Quote:
Originally Posted by jp4m2  I realize this is one of those *hot* topics here. There are many here who have vets that they would trust with their life and then there are some us who have had some very bad experiences with vets, sadly some have lost pets at the hands of vets. I think the ones with the bad experiences will never have that peace of mind and trust again, how could we??......Therein lies the reason for the researching and asking for additional info, we just don't want to have to experience that again for ourselves or foranother.......
For me, I am sorry to say that I have lost faith in the profession….Not without saying, I will always go to a vet when a problem arises but I’m always cautious and I will do research when I feel the need. No vet knows it all, some are better than others, as in any profession. If the vet doesn’t have the desire, time or interest in keeping up on new research, treatments or testing then things will be misdiagnosed, mistreated, or over treated. And then there are some vets who will put his concern for profits above what’s in the best interest of the pet…….
There many ways to approach a problem that range from traditional medicine to holistic medicine and many other options in between. If the vet is approaching the health concern with only what was learned in school, which was more than likely decade’s age, or is approaching the problem by treating symptoms instead of getting to root of the problem then yes, I will look elsewhere for info. Ultimately I will be held responsible for the treatment chosen..…….This is just one of those topics that we all will never agree on..... |
{Have you been
reading my mind lately, what the heck? First yesterday, and now
today 
?}
This ^^^ is pretty much what I would like to say, if my brain was up to par.
As far as canine heatlh, healthcare, protocol, nutrition, and basic information - probably 20% of what I know has come from a Vet. The other 80% has come from elsewhere, most of that online.
I've been through 5 vets since moving to Phoenix and have finally found a competent place to go. Previous to that, Wylie was misdiagnosed for...oh...6 months plus? I kept taking him in w/ symptoms and *knew* something was wrong, Vet kept saying "Nope, ALL looks normal"
. I finally went to a specialist - he was finally diagnosed with Atypical Cushings, Hypothyroid, and pyoderma. Marcel has also been misdiagnosed by a different Vet.
I think it takes a very unique person with a combination of skills and values to make a *good* Veterinarian. It's a very tough career, and there are so many reasons why. I think it is an industry in which consumers have very little recourse, if any, so that makes the consumer and its patients automatically vulnerable, in my opinion. The health of the patient is absolutely not always first for some vets, that's why it's so imperative to try to choose wisely.
In my humble opinion, the onus of pet health care is shared by the owner. I feel I have to research for my pets' health wayyyyy more than I need to for my own health, or that of my family members. My degree is in Nursing, and I've worked with tons of docs, nurses, techs etc - and I feel much more confident and easy about entrusting my healthcare to my Doctors than I do my pets' healthcare to Vets. That said, Doctors and other med-pros make unthinkable mistakes every day. Human error is unavoidable.
The actual diagnosis should come from a competent Vet. It cannot be done on the internet. A patient must be seen and evaluated. The information, however, surrounding the symptoms is really where the owner can be invaluable to their pet by using the internet and other sources as tools. Forums and groups can (and have) save lives, and HELP sift through symptoms and identify possibilities of what
might be going on.
Sharing experiences during a crisis or illness can't be measured, and that's where I think forums are also valuable. But the internet should never, ever be
relied upon as a diagnosis - it's a place to gather information, share ideas, learn, improve your dialogue with your vet, and in the end - help you provide your pet with the BEST dang healthcare they can obtain.
As far as dosages, people need to be very careful. That said, in a true emergency where there appears to be
no other available options and there is some way to help online - I would help in any way I could. I also think it is okay to share basic First Aid information and some dosages there, because that also can save a life - especially during a situation of poison, stings, etcetera.
Wow, this was really verbose...apologies.