Portland veterinarian sentenced to five years’ probation after diverting controlled pain drugs and diluting clinic supplies

Sentence follows investigation into diverted controlled substances at two Portland-area veterinary clinics

A Portland veterinarian, Dr. Brenda Brown-Carlson, has been sentenced in Multnomah County Circuit Court to 60 months of supervised probation after admitting she diverted controlled pain medications intended for animal patients and replaced the drugs with saline. The sentencing occurred on Jan. 13, 2026, under a plea agreement.

Investigators said the diversion affected the care of more than 200 animals at two veterinary clinics where Brown-Carlson was employed. The case centered on controlled substances used for pain management and sedation during surgeries and other medical procedures. When those medications were diluted or unavailable, animals undergoing treatment could receive less than the prescribed dose.

Drugs involved and how the diversion was detected

Authorities identified three controlled substances in the diversion:

• Hydromorphone (Schedule II)
• Buprenorphine (Schedule III)
• Butorphanol (Schedule IV)

The diversion was discovered after coworkers noticed discrepancies in controlled-substance inventories and reviewed data from a computerized drug-dispensing machine, clinic records, and surveillance video. Investigators said video showed Brown-Carlson removing controlled substances and refilling vials with saline.

Timeline: report, investigation, and charges

The clinics reported the suspected diversion to federal drug diversion authorities in February 2024, triggering an investigation that reviewed dispensing records and video evidence. During an interview, Brown-Carlson initially denied diverting the drugs, investigators said, before later admitting to the conduct and surrendering her federal controlled-substance registration used to handle these medications in practice.

After grand jury testimony, a state indictment was issued alleging multiple felony counts, including tampering with drug records, computer crimes, and animal neglect charges tied to specific patient cases. Under the plea agreement, Brown-Carlson pleaded guilty to reduced charges: one felony count of tampering with drug records, two felony counts of computer crimes, and one felony count of attempted animal neglect in the second degree.

Probation terms restrict work with animals and veterinary practice

As conditions of supervised probation, Brown-Carlson is prohibited from employment at any business whose primary purpose is the treatment of animals. She is also barred from contact with animals during probation, with limited exceptions allowing her to own and care for her own pets. The conditions prohibit her from providing veterinary care for her own pets or the pets of others and limit contact with other animals to situations where the animals’ owners are present.

The case is expected to continue in professional and regulatory channels, as state veterinary licensing action is pending and civil penalties related to controlled-substance compliance remain unresolved.