A pet owner in Winnipeg expressed relief after a veterinarian was ordered to close his practice by 2026 following a professional misconduct case that led to the amputation of her cat’s hind leg. Noelle McIvor, the owner of Shadow, who underwent the surgery mishap, shared her satisfaction with the decision, stating she had feared she might have to euthanize her pet due to the post-surgery complications.
Dr. Wenchao Zheng, the veterinarian in question, with a history of disciplinary actions by Manitoba’s veterinary regulatory body, will retire in June 2026 after pleading guilty to professional misconduct. As part of the disciplinary measures, Zheng is permanently banned from performing orthopedic surgeries, must publicly declare the restriction at his clinic, and fulfill educational requirements by a specified deadline. Additionally, he is obligated to pay a sum towards the investigation costs incurred by the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association.
The disciplinary decision highlighted Zheng’s recurrent disciplinary issues dating back to 2002, emphasizing his disregard for regulatory sanctions and the profession’s reputation. Zheng, in response, claimed unfair treatment and alleged discrimination based on race or ethnicity under the Canadian Human Rights Act.
Barb Kryzanowski, the interim registrar of the veterinary association, refuted Zheng’s claims, attributing the disciplinary actions to complaints from his clients. This marked the first instance of the MVMA inquiry panel revoking a veterinarian’s license, reflecting the severity of the case.
McIvor’s complaint about Shadow’s failed surgery was one of the four cases reviewed by the inquiry panel, raising concerns about Zheng’s competence and adherence to professional standards. Despite Zheng acknowledging his responsibility for the botched surgery and subsequent suffering of the animals, the disciplinary measures underscored deficiencies in his practice, particularly in anesthesia protocols and informed consent procedures.
While McIvor called for stricter accountability measures for veterinarians with repeated misconduct findings, a retired veterinarian who supervised Zheng’s clinic highlighted the challenges of providing quality care in financially constrained areas. Goodridge described Zheng as a dedicated veterinarian valued by both staff and clients.