An unsatisfied customer says a specialist vet ran up the bill on a dog dying of cancer

Complaint: Complaint 22-108
Respondent: Jonathan Schnier
Premises: BluePearl Scottsdale

The complainant's dog had been suffering from malaise and a recent-onset nosebleed. A VetMed veterinarian (von Johnson) advised that a CT would be necessary. The complainant scheduled what she thought was a CT scan at BluePearl Scottsdale and brought her documentation from two earlier veterinary appointments within the past two weeks. Rather than getting a CT scan, Schnier ordered an additional $1215 in tests and wouldn't be able to perform a CT scan for an additional week. She says that Schnier suggested doing the scan at the Avondale location, but she heard nothing about this, and when she called them, she was told no scans were scheduled. A vet tech friend of hers had a daughter who was a vet tech, and they managed to squeeze the dog in elsewhere because of a seriously deteriorating condition; that other clinic found cancer and the dog was euthanized. She says she dropped off a complaint letter with Schnier's practice at BluePearl but he never even bothered to respond.

Schnier's response says that at no time was the complainant told she would get a CT scan the same day as the dog came in. He says that the dog's "condition was stable and she did not require a procedure to be performed on an emergency basis." He says that all tests he ordered were "medically warranted" and the complainant agreed to them. He also notes that he splits his time between the Scottsdale and Avondale locations, and the CT scan was scheduled at the Scottsdale location the next day he would be available (six days!). Much of the remainder is essentially extracted from the dog's medical record.

Interestingly, he does note that he suspected a malignancy, also prescribing medication to help the dog be more comfortable. We're also told that they offered to perform a CT at the Avondale location, but that it's somewhat of a pain because they don't have a CT scanner. They actually have to call a mobile CT scanner in. He notes that the complainant did actually call the following Sunday to attempt to schedule a CT scan at Avondale, but he didn't get the message until Monday when it was too late.

We're also treated to communication records that portray the complainant's growing concern for her dog. When she finally found another facility to perform the CT, it appears that BluePearl staff advised her to ensure that the facility could also perform a rhinoscopy and biopsy (one wonders if this was an attempt to talk her into coming back for the CT at BluePearl?). It appears that she canceled the appointment and hung up on a BluePearl CVT mid-conversation. BluePearl sent a final communication with test results hoping the dog was doing well; the complainant dropped off a complaint letter informing them her dog was dead.

The Investigative Committee said that CT scans were backed up during this time and long waits weren't uncommon. They said the diagnostics recommended by von Johnson and Schnier were appropriate and left it at that. (One wonders if this dog truly needed so many more diagnostics just a week later or if they merely enjoy ordering a bunch of new tests.)

While Schnier's the star of this show, it appears from the Findings of Fact that von Johnson prescribed Yunnan Baiyao to help with the dog's bleeding. One wonders why this particular herb is becoming so prevalent, particularly as a skeptical read of the evidence doesn't look fantastic. On the other hand, it's something they can sell, and perhaps it even makes people feel like they're doing something to help even if they're not.

Motions

Investigative Motion: Dismiss with no violation

Source: August 8, 2022 PM Investigative Committee Meeting
People:
Jonathan Schnier Respondent
David Stoll Respondent Attorney
Roll Call:
Adam Almaraz Aye
Amrit Rai Aye
Gregg Maura Aye
Justin McCormick Absent
Steven Dow Aye
Result: Passed

Board Motion: Dismiss with no violation

Source: September 9, 2022 Board Meeting
People:
David Stoll Respondent Attorney
Proposed By: Darren Wright
Seconded By: Melissa Thompson
Roll Call:
Craig Nausley Aye
Darren Wright Aye
J Greg Byrne Absent
Jane Soloman Aye
Jessica Creager Aye
Jim Loughead Nay
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.