I strongly believe AB should discourage people from asking animal/veterinarian/medical questions. A consensus of well meaning folks is no substitute for trained medical advice, and while they're waiting for an answer, the animal suffers. Do you Agree?
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Well, there's no accounting for people's stupidity and you can't protect people from themselves. If they don't do it here, I'm sure there plenty of other places where they can
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I agree 100%. Every time I read a medical question, I feel so bad for the animal. It is ridiculous how many idots out there don't even take OUR advice to bring the animal to a doctor, and instead take somebody else's advice on how to fix the problem themselves. And it's all just to save a dime.
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You can't stop people from asking questions like that.
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It's very possible that the person asking the question has a call into the vet and just waiting for a return call. Otherwise I would agree.
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Not really. I got some really good advice on dealing with anal fistulas on my german shepherd. While the dog WAS under a veterinarian care during his last outbreak, there are many people who have more experience in dealing with this issue. The dog goes in and out of remission for it's lifespan. The many owners who offered me tips on ways to extend the remission periods and deal with the active periods were greatly appreciated. In fact, my vet learned a thing or two as my dog was only her second case of this. The dietary changes AND the sitz bath suggestions have made my pet far more comfortable during his active periods. I think anyone who uses a forum like this, has to be aware that some advice will be wrong. That is a perfect time for other users to "downrate" incorrect or dangerous answers. The consensus of users, however, in my experience has always been dead on.
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Are you A Veterinarian?
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Well, that's why there is that disclaimer. http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/18 I'm sure the folks at AB assume that most people have enough common sense to take their pet to a vet. Or to take themselves to a Dr. or hospital. Sadly, this is not always the case. You will find that a lot of well meaning people come by and tell the person asking to take their pet to a vet ASAP.
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Anyone who comes here for actual medical advice... Shouldn't be operating heavy machinery OR using the internet. No? You can't screen out everyone. it's the nature of the beast. Ab is not responsable for every chuckle head in the universe.
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I dont agree. people just ask questions for points on this site. some might be looking for answers. others are looking for points. you can get too personally involved with this site. you can get involved and think people are really in trouble with suicide or marriage problems, or baby raising. most of it is just a question. that gets an answer...that is supposed to get POINTS!
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I disagree although I can understand why you feel that way. Censorship is rarely the answer to anything. It is up to the individual adult to have the common sense to consult a professional. With that being said, posting a question here could save someone a lot of time by at least pointing them in the right direction. I had a friend who has been suffering for months and her doctors were useless until she did some research on her own asking questions to people with similar symptoms. Based on that information she was able to narrow down the type of specialist she should seek and ended up being with the right professional instead of still suffering in limbo. I agree, nobody should make their animal suffer while they wait for random strangers to give OPINIONS, but askign a question while you are doing everything else in your power certainly does not hurt.
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I think many of the questions that are asked on this site is for the mere sake of asking. I have heard people say I can't think of any good intellectual questions and all of a sudden they ask a medical or important pet question or legal question. I highly doubt many of these people are practicing harmful procedures from the advice of Mr. Joe sitting at his computer in his trailer on happy tree lane Vermont. Many would not take the advice from a certified doctor without a second opinion. Not saying that some would not but we do not know who they may be but if they do not ask here they will ask somewhere so all in all they are getting what they ask for, advice from strangers.
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Most of the medical advice that people come her for really are not that much of an emergency actually. It may seem like one but not if you really know about these animals. Yes, there are some but I'd say it happens less than you'd think. And the most common advice they get is "Go to the vet". Many people are looking for something to do until they can get to the vet, having already gotten an appointment. If there is anything we can do to help from our experience or knowledge, I think that's great. Or even if it's just sharing a common story with them to get them through a scary evening until they can get to the vet's office in the morning. And many people learn from reading all these questions and answers and that is a very good thing. They might have panicked before but if they read about what to do before, then it's less stress for the person and maybe even the poor animal. Most people already know to get to the vet. But they are looking for assurance and handholding.
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absolutely
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