Ask a Vet

[Nebraska0204]

I understand that this is a volunteer position.  I volunteer on several website my expertise in my medical field, I make sure I answer questions at least every two days.  But if your going to volunteer your expertise, you really should make an effort to answer questions more than once a week or twice a week.  Ask a Vet has not been here in over 6 days and there are some genuine questions that need answering and people are stewing waiting for them.   This site needs someone who is going to volunteer there time and actually make an effort to answer all the questions. Or don't bother volunteering. JMO.

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

Yes Heart Gaurd is paying all her vet bills and also gave us a free years supply of heart gaurd......it's becoming pretty common in my town my vet has had 8 cases so far all larger dogs.  I don't know if it was a bad batch of heartgaurd or what but so far she is doing good with her treatment.  She has to go back for a 2 day coarse the 8-9 of Oct.

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Thank you all very much for your very kind words and encouragement!  I feel humbled.  I became a vet not for the money obviously but to help all gods wonderful creatures anyway that I am able.  Sincerely,  Dr. Aleda Cheng

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

The heartgard company will pay for all veterinary expensives when their products fail.  ALL OF THEM.

[Jaybay]

Wow!  That's scary that the Heartguard failed.  I'm glad you posted the info since I haven't heard of that happening before, although nothing is ever certain.  Hope your pup does OK with the heartworm treatment - at least it isn't as awful as it was a few years ago.

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

I just wanted to make sure....I agree this site is not meant for life threatening illnesses.....If your pet is urgent then you should go to the vet and make them work you in.....my animals are my kids.  I actually have my Redbone at work with me today so I can watch her.  She was diagnosed with Heartworms last month and is on treatment for them so she needs to be kept inside and have someone pay close attention to her.  I was devistated because I have had her on Heartgaurd since she was old enough and she still got them but no fault of not being cared for.  But since we have been religious keeping all 7 dogs on heart gaurd they are paying for all her treatment.  I'm glad as many hundreds of $'s we've payed for their product.

[Jaybay]

Not at all!  No, my comment was just a generalized gripe about something I see far too often in real life and on the internet.  You certainly did everything you could, and in no way was I directing anything negative at you.  I'm very lucky to have a wildlife rehab facility fairly nearby, and have brought in countless critters over the years.  Even the experts have a tough time saving wild animals, so you shouldn't feel at all like you did anything wrong.  Hey, at least you tried, which is more than most folks would do.

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

I don't know if your comment was pointed in my direction but I found a baby squirrel on Sunday and did all the research I could to learn how to care for it.  And I did all I could to save it but I couldn't get it into the vet until this Saturday because they themselves couldn't get me in....I did all I could to save the poor baby and he died Wednesday anyways.  The little guy was very weak the whole time I had him not from neglect.  I have 11 rabbits and 7 dogs and I treat all them like my children and if one of them so much as has an upset stomach I call the vet and get any advice I can.  And I only asked for info on here of how to care for the little guy not any medical advice.  And I believe I did all that was humanly possible to care for the little one.  I believe the milk just didn't settle with him....

[Jaybay]

You said it better than I could - great job!  I certainly understand financial issues, but providing medical care for animals is no different than providing care for yourself or a child.  If you OWN a pet, you are responsible for keeping it healthy.  Animals aren't toys, and they get sick and need treatment just like people.  And you have to plan for it and expect it - just like you would for a child.  I have never understood people who so strongly resist taking their pets to a vet because it "might" cost them some money, and the poor animal suffers and even dies for the neglect.  GGRRRRR!!!  OK, I'll stand down from the soapbox - obviously the topic is a pet peeve of mine.  LOL!

[peekawho]

And if the problem requires an IMMEDIATE answer and is urgent, its important enough to go to a vet.  Period.  No excuses.

[needsomeluck]

WOW!!!  I am here for my 1st time and i couldnt believe the post i read unbelieveable this site is FREE.I have been to other sites where you pay for information. I just want to thank the doctor here who takes time away from there busy schedule to help us and our animals. There are not alot of people in the world like that. So to whoever wrote that post please remember that we are not paying and are being given support and guidance and knowledge from someone who is generous and caring of animals welfare without asking for anything in return. I think thats worth a few days to wait.

[peekawho]

I echo most of the posters.  This forum is not intended to substitute for a face to face vet visit.  I'm uneasy seeing so many posts with problems that obviously require immediate professional, in person care by a vet.  

I totally appreciate Dr. Cheng and understand that it can take a while to answer questions.  She does a fantastic job.

90% of the questions asked here can be answered by saying "take the animal to a vet right away".  Dr. Cheng can give us ideas, directions on what to look closely for, support, and guidance, but she cannot substitute for a face to face visit.

.  

[Jack615]

You've GOT to be joking right?  Dr. Cheng volunteers to give everyone answers for FREE.   Then a person like you comes along with the audacity to COMPLAIN that she's not answering as fast as YOU would like!  As my wife always reminds me - there are TAKERS and GIVERS in this world  and Nebraska, you've just let all of us know which one you are!

I for one THANK DR. CHENG - I've learned so much from this forum!!  Hopefully she won't be discouraged by the rantings of Nebraska, because I would hate to see this forum go away!

Jack

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

The reason I didn't get the little squirell into my local vet is because the closest vet is over an hour away and I don't get off work in time and they wouldn't give me any advice on the phone.  Thus my questions on here.

[Cindy]

Dear Friends,

Med Help's terms and conditions states that doctors will post their answers within 5-7 business days.  Dr. Cheng was having difficulty logging in to the website this week and therefore could not answer questions in her usual "lightning" speed.  

We hope you all appreciate the work that she is doing.  As Nebraska points out - she volunteers her time and expertise every single day, to answer questions for all in need!   We think that makes her a very special doctor!

Cindy Thompson
Med Help International

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

This is Dr. Cheng writing.  I am very sorry to all of you questioners.  I have had a great deal of technical problems with the website,  and with logging in when the website was updated.  Obviously this took a while to rectify, and I hope that I did not inconvenience too many of you out there.  The problem was out of my control.  If something like this occurs again I will try to have the web site take care of the problem with more expedience.  Incidentally, I answer questions when I am on vacation and at veterinary conferences.

Thank you so much for your support Jaybay and Ireneo.  I really enjoy reading your comments and answers, they are well thoughtout and well informed.

To Brown Eyed Gurl:  I am really sorry to hear about your pet but why didn't you take your squirrel to your own vet?  Few wildlife rescuers have the medical expertise to help with something complicated.  They have to consult vets too.  

[ireneo]

Up until recently Dr.Cheng has been pretty good about being available for everyone's questions. I thought perhaps she was on vacation but now wonder if there's something else going on. In any case, I agree with Jay that too often the questions asked here are too urgent to wait for "free" advice. Anyone with a pet that is bleeding, vomiting or is generally in bad shape should go to their vet ASAP. As for Nebraska's offer, well, we all appreciate input but without knowing a person's credentials we should be very careful about taking the advice.

BE Gurl - I'm sorry the squirrel died. It's heartbreaking to try to help an animal just to have it die in the end. In my job it's worse at times because I'll work with an animal for months only to realize it will never be releasable and then I have to euthanize it. Tough job with tough decisions. I'm surprised you weren't able to find a rehabber in your area (not sure where you live). Tues. I had a man call me at work, he was on the road between Twin Falls and Boise, Idaho, had found an injured Red Tailed Hawk by the side of the highway. He had it bundled in his car and called us since he was familiar with our facility (in Oregon). I got his number, looked up rehabbers in Idaho and found a place in Boise for him. As far as I know he was able to take the bird there and get some help. There are places all over the country but they aren't quite as available as the local grocery store. Sometimes you have to travel a bit to get there. Again, sorry you had a bad experience.

[Jaybay]

One can only assume that Dr. Cheng is busy with her practice, and the animals in front of her.  Most questions posted here woud be better answered by the poster's own veterinarian, and in a timely fashion.  For anyone to think than a person on the Internet can treat their animal(s) is nothing short of absurb.  Nebraska, if you think you can do better, please feel free to participate.

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

I agree.....my squirrel died.....and I would have loved some info.....and I never could get ahold of a wild life refugee.