Stoneham Animal Hospital

Update 1: Olive the cat was euthanized 16 September 2013

Update 2: Fine and Formal Reprimand



Letter dated June 9, 2015

Re: In the Matter of Mark Colin Jawitz, VT 14-016. In or about September 2013, you submitted an Application for Complaint against Mark C. Jawitz to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine. Your application led to a formal proceeding before the Board, which was recently resolved by Consent Agreement between the Board and Dr. Jawitz under which Dr. Jawitz paid a fine and received a Formal Reprimand. The participation of consumers like you is vital to the Board's performance of its duties. Your involvement and assistance in this matter have been greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

D.K., Prosecuting Counsel

Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure

1000 Washington Street

Boston, MA 02118



COMPLAINT:

Mark Jawitz, DVM, is negligent and guilty of veterinary malpractice. His license should be suspended. I mistakenly entrusted him with the care of my cat, for an examination and required vaccinations for a heath certificate, for our move to San Francisco.



On 8/3/2011, I watched Jawitz give my cat a rabies vaccine in the lower right side rib cage area, and not in her right rear limb like he should have done. He could have asked me or a tech to assist, but instead he chose to administer the shot in the side.



My cat has a Vaccination-Site Fibrosarcoma diagnosed by five veterinarians at two separate practices. My primary vet and pathologist diagnosed a possible Fibrosarcoma and referred me to a surgeon at a specialty practice. The surgeon removed the tumor and the second pathologist confirmed Vaccination-Site Fibrosarcoma. Because of Jawitz's negligence, my cat was euthanized 16 September 2013.



All the veterinarians that I consulted (see attachments) said that the injection should have been administered in the back leg and confirmed that the correct method is well established and widely taught in veterinary school. Vaccination-Site Fibrosarcoma and its cause has been quite well known for years. Jawitz' actions in treating my cat are nothing short of negligent.



My cat is terminally ill and dying. Because of Jawitz' malpractice, I was forced to euthanize my otherwise healthy and vibrant cat.



I trust that Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure will investigate Jawitz' malpractice noted in this complaint and take serious action. I found out too late that, Mark Colin Jawitz, (License # 3568) has two previous disciplinary actions taken against him.



License Number: 3568

20030703VT006 REPRIMAND / VERBAL WARNING 11/22/2005

20030904VT028 REPRIMAND / VERBAL WARNING 11/22/2005