Quote Originally Posted by Daisy and Delilah
I have no problem with anybody coming here and asking for advice about a sick pet. I find it to be possibly the first step in finding out what the problem is.

However, when the symptoms of the pet are blatant and in obvious need of a vet's attention, a vet needs to be called. Any pet owner should be aware of abnormal signs of any living thing. Whether it be a dog, cat, rat, snake, or a human. Any responsible pet owner should have a veterinarian that they use for pet emergencies and some knowledge as to when they should call them.

I think Grace is only pointing out that it's frustrating when a person describes signs and symptoms that are obviously in need of a vet's attention rather than non-professionals. There is a big difference in Fluffy not eating a meal and Fluffy being lethargic, bleeding, or exhibiting obvious signs of infection.

It's just frustrating to those of us who call our vets in a heartbeat to think that someone is possibly avoiding that call. No one has complained about people coming here and asking for help for situations that some of the board experts can resolve. Isn't it curious that alot of these posters post once and never return? I can't help but wonder what they ended up doing and if their pet recovered well.
I agree entirely. I do not condemn people posting for advice on minor ailments, but if an animal is exhibitng signs of pain and suffering and is off its food, then surely it's obvious how serious the problem is, and that veterinary attention is needed, and fast. I don't mind when people post about such things and say that they have a vet appointment scheduled in the near future.

Money can be tight for anybody and going to the vet isn't always simple, but I know if I was in the same position as some of these posters, I would sacrifice anything I could in order to get that pet to the vets. If it meant living off bread and jam for weeks, I would do it. It frustrates me when people apparently have no money for vets, but can then magically discover a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and go and buy a new car, TV, or another pet.