***IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST VISIT TO THIS PAGE, I URGE YOU TO READ THE FOLLOWING THOROUGHLY. THANK YOU!***
What you will find here is a combination of posts of interest to pet lovers: hot topics in veterinary medicine, cute photos/videos, human interest stories involving animals - whatever appeals to the veterinarian and writer in me. Since I work 4-5 days a week in clinical practice at a job I love
but which usually wears me out, posts are likely to come in spurts, when time and energy coincide. If you have veterinary or animal related questions, ask away - I'll try to answer when I'm not working. Just remember that online advice can NEVER replace a visit with your own personal local veterinarian. If you think you have an urgent matter PLEASE do not wait for my response! There is a saying among veterinarians that if you put 3 of us in a room together and ask a question of medical opinion, you will get at least 4 different answers. Veterinary medicine, done well, is at least as much art as science. It also involves a great deal of passion, if you are any good at relating to pet owners. At some point, my opinion is likely to vary from that of your own veterinarian, especially if her/his practice style is significantly different from my own. This difference of opinion doesn't always have a "right" answer, though even on THAT point, some veterinarians would differ! If you find that what I say does not jibe with what your own veterinarian says, you prefer my opinion, and s/he is unwilling to work with you toward an agreeable treatment plan, then you might want to consider finding a veterinarian whose approach to pet care makes you more comfortable and confident in his or her care. Even then, this is not to say that the veterinarian you disagree with is wrong. Another client will come along who prefers his/her style. Such is the nature of our profession. The veterinarian/client/pet relationship is very personal one. For you as the reader, I am but one voice on the internet. I cannot and will not compete with the bond between you and your local veterinarian. If you are with the right veterinarian, that bond should be unbreakable, and I will always respect it. Both you and your veterinarian can rest assured in that. When posting on this page, please be respectful and courteous not just with me, but with my fellow readers. I expect no more than I give. Posts/comments I consider objectionable may be removed at my discretion. I am a fan of diversity and freedom of speech, so posting a counter opinion will only prompt removal if it is done rudely, disrespectfully, or abusively. I welcome your comments and feedback, and by all means, please like and share my posts. I hope you enjoy! Laura L'Heureux Neal, DVM
