just trying to keep things informative AND friendly

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Tortoise Forum ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by Paul V on July 02, 2000 at 19:24:27:

In Reply to: Re: baytril question update posted by A. C. Highfield on July 02, 2000 at 13:10:22:

: Not at all.. however, giving advice of this nature should be left to those qualified to do so - veterinarians.

This is very true. However, unfortunately not everyone has access to experienced herp vets. I am a lucky exception to this, since I have found a local vet who is a member of ARAV, and is very knowledgeable about chelonians.
As you pointed out in one of the posts below, many vets treat reptilian diseases like mammalian infirmities. This ignorance can have a devastating effect on an already distressed reptile, and even with vet treatment, many animals die.

: I am not a veterinarian and do not give specific advice on using prescription medications in public forums. Anyone who does is taking a very big risk. Those who require *accurate* and safe information on the use of such drugs should either consult the relevant text-books or ask a qualified veterinarian - not rely upon the lethal nonesense which seems to be the order of the day in this forum.

A sick animal can obviously not be diagnosed for treatment on a forum such as this, but suggestions as to a good starting point for treatment could be very beneficial. Veterinary treatment techniques for chelonians is still in it's infancy. It is true that great strides have been made, but compared to the knowledge we have of mammalian disease, we are still in the dark ages.
Because the notions and techniques of treatment are still growing, a healthy forum for discussion is crucial. While this will inevitably lead to disagreements, every opinion should be respected and encouraged. THAT DOES NOT MEAN THAT ERRONEOUS INFORMATION SHOULD BE DISSEMINATED. It should be identified as such and a suitable alternative suggested. Many beneficial treatment regimens go undisclosed because the person who uses it does not tell others of its success.
Treatment suggested over the internet should be appreciated for exactly what it is - a suggestion. The user should realize this and consult a qualified vet if one is available. They should also be prepared to accept whatever consequences may result if the suggestion is (or is not) followed. The key is that we keep the lines of communication open, and not use inflammatory remarks to dispel misinformation.
Andy, perhaps for situations such as this, rather than putting a link to the TT homepage, you could put one that links directly to the veterinary info page. There is some very good info there, and perhaps people do not know where to find it.
We all have a lot to learn about chelonian husbandry. Let's not let that point get lost in the midst of insults and personal attacks.

Thanks for your time,
Paul

Follow Ups:

Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:
: : : Not at all.. however, giving advice of this nature should be left to those qualified to do so - veterinarians. : This is very true. However, unfortunately not everyone has access to experienced herp vets. I am a lucky exception to this, since I have found a local vet who is a member of ARAV, and is very knowledgeable about chelonians. : As you pointed out in one of the posts below, many vets treat reptilian diseases like mammalian infirmities. This ignorance can have a devastating effect on an already distressed reptile, and even with vet treatment, many animals die. : : I am not a veterinarian and do not give specific advice on using prescription medications in public forums. Anyone who does is taking a very big risk. Those who require *accurate* and safe information on the use of such drugs should either consult the relevant text-books or ask a qualified veterinarian - not rely upon the lethal nonesense which seems to be the order of the day in this forum. : A sick animal can obviously not be diagnosed for treatment on a forum such as this, but suggestions as to a good starting point for treatment could be very beneficial. Veterinary treatment techniques for chelonians is still in it's infancy. It is true that great strides have been made, but compared to the knowledge we have of mammalian disease, we are still in the dark ages. : Because the notions and techniques of treatment are still growing, a healthy forum for discussion is crucial. While this will inevitably lead to disagreements, every opinion should be respected and encouraged. THAT DOES NOT MEAN THAT ERRONEOUS INFORMATION SHOULD BE DISSEMINATED. It should be identified as such and a suitable alternative suggested. Many beneficial treatment regimens go undisclosed because the person who uses it does not tell others of its success. : Treatment suggested over the internet should be appreciated for exactly what it is - a suggestion. The user should realize this and consult a qualified vet if one is available. They should also be prepared to accept whatever consequences may result if the suggestion is (or is not) followed. The key is that we keep the lines of communication open, and not use inflammatory remarks to dispel misinformation. : Andy, perhaps for situations such as this, rather than putting a link to the TT homepage, you could put one that links directly to the veterinary info page. There is some very good info there, and perhaps people do not know where to find it. : We all have a lot to learn about chelonian husbandry. Let's not let that point get lost in the midst of insults and personal attacks. : Thanks for your time, : Paul

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Tortoise Forum ] [ FAQ ]