Brief Summary

The member examined a large breed dog with a chipped tooth. Following bloodwork, the member recommended the tooth be extracted, which was done under general anesthesia. The member also performed a dental cleaning and polishing and, along with grooming, the member trimmed the dog’s nails and cleaned its ears. After the procedure, the dog was placed in a cage and monitored by a camera. The client was contacted and informed that the procedure was complete and the dog was recovering. Shortly after this, a staff member noticed the dog was no longer breathing. The member attempted to resuscitate the dog but was unsuccessful.

Allegations of Professional Misconduct

• failed to properly perform a physical examination
• failed to document the results of the physical examination
• provided insufficient peri-operative pain control
• failed to appropriately monitor the dog post-operatively and/or record post-operative monitoring 
• several portions of the records are illegible
• failed to document the details of the drugs that were administered
• lack of detail in the anesthesia monitoring records
• failed to record all communications between the clinic and the owner in the medical record
• failed to include the required information in the controlled drug logs
• failed to maintain the standard of practice of the profession
• failed to make or retain the records required by the Regulation
• committed an act or omission relevant to the practice of veterinary medicine that, having regard to the circumstances, would be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional

Decision

The member pleaded guilty to all the allegations of professional misconduct. The Panel accepted the member’s plea.

Penalty

• Reprimand
• One-month suspension
• Completion of remediation which includes pre- and post- remediation assessment, a one-day mentorship on the medical issues that arose in the case, a course on medical recordkeeping
• Upon returning to practice, the member must complete a peer review of his medical records
• The member must pay costs to the College of $5,000

Panel's Reasoning

The Panel accepted the admission of professional misconduct, as the member showed significant gaps in recording the physical examination data, documenting drugs used, monitoring anesthesia, and communicating with the client. Additionally, numerous sections of the medical records were illegible and did not meet the minimum standard expected of the profession.      

The panel accepted the joint submission on penalty and costs. The reprimand, suspension and remedial terms meet the goals of public protection. The Panel was satisfied the proposed penalty and costs were reasonable and in the public interest. 

Decision

Since 2024, decisions have been posted on the CanLII website, the Canadian Legal Information Institute. A complete copy of this decision is available on CanLII.