Mary Shetler – County Line Kennel

May 1, 2023 — Routine inspection, USDA 31-A-0867

82 dogs recorded (36 adults · 46 puppies).

• Yorkshire Terrier puppies not reported to veterinarian (Critical)

  The licensee failed to communicate that a litter of newborn puppies were not gaining weight as expected to the Attending Veterinarian. Records indicate that four out of the eight Yorkshire Terrier puppies born on 3/19/2023 died in close proximity to one another. The licensee stated that they had observed that this litter of puppies was nursing well, but were failing to gain weight. The licensee stated that they felt it was an issue with the mother’s milk so they gave Amoxicillin to the mother, Rixy #02. There are no instructions in the Program of Veterinary Care or SOPs that instruct the licensee regarding the course of action when puppies that are failing to gain weight and the licensee did not report these findings to their Attending Veterinarian. Three puppies (#23-35, #23-36, and #23-37) died on 3/22/2023 and the fourth puppy (#23-34) died on 3/25/2023. The licensee also did not report the deaths of these puppies to the Attending veterinarian even after finding the first three puppies had died. Failure to communicate problems of animal health to the attending veterinarian can lead to mis-diagnosis and delays in providing proper care to animals resulting in worsening of their condition and possibly additional deaths. Correct by ensuring that information about problems with animal health, behavior, and well-being are conveyed to the attending veterinarian directly in a timely manner. Correct by May 2, 2023.

• Yorkshire Terrier medical records incomplete

  Medical records for dogs maintained at the facility are incomplete. The licensee is recording the dates that drugs were given, but does not include required information such as the problem identified, the description of the problem, the treatment procedures performed, and the plan for treatment and care. For example: medical records were present that show that Yorkshire Terrier dog microchip number 9920000001615007 receiving Amoxicillin from 7/18/2022 to 7/27/2022, however no description of the problem identified was included in the medical record. Additionally, the medical record for this animal did not include the plan for treatment such as the drug dose, route of administration, or plan for recheck. Complete medical records ensure that all personnel at the facility are clear on the plan for treatment and enables the licensee to evaluate effectiveness of the plan and ensure that the condition is corrected. Additionally, these complete medical records are necessary for APHIS Officials to evaluate the care provided to animals covered by the AWA to ensure their well-being. Correct by ensuring that all medical records for dogs include a complete description of the problem identified, tests and procedures performed, and the plan for treatment. To be corrected by May 2, 2023.

Read the inspection report (PDF)