| Complaint: | Complaint 22-77 |
|---|---|
| Respondent: | Alexis Roth |
| Premises: | Civano Animal Hospital and Emergency Center |
The complainant wrote to Roth about his concerns after a dog's euthanasia at Civano. Much of the complaint relates to the handling of the euthanasia in question, including concerns about the euthanasia being rushed; we're also told that at one point as the propofol was injected the dog would have fallen to the floor if he hadn't been there to catch the dog. He also stated that the dog's eyelids were wide open, making him wonder if the dog wasn't fully knocked out before the euthanasia drug was in effect.
Perhaps most interesting is a statement where the complainant says he sent a copy of the letter to Tracy Riendeau at the board. She apparently suggested that he contact the clinic directly, so "Under Tracy's suggestion I decided not proceed with complaint with your office and give the owner of Civano Animal Hospital Dr McCrady opportunity to investigate."
Roth's response begins with a history of the dog leading up to the euthanasia including various health problems. She says that the complainant and his dog were "uniquely memorable" because his "verbal interactions were challenging and lengthly" and "his train of thought was confusing and at times combative." (The complainant, incidentally, in his handwritten letter says that he's hard of hearing and almost deaf to the point he can't hear a doorbell; he also said it's hard to understand people particularly when they're all wearing masks.)
She goes on to state that the complainant had no interest in possible options to help the dog, only saying that the dog had a lot of health problems and said that he knew what was best for her; she says he was pushing euthanasia despite her explanations, also saying that he was very skeptical of "professionals" and veterinarians. We're told that she was very compassionate during the euthanasia and that the complainant didn't provide instructions or show any concerns; we're told that he approved performing the euthanasia in a sitting position and was thankful when the procedure was over. She states that she received a letter from him and that he wanted a handwritten letter of apology; she felt that this was strange, potentially legally problematic, and fears for her safety from such an emotionally-volatile person.
The Investigative Committee said that Roth handled the situation with sensitivity, saying that the complainant knew what was going on at each step.
For another account of a deaf person's interactions with the veterinary system, see 21-12 and 21-13. In that case part of the defense was that she was deaf and didn't know what was going on; in this case, the complainant was apparently on top of everything despite saying in his own letter that he couldn't understand what was being said.
| Source: | June 6, 2022 AM Investigative Committee Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| Alexis Roth | 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: | July 7, 2022 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| David Stoll | Respondent Attorney |
| Proposed By: | Nikki Frost |
| Seconded By: | Jane Soloman |
| 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 | 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.