A Cottesloe veterinarian has been suspended for using methylated spirits to clean a dog’s teeth while operating at an unregistered facility.
On Wednesday, Lu Fenny was ordered to pay $10,000 and handed a six-month suspension after a mediation hearing at the State Administrative Tribunal.
The findings followed an official complaint from a pet owner whose cavoodle became seriously ill in May 2024 after Ms Fenny had cleaned its teeth.
The SAT was told Ms Fenny had sedated the dog and used methylated spirits to clean her dental tools and the dog’s mouth.
After the dog was taken home, its owner found the cavoodle to be unstable walking, would not drink, had trouble breathing, vomited and was constantly licking its lips.
The owner then questioned Ms Fenny about the treatment, to which the vet claimed in a text message reply that the symptoms were “normal”.
“Hi Cass it’s standard practice in dentals to use this and I’ve had no issues in the 20 years I’ve been doing dentals,” Ms Fenny said.
“His gums are a little sore/irritated which is normal. Keep up the milk.”
However, the dog’s condition worsened.
The following day it was taken to The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University, where it was diagnosed with oral ulcers, a lesion in the oesophagus and increased temperature.
The owner later made an official complaint to the vet practice board.
According to the SAT hearing, Ms Fenny initially denied using the dangerous spirits in her response to the board investigation, as well as altered her records of the appointment.
It was found the Cottesloe facility — where she treated at least 29 animals on multiple occasions — was also not registered as veterinary premises.
“(Ms Fenny’s) conduct … individually and collectively substantially falls short of the standard of competence, diligence and safety that a member of the public is entitled to expect of a reasonably competent veterinarian and constitutes professional misconduct,” the SAT ruled.
Her six-month suspension from practising as a vet is scheduled to start on April 15.