Dear Board Members,

Please look at my case again. I don’t feel it has been fully investigated. Please have a second look. I wish my case to be viewed by the board. My horse needs Final Justice.

My horse “Thunder” died due to the negligence of veterinarians P.H., DVM and J.T.H., DVM. Thunder was a valued member of our family and was broken to ride for Toddlers and seniors and anybody in between. These horses are few and far between and are priceless! They are not broken, they are made, and it takes years and years of hard work and gentle training.

Thunder was experiencing breathing problems and was taken to the P. Vet Clinic by my husband and me in May 19, 1999. Dr. H. diagnosed him as asthmatic and H. told me there were several drugs you could use. He wanted to keep him in the clinic all day for tests, to determine the BEST drug to help Thunder. When I returned I didn’t notice too much of a change but Thunder was in a stall full of sawdust. He said he was going to use Atropine and H. gave me 4 syringes and said to give them as necessary. Thunder was sweating a lot by the time I got him home (a 10 minute ride). I immediately called H. and he said that was a side effect of the medication and it would go away. H. said Thunder is OK, the medication makes them sweat.

On July 20th, Thunder was trailered to the P. clinic by J.T.H. I had him come out because Thunder was having breathing problems again. JTH examined Thunder and told me he would be better off at the Clinic where he would be watched and cared for. JTH said he would start an IV and just kept repeating he could take better care of Thunder in the Clinic. JTH kept repeating over and over again how he would watch him and takes very good care of him. My daughter arrived at the clinic at about 6:30pm and found NO ONE on the premises. She used her cell phone and JTH informed her that Thunder was fine and he was just getting over the medication. Thunder was left in this stall full of sawdust until about 11pm per JTH, who said he checked on him and he was fine. When I arrived at 1:30am I found the doors closed, Thunder dead in the stall, he had suffocated, body temp at about 110 degrees, very hot, his nose was sticking out the bottom of the door, trying to get air. I pulled and screamed for him to get up, he was already gone. I had to go to the outside of the stall because the stall hatch on the door inside was broken.

I received at least 3 calls from this clinic demanding that we remove Thunder’s body or they would have him removed. We wanted to bring him home and were having trouble finding a backhoe. The clinic staff was nasty and rude in their constant calling and harassment. They had no remorse and never said WE ARE SORRY, NEVER SAID IT!

Several days after Thunder died I decided to research this drug. I discussed the use of this drug with several other veterinarians. It is a parasynthetic drug, which stops gut mobility. I have been informed that Atropine is an archaic drug with many side affects. There are newer, more effective drugs with fewer side effects and is therefore, seldom used any longer. All the veterinarians with whom I discussed this matter expressed their concern with the use of this drug and, at the very least, the HORSE MUST BE MONITORED VERY CLOSELY!

P.H. and JTH not only had other drugs available for treatment with which would have been less dangerous, they also failed to provide the very basic care of monitoring the horse’s condition while under their treatment and in their care. BUT FOR the negligence of these two veterinarians, my horse would not have suffered such a horrific death and would be with our family today. This is clearly a breach of the standard of care!

This has been a terrible loss for me and my entire family and one that should not have happened. We appreciate your time and consideration in looking thoroughly into this matter. We anxiously await your response.

Sincerely,

"Marcia" marciareba