| Complaint: | Complaint 22-113 |
|---|---|
| Respondent: | Melissa Berthiaume |
| Premises: | AZPetVet White Tanks Animal Hospital |
The complainant says that his dog had chronic pancreatitis for the past four years and White Tanks had always treated her since she was a puppy. She had an attack of pancreatitis the nigh before. During his grooming visit he asked if the dog could get medication for the issue and he was told he'd have to wait for an existing appointment next week for a checkup and vaccines; his last vet visit had been longer than six months. He says that a vet could have looked at her record and helped, but it's all about the money.
Berthiaume's response is notable because apparently she's not even the person who should have been sent the complaint. She was the responsible veterinarian on file with the board but she's no longer even at that hospital as she's transferred to another AZPetVet chain (this seems to happen sometimes with vet chains, see the same at BluePearl in 22-68). They're currently filling out paperwork to fix that. Regarding the actual complaint, the dog hadn't been seen by a vet there for two years, so they no longer had a valid relationship with the client.
This was an Investigative Division report so there's no committee discussion. In the Findings of Fact we learn that even though the dog hadn't been seen at the clinic as a patient for about two years, the dog had been going there for grooming visits. As both are offerd at the same location, one wonders if most people realize how legally distinct a colocated grooming and vet clinic actually are (see 22-49 regarding Raintree Pet Resort and Medical Center, often just shortened to Raintree Pet Resort).
| Source: | May 5, 2022 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| David Stoll | Respondent Attorney |
| Proposed By: | Nikki Frost |
| Seconded By: | Robyn Jaynes |
| Roll Call: | |
| Craig Nausley | Aye |
| Darren Wright | Absent |
| J Greg Byrne | Aye |
| Jane Soloman | Aye |
| Jessica Creager | Aye |
| Jim Loughead | Aye |
| Melissa Thompson | Aye |
| Nikki Frost | Recused |
| 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.