\vereninany sunocons neato canrtat Tenntroay ausTaAt COMPLAINT AGAINST ORJOHN MONTGOMERY “The ACT Veterinary Surgeons Board (the Board) has completed its review Into the complint you submitted on 28 October 2016, regarding the treatment of your dog Hercules by Dr John ‘Montgomery ofthe Sonza Veterinary Cnc. Your complsint was managed under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 2045, which outlines the process ‘the Board fotlows when considering coraplalnts. The ceinplaint an the Board's proposed outcome ‘were also considered Independently by the Heath Services Commissioner at the ACT Hunan Rights Commission, In conducting its investigation the Board considered your letter of complaint together with a eesponse from Dr Montgomery and clinical records. The Board's investigation Included consideration of thees issues: 1, Blagnosls and treatment options “The single radiograph taken by Or Montgomery of Hareules on tho 8 August 2026 was Inadequate, {tis standard praetlee to take orthogonal radiographs (two radliograghs Imaged 90 degrees apart}. Dr Montgomery should lave provided options fer the tceatment of Horculos’ fracture. Thase coulk! hhave ineluded a hybrid fixator (external brace for stabilization of fractures) or imimediate ppancarpal arthrodesis (surgical elimination of joint motion} or referral to an orthopaedic specialist. Further, fllow up radiographs at the tlme of cast removal would have ensured treating was adequate. ‘The Board found Dr Montgomery's dlagnostic procedures were inadequate. ‘ei02 6207 0002+ Feral: FCS.v02. Pain management Hercules’ chronic pain management (analgesic) prescribed by Dr Montgomery was inappropriate on Initial presentation, throughout the fracture reduction procedure and on-going treatment. Further, the anaesthetic (thiopentone) was inappropriate for Hercules, as Greyhounds have little fat tissue to which the drug can redistribute. Hercules’ premedication of xylazine and atropine ‘combined with a thiopentone anaesthetic, would have provided inadequate pain relief for Hercules’ fracture reduction. Further, itis advisable to monitor temperatures carefully. No ‘temperature record was taken after induction, The Board found Dr Montgomery provided inappropriate treatment, analgesia and anaesthetic protocols. 3. Cost of treatment {tis outside the Board’s remit to comment on fees and charges and the Board is unable to intervene with lodging a complaint with the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Although money has not heen ralsed as a concern, the Board acknowledges the management of this case has potential to add to further costs of future treatment. Recommendations The Board’s investigation identified that Dr Montgomery has failed to meet the adequate standards of care in the treatment of Hercules. This decision was supported independently by the Health Services Commissioner on 29 May 2047. As a result the Board has: 1. recommended Dr Montgomery attend formal, structured Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in small animal analgesia in line with the Board’s policies and will follow up to ensure that this occurs; and, 2. advised Dr Montgomery to undertake the following changes to his practice and procedures: a. offer referral to all cllents in cases where more appropriate diagnostics or treatment can be provided by another practice or a specialist veterinarian; b. all radiographic cases are to have adequate views taken; and ¢. all fracture repairs are to have repeat radiographs to ascertain whether they have healed correctly. 496 Northbourne Ave, DICKSON ACT 2602 : GPO Box 158, CANBERRA ACT 2603 Tolt02 6207 0012 : Email: TCCS.vetboard@act.gov.2uOr Montgomery has been advised of the Board’s decision regarding this complaint. ‘The Board thanks you for raising your concerns and your patience throughout the Investigation and it trusts that the outcome Is satisfactory and expresses its sympathy for the ordeal Hercules has experienced. Yours sincerely ACT Veterinary Surgeons Board «y June 2017