| Complaint: | Complaint 20-108 |
|---|---|
| Respondent: | Teri O Rourke |
| Premises: | Desert Dove Veterinary |
The complainants tell us that a week before their dog died, they brought the dog to O'Rourke for a Valley Fever test and symptoms of back pain. They say they were also told a rabies vaccine should also be done. At arrival they were surprised by the coronavirus protocols but were told they would get a call from O'Rourke instead. They say they told the vet tech that came out that the dog had back pain (an earlier x-ray had shown disc disease) and needed a test for Valley Fever (a previous one had come back positive). The veterinary technician allegedly told them that the back pain was the result of Valley Fever; this surprised the complainants as O'Rourke had previously told them the dog had a slipped disc. They claim the veterinary technician told them "nothing heals when they have valley fever" and then struggled to take the dog into the clinic. They say that O'Rourke did come out to their car as requested but seemed very frustrated with them. O'Rourke allegedly asked if the dog could have jumped around and they told her that it would be unlikely as someone was always home with the dog. O'Rourke also allegedly told them the dog was overweight and they said they reminded her the dog gained additional weight during two courses of steroids she prescibed. They pointed out at this time the dog barely wanted to eat at all. O'Rourke prescribed an NSAID and recommended diet dog food. A follow-up call indicated that the dog tested negative for Valley Fever, but the dog's condition continued to deteriorate at home and appeared to be in "immense pain." O'Rourke spoke with them on the phone and allegedly told them the dog was suffering because the complainants didn't do a good job of taking care of him, then suggested stronger pain medication, steroids, or euthanization. O'Rourke is also said to have broached for the first-time back surgery for $5000. The complainants say they agreed to additional pain medication and started seeking out another veterinarian. They also asked for a copy of the Valley Fever results and were told that they couldn't be emailed so they would need to be sent through the mail. They found an opening at another clinic for a few days later, but the dog deteriorated markedly. The dog's breathing became more rapid and subsequently began drooling and unable to breathe, at which point the complainants tried to take the dog to an emergency clinic; the dog seized and died on a complainant's lap with his eyes wide in panic and fear. The complainants say they cannot bring their dog back but that O'Rourke should not be allowed to do this to another animal.
O'Rourke tells us that all clients are informed about coronavirus procedures when making an appointment and notices are posted on the clinic window and door. She also tells us the dog's rabies vaccine was overdue by 1.5 years at the time the dog was brought in (in part to get an updated rabies vaccine). She tells us the veterinary technician was very careful with the dog but couldn't talk to the complainants as they only wanted to talk to O'Rourke herself. She says she examined the dog and found his back pain to be worse and noted he was overweight. She then went out to talk to the complainants and says that she learned the dog was permitted to jump on and off furniture without assistance. She also relates the complainants blamed the dog's weight on steroids but says the dog was 17 pounds before the steroids were started. Regarding the accusations of being abrasive, she states this was likely a misunderstanding because she was struggling to breathe in her coronavirus mask. She also discusses concerns about the medical records, saying the lab results cannot be sent electronically because they're not in a computer; she does say her records show the complainants aren't compliant with her treatment plan or keeping up with vaccinations. O'Rourke concludes by stating that she's sad to learn of the dog's decline but points the finger at the complainants; she "wondered" why if the dog was in such bad shape, they didn't take the dog to an emergency center immediately. She says they try to advocate for pets because happy pets mean happy clients.
The Investigative Committee said that this was a "difficult case," and the dog was overweight. They also said O'Rourke may have missed something in her examination but that it's hard to determine that. No violations were found.
| Source: | October 10, 2020 AM Investigative Committee Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| Teri O Rourke | Respondent |
| Roll Call: | |
| Carolyn Ratajack | Aye |
| Christina Tran | Aye |
| Jarrod Butler | Aye |
| Robert Kritsberg | Aye |
| Steve Seiler | Aye |
| Result: | Passed |
| Source: | November 11, 2020 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| Proposed By: | Jessica Creager |
| Seconded By: | Sarah Heinrich |
| Roll Call: | |
| Darren Wright | Aye |
| J Greg Byrne | Absent |
| Jane Soloman | Aye |
| Jessica Creager | Aye |
| Jim Loughead | Aye |
| Nikki Frost | Aye |
| Robyn Jaynes | Aye |
| Sarah Heinrich | 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.