Veterinarian suspended for one year
Pet owners filed a dozen complaints in two years against Lowcountry
doctor
By JOE GUY COLLIER
Staff Writer
TheState.com
A Lowcountry veterinarian, against whom a dozen complaints have been
filed in the past two years, had his license suspended for a year on
Thursday.
Dr. Stan Gorlitsky, a Mount Pleasant veterinarian, was incompetent and
negligent in his care of animals, the state Board of Veterinary Medical
Examiners said.
Marcia Rosenberg, a Mount Pleasant pet owner, said she was pleased.
Rosenberg filed a complaint two years ago about Gorlitsky's care of her
cat, Pumpkin.
"I do look it at this as a success, but it's not making me get off
this case," said Rosenberg, who wanted Gorlitsky's veterinary license
revoked.
Gorlitsky declined to comment. He did not wait around for the board's
decision.
After a year's suspension, Gorlitsky can reapply for his license but
will be on probation for two years, the board said.
The board reached its decision after a daylong hearing that was capped
with more than two hours of closed-door deliberations.
The board heard the complaints of four pet owners.
In one case, the owner said Gorlitsky left a needle in a beagle named
Huey. Another owner said Gorlitsky misdiagnosed mange on a puppy named
Abby. The mange spread to the owner.
A golden retriever named Sparky died of water in her lungs and heart
after visiting Gorlitsky's office, one owner said.
Ben Sumrell said Sophie, a Jack Russell Terrier he owned, died at
Gorlitsky's office after being dropped off for a spaying.
People should know about the pet deaths and injuries at Gorlitsky's
office, Sumrell said. "They stop in and they're not even aware of
what's been going on."
Thursday's hearing also put scrutiny on the veterinary board, which
some say has not been vigilant in looking out for the public.
Dr. Dennis Feinberg, the board's chairman, said he couldn't discuss
Gorlitsky's case.
The Charleston veterinarian said the board "has always taken its
charge very seriously ‘.‘.‘. to protect the public the health,
safety and welfare of the public."
Thursday's decision was a step in the right direction, but the board
has a long way to go, Rosenberg said.
She's pushing for legislation that would open more of the board's
proceedings and records. Veterinarians with a pattern of problems need to
be punished, she said.
"Anybody can make a mistake, but to make mistakes over and over
again is not acceptable," Rosenberg said. "These people need to
be stopped."
This article courtesy of:
TheState.com