It's Craig from
Rescue Critters!®. I read your piece on
your web site regarding people using the web for diagnosis and emergency
related pet problems. I completely agree with it. We run into the same
problem with our Ask Dr. "Razz" section of our website. Dr.
"Razz" is Lara Marie Rasmussen, DVM (Dr. "Razz")
she is an Assistant Professor at Western University of Health Sciences,
College of Veterinary Medicine in Pomona, CA - USA.
Let me copy you
on exactly what our website says as an opening before people can ask
a question:
Dr. Lara Marie Rasmussen,
DVM is an Assistant Professor at Western University of Health Sciences,
College of Veterinary Medicine in Pomona, CA - USA. Ask Dr. "Razz"
is an informational website and should not be considered a sole source
of veterinary information or advice. Ask Dr. "Razz" is not
a substitute for emergency care! Your own veterinarian is the best source
of advice for your individual pet. Veterinary treatment and opinions
can vary from doctor to doctor and veterinarians are not able to give
definitive information without a physical examination. There are often
several perfectly acceptable ways to treat the same condition. You should
consult your own veterinarian as well as ask lots of questions as to
what the best treatment is for your pet!
You would think
that the above would make people pause and reflect before e-mailing
us. WRONG! Even though we try to be as clear as possible, we receive
about every 6th e-mail someone asking a question which is considered
an emergency case that should be taken to the closest 24hr. veterinary
hospital ASAP.
Let me give
you an example:
"Cat with swollen paw 3 times the size of the other - could not
find a sliver. But there was a little drainage in between the large
pad on the foot. Would it be safe to give him 1/2 of an aspirin?"
Dr. "Razz"'s
reply:
It seems very clear that your cat needs to be seen by a veterinarian.
If your foot was 3 times larger than normal, there would be no question.
Internet advice is no substitution for proper medical care.
Aspirin can be
dangerous in cats when given in the wrong dose. It can be lethal.
Do not give any medication without the direction of a veterinarian
who has seen the patient.
Please feel free
to post this on your website if you wish. Even though I recognize that
pet owners are attempting to seek help for their animal, the web is
no place to seek emergency care for your pet!
Sincerely,
D. Craig Jones
Rescue Critters, LLC - USA
www.rescuecritters.com
818-780-7860
