| Complaint: | Complaint 22-131 |
|---|---|
| Respondent: | Elizabeth Munhall |
| Premises: | Banfield Paradise Valley 0131 |
| Related: | 22-46, 22-132 |
This investigation was board-initiated as a follow-up to the events detailed in 22-46. In that case concerns were raised about the handling of the case by veterinarians Munhall and Duthie. This particular investigation relates to Munhall.
Munhall's response is essentially part timeline and part medical record with some other observations thrown in. The timeline actually goes back years to prior dentals that came off without a hitch. For the relevant one, we're told that the dog started coming in with symptoms of gastroenteritis post-COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment, a new veterinary buzzword that now graces these fair pages); we're told that the complainant turned down further testing. She sent the dog home with cerenia but says she specifically said to take the dog to a referral hospital if he got worse.
The dog also saw Duthie on another visit before seeing Munhall again. It appears that liver test results came back suggestive of acute liver disease and the situation began to grow challenging between the veterinarian and the complainant's daugther. There were also various accusations about what was actually turned down on a previous visit, and at length the complainant apparently agreed to an AFAST ultrasound at Banfield that found an enlarged liver. She proceeded to try and hook the dog up with mobile internal medicine specialist Russell Greene and moved on to other vets; the dog finally went to a specialty and referral center.
Much of the remainder of Munhall's response contrasts the condition of the dog on different dates, arguing her case that when the dog had been seen before, there was no reason to be concerned. She also states that the protocols used and drug dispensed were no different than previous times that didn't hurt the dog.
The Investigative Committee had concerns with both Munhall and Duthie as well as the Banfield organization. They note that it was six days between the dog having a dental and the dog showing jaundice, so somebody "dropped the ball." Particular concerns around Munhall reflect the lack of recommendations for diagnostics (not noted in the medical record). They found a violation that the alleged recommendations for diagnostics weren't noted in the medical record; the Board sent out a Letter of Concern instead.
| Source: | October 10, 2022 PM Investigative Committee Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| Elizabeth Munhall | Respondent |
| T Scott King | Respondent Attorney |
| Roll Call: | |
| Adam Almaraz | Aye |
| Amrit Rai | Aye |
| Gregg Maura | Aye |
| Justin McCormick | Aye |
| Steven Dow | Nay |
| Violations: | |
| ARS ยง 32-2233 (B) (3) failure to document in the medical record on August 17, 2021 the treatment/diagnostics recommended to the pet owner. | |
| Result: | Passed |
| Source: | November 11, 2022 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| Leanne Hay | Respondent Attorney |
| Proposed By: | Craig Nausley |
| Seconded By: | Jane Soloman |
| Roll Call: | |
| Craig Nausley | Aye |
| Darren Wright | Aye |
| J Greg Byrne | Aye |
| Jane Soloman | Aye |
| Jessica Creager | Aye |
| Jim Loughead | Aye |
| Melissa Thompson | Absent |
| Nikki Frost | Aye |
| Robyn Jaynes | Aye |
| Result: | Passed |
| Source: | December 12, 2022 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| Leanne Hay | Respondent Attorney |
| Proposed By: | Craig Nausley |
| Seconded By: | Melissa Thompson |
| Result: | Passed |
| Source: | December 12, 2022 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| Leanne Hay | Respondent Attorney |
| Proposed By: | Craig Nausley |
| Seconded By: | Melissa Thompson |
| Roll Call: | |
| Craig Nausley | Aye |
| Darren Wright | Aye |
| J Greg Byrne | Aye |
| Jane Soloman | Aye |
| Jessica Creager | Aye |
| Jim Loughead | Recused |
| Melissa Thompson | Aye |
| Nikki Frost | Absent |
| Robyn Jaynes | Recused |
| Result: | Passed |
| Source: | January 1, 2023 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| Elizabeth Munhall | Respondent |
| Leanne Hay | Respondent Attorney |
| Proposed By: | Melissa Thompson |
| Seconded By: | Jane Soloman |
| Roll Call: | |
| Craig Nausley | Absent |
| Darren Wright | Aye |
| J Greg Byrne | Absent |
| Jane Soloman | Aye |
| Jessica Creager | Aye |
| 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.