Michigan veterinarian's license suspended after drug misuse

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has summarily suspended the licence of Virginia Leis, DVM, after finding that she had allegedly diverted controlled substances intended for animals, according to a release from the agency. Dr. Leis is the owner of Agawa Companion Animal Hospital in Saginaw, Michigan.

According to the release, the Michigan Public Health Code allows for summary suspension of licenses when public health, safety or welfare requires emergency action. LARA also served Dr. Leis with an administrative complaint alleging that she withdrew controlled substances from her hospital's inventory-specifically buprenorphine, tramadol and Dolorex (butorphanol tartrate injection)-for her own personal use. Dolorex is approved for use only in animals.

An April 2018 search conducted by the Saginaw Police Department found several controlled substances in Dr. Leis' sleeping area, and her veterinary clinic was condemned. The complaint also alleges that Dr. Leis neglected and abused animals left in her care and displayed bizarre behavior, mistreated her staff, failed to pay bills and used controlled substances daily.

The next step in the process is for Dr. Leis to respond to LARA's complaint. She has 30 days from the Oct. 9 filing. She can also petition to dissolve the summary suspension.