2nd Opinions
Second Opinions were obtained after I was operated on by Donald DeForge, VMD, LLC and it was learned that he was not and never was a “dental specialist.” The findings of the expert veterinarians is alarming. All of these documents are public record. Below is a summary of the expert’s opinions. The paraphrasing is solely attributable to the author of this site and is solely intended to summarize the referenced opinions. To read their full reports, please click on their names.
An expert opinion of my medical care at Silver Sands Veterinary Center was written by Janyce Seahorn, DVM, DACVA, DACVIM, DACVECC. Dr. Seahorn is the past chairman of the American Board of Veterinary Specialists. She is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia, Diplomate of the American College of Internal Medicine and the American College of Veterinary Emergency Medicine and Critical Care.
She concluded the following of my care by Donald H. Deforge, VMD:
1. The records were not clear and did not adequately document what was performed.
2. Drugs administered were not documented correctly in the medical record.
3. Incorrect pain medicine was administered and prescribed.
4. Blood work results were not documented correctly in the medical chart.
5. The anesthesia record is incomplete.
6. There was a 20-25 minute period of hypotension during surgery.
7. Dental analgesics were not administered preoperatively and contributed to extreme post operative pain.
8.Total intravenous fluid quantity administered was not recorded on the anesthetic record.
9. Blood work was not performed during the extended hospitalization period.
10. No effort was made to diagnose the inappetance. There are no records that suggest how Simba’s water and food intake were monitored during the period of hospitalization at Silver Sands Veterinary Center.
An Expert Opinion of Dental Xrays was made by Dr. Victor Rendano, VMD, MSc, DACVR, DACVR-RO, a Board Certified Radiologist. Dr. Rendano reviewed the radiographs taken before surgery and was asked what his recommendation would be. He stated, “the changes are not profound to the point where there is abscessation or a large bone sequestrum. Supportive therapy for inflammatory process is thus indicated.” In layman’s terms, he felt I only needed antibiotics. However, had already had all my teeth removed.
Dental Expert Report – Dr. Patricia Frost-Fitch, DVM, AVDC– Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College
After review of my medical records Dr. Frost-Fitch, a board certified veterinary dental specialist concluded the following in her expert witness report about the medical care Donald H. Deforge provided:
1. Dr. Deforge advertised as a dental specialist when he was not one.
2. The standard of care, for recording of physical examination and oral/dental findings on a dental chart and record, were not met by Dr. Deforge.
3. There was an inconsistent radiographic interpretation of dental disease.
4. Dr. Deforge misrepresented the seriousness of my dental disease to my owner.
5. Inadequate information provided in the dental chart to document a need for extractions.
6. Incomplete recording of dental treatment was provided by Dr. Deforge.
7. Poor post operative pain management for the extent of oral surgery done by Dr. Deforge.
8. Inadequate patient support with fluid therapy (pre, intra and post-operatively).
Disclaimer: “Lisa Taylor-Austin believes there was merit to her claims that Dr. Deforge negligently cared for her cat, Simba, and that he misrepresented whether he was a Board-certified dental specialist. Dr. Deforge denies these claims and asserts that the Department of Public Health’s veterinary board cleared him of any wrong doing. However, Dr Deforge agreed to pay $7,500.00 to compensate Ms. Taylor-Austin because he believed the risks inherent in any lawsuit and the cost of missing two weeks from his practice made it imprudent to go to trial.”
Note: My guardian’s costs for my medical care and all legal avenues exceeded $20,000.