A glamorous holistic veterinarian has been suspended after she used methylated spirits to clean a dog’s teeth at an unregistered practice.
Cottlesloe vet Louisa Fenny was told to pay $10,000 and given a six-month suspension after a mediation hearing at the State Administritive Tribunal (SAT).
It came after a pet owner made an official complaint to the vet practice board after her cavoodle became seriously ill after Ms Fenny cleaned its teeth in May, 2024.
The SAT was told on Wednesday Ms Fenny had sedated the dog and used methylated spirits to clean her dental tools and the dog’s mouth.
Shortly after arriving home, the cavoodle became unstable, refused to drink water, had trouble breathing, vomited and was constantly licking its lips.
The owner shared her concerns with Ms Fenny, who claimed the dog’s symptoms were ‘normal’ and to continue giving the canine milk.
‘Hi, it’s standard practice in dentals to use this and I’ve had no issues in the 20 years I’ve been doing dentals,’ she said in a text shared with the SAT.
‘His gums are a little sore/irritated which is normal. Keep up the milk.’
A glamorous holistic veterinarian has been suspended after she used methylated spirits to clean a dog’s teeth at an unregistered practice (Lu Fenny is pictured)
Vet Louisa Fenny (pictured) was told to pay $10,000 and was given a six-month suspension after she treated a dog’s teeth with methylated spirits
Ms Fenny (pictured) describes herself as a ‘holistic vet at home’ on her social media pages
But the cavoodle’s condition worsened and it was rushed to The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University, where the dog was found to have oral ulcers, a lesion in its oesophagus and a high temperature.
According to the SAT hearing, Ms Fenny initially denied using methylated spirits to clean the dogs teeth and altered records of the appointment.
The investigation revealed the Cottesloe facility where she had treated at least 29 animals on multiple occasions, was not a registered veterinary clinic.
‘(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 starts on April 15.
Ms Fenny describes herself as a ‘holistic vet at home’ on her social media pages.
‘Dr Lu provides a Home-Visit service to Northern Rivers NSW & Goldcoast QLD. Perth clients are offered video consults and 6 monthlv visits,’ her Facebook page reads.
‘Lu combines conventional medicine with evidence-based natural therapies and treats the whole pet – not just symptoms.’
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ms Fenny for comment.
