From Trusted Vet to Struck Off: The Shocking Case of Siew Loong Ng

A once trusted veterinary surgeon, Siew Loong Ng, has been permanently struck off from practicing due to a troubling series of professional failings uncovered by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). At 73 years old, Mr. Ng returned from retirement to work as a locum at the Little Pets practice in Tilsworth, Bedfordshire, where he committed over 50 breaches of veterinary standards since 2020.

Key findings from the RCVS investigation included instances of altering and deleting records, misdiagnosing conditions, and applying inappropriate techniques in critical surgeries, including caesarean sections. The RCVS stated that Mr. Ng’s actions demonstrated behavior that was “fundamentally incompatible with being a veterinary surgeon” and that his removal was crucial for the protection of animals.

One particularly alarming case involved a Labradoodle named Barney, whose owner, Michelle Chambers, sought veterinary assistance for the dog’s ongoing stomach problems and lack of appetite. Mr. Ng wrongfully diagnosed Barney with diabetes and prescribed a contraindicated medication, Dexafort, unsuitable for diabetic animals. As Barney’s health deteriorated, Mr. Ng proposed euthanasia, citing a potential cancer diagnosis without proper testing—a suggestion that deeply troubled Ms. Chambers. After taking Barney home and observing improvements, she canceled the euthanasia appointment. Another vet later confirmed diabetes, allowing Barney to live four more years with appropriate care.

In a further breach, Mr. Ng retroactively amended clinical records without proper notation, leading the RCVS to label this conduct as dishonest and misleading. RCVS chair Paul Morris noted that such actions jeopardize trust in the veterinary profession, emphasizing the importance of integrity in medical records.

The hearing, held on June 19, included testimonies from eight witnesses, among them colleagues and assistants who expressed varying degrees of respect for Mr. Ng’s knowledge despite his faults. After financial disputes led to the closure of Little Pets, the practice has since reopened under a new identity with no ties to Mr. Ng.

In response to the public’s concern, the RCVS has called for legislative changes to grant regulatory bodies the authority to suspend or impose conditions on veterinary professionals to safeguard public and animal welfare effectively.