Unlicensed vet suspended for dangerous dog treatment

A veterinarian in Australia has been suspended for six months after a dog suffered serious health issues due to a dangerous treatment. Louisa Fenny, a self-described "holistic vet," used methylated spirits to clean the dog's teeth at an unregistered clinic. The incident happened in May 2024 when a pet owner reported that her cavoodle became ill after the treatment. Symptoms included difficulty breathing, vomiting, and refusing to drink water. The dog was later rushed to an official animal hospital, where it was found to have oral ulcers and a high temperature. During the investigation, Fenny initially denied using methylated spirits and attempted to change her records about the treatment. The State Administrative Tribunal concluded that her actions did not meet the standards expected of a competent veterinarian and ruled them as professional misconduct. Fenny has been ordered to pay a fine of $10,000. Her suspension will begin on April 15, 2025. She promotes her practice on social media, offering home visits and claiming to combine traditional and natural therapies.