Quote:
Originally Posted by dottiesyrky  In my defense, with respect to FOOD ADVICE only, I stated that the average vet does not refer to a nutritionist for specialized diets for common diseases. Of course if one had a health issue for which the vet could not provide diet info, then of course one would get a referral. I find it rather insulting to suggest that I would not see a specialist for other issues, such as an ortho. In fact I was referred to and consulted a specialist eye doctor for my dog's cataract surgery.
The surgery was done by her in a specialty vet hospital. I also consulted a gastro specialist at the same hospital when my dog had post op GI issues.
My point was that in my limited experience, for dietary advice it is not COMMON to get a specialist consult from a vet. It is however more common for other issues that regular vets cannot handle.
I may have committed other YT sins, but getting proper care for my dog when needed is not one of them. I wanted that to be made clear. |
Pardon me for misreading your post. I really DID read it as boarded specialists. BUT the bottom line was that no where in my post was I disparaging you. Quite frankly I think you need to stop with this already....no one was ever personal on this thread to my knowledge..now you think it is something against you? Hopefully my post will be clear to and help others.
As for vets referring to nutritionists, no many do not but as they become more and more popular they will start doing that. My vet and her partners had no experience dealing with a nutritionist until I started using them and I can tell you that they have contacted me for information for their other clients so that they could refer them.
The bottom line though is that vet nutritionists are imho very necessary in dog foods. That is why so many are working for the larger and what I call more reputable companies.
I simply do not like the advice given by the DFA. It has nothing to do with his chosen profession...it has more to do with the fact that even though he freely admits he is not an expert, he comes off like one telling people what foods to avoid for their pets. He and I have one thing in common...the recalls scared us. He lost a dog, I did not. He chose to look at ingredients....I chose to ask questions of vets and then, at my vets suggestion, I contacted the vet nutritionist at Texas A&M. It was then that I learned about companies and quality control. So....while he has recommended foods since those recalls that have since been recalled...he still has not chamged his stance. I have been fortunate and not been affected by recalls with the foods I have chosen. I believe that is because I listened and went with the companies who do what I believe is important.....spend money where it is needed in feeding trials and vet nutritionists on staff. AND most importantly they focus on quality control.