MIDDLEBURG, Fla. -- A Clay County veterinarian was arrested Thursday, accused of abusing a dog that was his patient.

Authorities said that Scott Reed, 44, a vet at Creekside Veterinary Clinic in Middleburg, got upset last month when a 43-pound mixed chow he was treating bit him. According to the arrest warrant, Reed grabbed the dog's leash from an assistant, hanging the animal in the air, and kicked it several times.

The warrant says the dog was able to get its muzzle off as Reed was drawing blood, biting Reed. Reed allegedly then grabbed the dog around the neck in a "choke hold."

Witnesses told investigators that the dog was not aggressive toward anyone and didn't bite Reed until after it was provoked.

When deputies and rescue personnel arrived, Reed's wife said he had gotten in his car and left. She told authorities that he'd been under a lot of stress due to personal and business issues.

The alleged incident took place at his clinic on Oct. 22.

Reed was arrested earlier this year for domestic violence against his wife. He pleaded no contest to that charge and received a sentence of probation.

During the investigation, detectives were told Reed had previously shown aggressive behavior toward animals at other veterinary hospitals where he worked.

Scott was booked into the Clay County jail on one count of animal cruelty and held on $2,503 bond.