I am moving away from this thread now because I can see where it is going.
I do think that perhaps in the near future some of us with some respect for the vets who on a daily basis save our dogs' lives and those of countless other peoples' pets should perhaps start a thread about those vets and what they have done!
My dogs are alive and well today because of the care I render.....and also because of my vet.
I have dealt with many different conditions in pups and still would not self diagnose and/or treat. And, if I did not have confidence in my vet, I would find another. Same thing goes for ANY profession. Some are better than others; but I still say I would rather any vet over a lay person. I have the mind to think, read and ask questions. If a vet seems to be doing something that does not sound right, I ask questions of him/her.
Thank you for an interesting thread.