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I agree 100% Great Post!

YT is a great place for info from other dog owners. But in emergencies and when I have questions I call my vet. I just don't think anyone here really has the ability to know what is and what is not an emergency.

I'm just not going to go round and round with you regarding a statement you are twisting since the entire suggestion is pointless because Ann said that it's not possible. End of story......

Countless times during the past 10 years YT members have recognized a serious problem posted by a "concerned" newby and encouraged them to call a vet immediately. So many owners new to Yorkies mistake a serious case of hypoglocemia with just an overtired sleepy pup. I can't begin to count the number of times that a YTer has suggested an immediate stop-gap and to call their vet or head to the emergency vet.

Also, although I can't remember the details, I remember sitting up most of the night (along with many other YTers) with a despondent member that we were afraid may attempt suicide. Whether the member was serious or not, who knows, but it wasn't a kid playing a joke or a spammer, it was the real deal.

I can't pretend that it's ok for people to to start their dog ownership with peanut gallery medical advice. I feel it's important to get good vetting in from the beginning.

I agree 100%. I also believe in good pet stewardsh HOWEVER not all new pet owners realize when a situation is a medical emergency. That is where many YTers are able to help - especially in the middle of the night for those members who don't have access to a nearby emergency vet. Not only that, the stress of packing up a sick dog and driving for hour(s) or more to an emergency vet can do more harm than maintaining the dog until their regular vet can be contacted. I am a firm believer in evaluating a situation and determining whether the speed of treatment outweighs the damage done by transporting to an an emergency vet who doesn't have access to my dog's medical records. It the benefits outweigh the dangers then you can bet your bottom dollar I'd hop in the car and drive the hour+ and take my chances. Sometimes "talking out" the benefit/risk factor is very helpful in an emergency situation.

Here's a link to how Internet bots work that might clear up why YT has the moderation rules in place. Personally, I appreciate the tireless job of the mods and if it takes a short while to addressa new member prior to their post being released it's much less of an issue than trying to control all the spammers. Internet bot - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I absolutely agree, and since not all pet owners have that awareness, when they DO come on YT we are usually quick to point out that they should always see a vet rather than look for solutions here. Sometimes we have to point out that what they are facing IS a true emergency, and not a watch and wait situation.

Just think about the last time a bot did get through and the spammed up the board with Viagra or sex posts how everyone not only reported but then posted about it. Without the moderation rules it would be a daily occurance and continually on going. With the millions of posts on YT they would be hitting the forum nonstop. That's what seems to be overlooked in this suggestion/discussion. Moderated posts are like your spam filters on your email. Just imagine all that junk as posts.

It is nice that some people have received help on this forum; but it is not the absolute purpose of this forum. There are other websites on the internet where people can actually get the advice of a vet. I am sure if they don't get answers here, they can use the same way they found YT to find another site. I just think that some members put too much importance into the S&I forum. Not that I don't think it is important or helpful. I just don't think it is a major thing if someone is not here to answer questions that probably should be asked of a vet.

I have found that most who come here want us to diagnose and help them avoid going to a vet. Now, that does not apply to all. But the bottom line is that we are not vets and should not be diagnosing which I see people try to do frequently with questions like, ""did your vet do this or that to your dog?" They are asking leading questions so that they can diagnose which is something none of us should do imho.

It has also been discussed that the Sick & Injured be removed. Many people have a problem with it being here at all. I don't know that I would go that far, but I am very bothered by the people who are trying to diagnose on here. It has always been bothersome to me.

I just had an idea regarding having to wait for moderation for new posts. Maybe a disclaimer pointing out that new members searching for advice should not wait for a response to their questions since posts are held for review. I'm not sure and cannot remember if this is stated somewhere when you first join the forum.

Not a bad idea, BUT isn't it sort of implying that this forum is here for vetting advice? They do get a notice about moderation. My feelings are that IF they feel there is a need for an immediate answer, then they should not be posting here anyway. They already know they should be at a vet. Look how many get on here and hit us with the "don't tell me to go to a vet" line. Just gotta love those.

I just cannot comprehend how people get on an online forum when they should be on the way to a vet. I don't believe people are that stupid...I think they just do it to avoid spending money on a vet...in most cases that is.

Yes, that's pretty much what I said way back here

This is true.

The real problem is not the spam itself per se, which we could ostensibly manage with not toooooo much trouble -- the problem arises when 10+ people report 1 spam message. Multiply that by, say, just 5 spams -- that's at least 50 reported posts for only 5 rogue spam posts. NOT gonna work on a board this size.