Winnipeg veterinarian Wenchao Zheng ordered to end practice after surgery error led to amputation of cat’s leg
CBC
A Winnipeg pet owner whose cat Shadow needed a hind leg amputated after an error during surgery says she is glad the veterinarian is being ordered to end his practice in 2026.
"I'm glad that the decision came out and I'm happy with what the decision was," Noelle McIvor said. "I thought I was going to have to euthanize him, because he was not having a quality of life."
Dr. Wenchao Zheng, who has an "extensive" disciplinary history with Manitoba's veterinary regulatory body, has agreed to cease practising and retire on June 30, 2026, after he pleaded guilty to professional misconduct.
Zheng also has been permanently banned from doing orthopedic surgery, effective immediately, and is required to post a notice at his clinic, Animal Hospital of Manitoba, and on its website, stating he does not do orthopedic surgery.
He's also required to have completed outstanding continuing education requirements by Oct. 31, renew an agreement for supervision of his practice until his retirement, and pay $15,000 toward the cost of the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association investigation and hearing into complaints against him.
Zheng was subject to a hearing by an inquiry panel under the peer review complaints committee of the veterinary association on July 29.
Documents related to the decision refer to eight prior veterinary association disciplinary cases with sanctions against Zheng, as far back as 2002.
The decision says Zheng has "an extensive disciplinary history with the MVMA and shows an ongoing disregard for their ability to impose sanctions on members and be a self-regulating body, therefore bringing the profession into disrepute."
In a letter addressed to veterinary association council members after the decision, Zheng said he has been "unfairly singled out for disciplinary action."
"I feel I have been systemically discriminated by MVMA peer review complaints committee for many years in many cases," he wrote.
"The only viable explanation is that I and the Animal Hospital of Manitoba have been targeted by discriminatory action based on race or ethnicity as defined by the Canadian Human Rights Act."
Veterinary association interim registrar Barb Kryzanowski responded to his allegations in an email.
"Dr. Zheng's discipline history is the result of the peer review committee satisfying its mandate to review, investigate, and prosecute complaints (when warranted) that were received from members of the public," Kryzanowski said.
"The MVMA's actions were initiated and required because of complaints the MVMA received from Dr. Zheng's clients."
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