[Ellie May]

I think these groups can be okay to an extent. Personally, I have no problem with people sharing stories about similar problems and even making some recommendations.

This doesn't bother me:
"This part of the bloodwork is a little weird, so maybe you should ask your vet about doing x test. And maybe xyz drug or food would be a better option. See what your vet thinks."

This bothers me:
This part of the bloodwork is high, so it couldn't be xyz. And that drug isn't going to work. Go get xyz drug over the counter, etc.

The first one is giving suggestions. The second is practicing veterinary medicine. And the second does happen on these groups.

I don't think an internists looking at test results and trying to figure things out online is wrong as long as they direct you back to a vet that you can actually go see. That said, of all the vets I've met, I don't think any of them would ever do any of it. As one of them said, "Until I find a way to do exams over the phone or internet, you'll have to come in." lol.

Anyway, any information given by a client is probably at least slightly off anyway. Most clients don't even have the vet's notes about the exam done and/or missed things while vet was explaining. So online vet doesn't even know what was found on exam, etc.

I read and try to get information from people with experience, but the ultimate decision on what to do (even when talking about little things) is made by Ellie's vet and I together.