| Complaint: | Complaint 22-69 |
|---|---|
| Respondent: | Marianela Francesena |
| Premises: | Circle L Animal Hospital |
The complainants state they got their new kitten from a breeder in Phoenix. She received her first round of vaccines and then developed what seemed like a cold. Francesena recommended deferring the next round of shots and prescribed Enisyl-F and steam to help; she also recommended continuing the "Homeo pet nose relief" they purchased at a pet store. On the third visit the cat was still doing poorly and losing weight but allegedly the veterinarian said the problem could be genetic (?) and gave the next round of shots. The complainants wonder why it was unsafe to give the shots at the second visit but it was acceptable to do so at the third visit when the cat was sicker. At one point it appears they were about to take the cat to an emergency facility anyway and contacted Circle L for their records.
They state that they scheduled a follow-up appointment but had to leave town, so they took the cat with them; they called emergency veterinary hospitals who told them that if the cat was eating, drinking, and had bowel movements that it could wait for the family veterinarian. They had an appointment with another veterinarian back in town but the cat died on the way back home. She said that they felt the cat wasn't treated well, noting that they even had to call back four times to get the cat's records.
Francesena says the cat was normal on initial exam and that the complainants turned down FeLV/FIV testing. The cat was given the FVRCP vaccine and a dewormer. On the second visit a complainant mentioned the cat had been lethargic and sneezing but showing improvement; she discussed possible diagnoses and mentioned an upper respiratory infection, giving lysine supplement and erythromycin ointment. On the third visit the cat had lost 4% of its weight but otherwise only had a runny nose, so she went ahead with the shots; she told the complainants to monitor the cat's weight at home and might need doxycycline antibiotics if the problem continued. We're told that follow-up was a challenge because the complainants' voicemail was full, also stating that when they learned of the cat's condition they recommended immediately taking the cat to emergency. Allegedly the complainant dismissed that option and said that it was Francesena's fault for not dispensing antibiotics (note that the complainants say they called emergency clinics and were told it wasn't an emergency). They also received a records request from Harmony Holistic Vet Care that was completed the same business day.
The Investigative Committee found no violations, stating that the cat's progression was clearly documented in the records and that Francesena and her clinic attempted to reach out repeatedly. Viral testing had been offered and as the symptoms were improving, going ahead with the vaccines was warranted. They also state that the records were provided in a timely fashion.
| Source: | May 5, 2022 PM Investigative Committee Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| Marianela Francesena | Respondent |
| David Stoll | Respondent Attorney |
| Roll Call: | |
| Adam Almaraz | Aye |
| Amrit Rai | Aye |
| Gregg Maura | Aye |
| Justin McCormick | Aye |
| Steven Dow | Aye |
| Result: | Passed |
| Source: | June 6, 2022 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| David Stoll | Respondent Attorney |
| Proposed By: | Melissa Thompson |
| Seconded By: | Robyn Jaynes |
| Roll Call: | |
| Craig Nausley | Aye |
| Darren Wright | Aye |
| J Greg Byrne | Absent |
| Jane Soloman | Aye |
| Jessica Creager | Aye |
| Jim Loughead | Absent |
| 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.