didn't improve and seemed somewhat painful and dehydrated on follow-up exam, but no limping was observed; radiographs were again normal (including a radiology report) and she recommended an ultrasound that the complainant turned down. Blood work also showed nothing obviously wrong. She says that the complainant subsequently thought the dog had tick fever but also turned down a lab test. After that she says the complainant notified her that her veterinarian in Nebraska suggested spinal cord compression, so Krakoff offered referral and a CT scan elsewhere; this was also turned down. She says that the complainant eventually sent her a radiograph with an area circled as a region of concern; she stated that she saw nothing and recommended a CT scan, at which time the complainant noted unhappiness about their practice and demanded a refund.
The Investigative Committee found no violations, stating that it was possible the dog did have a back issue causing the symptoms; however, even the radiologist didn't notice a problem. They state the workup Krakoff did was appropriate for the dog's condition and symptoms.
| Source: | August 8, 2022 AM Investigative Committee Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| Emma Krakoff | Respondent |
| David Stoll | Respondent Attorney |
| Roll Call: | |
| Robert Kritsberg | Aye |
| Christina Tran | Aye |
| Carolyn Ratajack | Aye |
| Jarrod Butler | Aye |
| Steven Seiler | Aye |
| Result: | Passed |
| Source: | September 9, 2022 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| David Stoll | Respondent Attorney |
| Proposed By: | Craig Nausley |
| Seconded By: | Jim Loughead |
| Roll Call: | |
| Craig Nausley | Aye |
| Darren Wright | Aye |
| J Greg Byrne | Absent |
| Jane Soloman | Aye |
| Jessica Creager | Aye |
| Jim Loughead | Aye |
| Melissa Thompson | Aye |
| Nikki Frost | Aye |
| Robyn Jaynes | 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.