COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — A pet groomer was arrested after he posed as a veterinarian and performed a surgery that led to the death of a pregnant dog back in May.

Osvaldo Sanchez, 61, reportedly performed a C-section and spay procedure on a 6-year-old chihuahua named Sugar after her owners said she was having trouble delivering puppies.

According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), Sanchez was previously introduced to Sugar’s owners as a veterinarian. Sanchez went to their home and examined Sugar in his mobile office, which was a converted ambulance.

Sanchez removed a stillborn puppy during the C-section, CCSO said. He also charged her owners $600 for the procedure.

Sugar was taken to an emergency pet hospital the following week, on May 25, after falling ill from an infection.

Doctors discovered her surgical incision was closed with a string or thread and not the standard suture material. CCSO believes this could have contributed to her infection.

Sugar died later that night from multiple complications from the surgery, according to the report.

Sanchez was charged with animal abuse and practicing veterinary medicine without a license.