It would have been even funnier if you'd have called most of us "arrogant
ducks".

(a little qwerty humor there - very little - sorry)

ron

I'm not a vet, but I play one on tv

Just like any other usenet group, there are trolls and other types of
useless personalities here.  However, I'm sorry for you if you honestly
believe that vets have the last word on health when it comes to cats or
any other animals, for that matter.  Groups such as this are great
because of personal experiences of the posters, which means you will
probably get more accurate and useful information here than if only
vets were answering the questions.

I, personally, have never met a vet, doctor or other "professional" who
knows everything about everything.  They all have limits on their
knowledge and experience.  And, unfortunately, they often treat their
clients and patients with a "cover my a.s" attitude, which often means
you get textbook remedies rather than creative ones.

I've found more useful information on just about *anything* I've
researched from other people in similar situations than I ever have
from the so-called experts in that particular area.  Some folks can't
think out of the box to save their life....sounds like you're one of
them.

dragon

That sounded harsh until I realized who the author is.

If you want more veterinarians in your discussion, or in your case
if you just feel like trolling a higher concentration of
veterinarians, try group (alt.med.veterinary).

....

Tell us what a froup is and we shall try.

BuZZard <buzzardz@buzzardnest.us> wrote in
rec.pets.cats.health+behav:

Interesting question and I know I just don't want to read the
responses.  I can see it already.  Like you, I have made
observations where people might believe they know everything simply
by osmosis, i.e., spending a lot of time at the vet.  Other have
awarded themselves life experience degrees, but don't be fooled, the
learning institutions are unaccredited.  ;)

I once considered getting my vet interested in the group, but give
the recent round of personal attacks against myself and other, I
decided not to.  She loves to share what she can, and given that one
of her first practices was on an Indian Reservation, she had a "pay
what you can" schedule and took things in trade.  Needless to say
she has a beautiful collection of authentic Native American goods
that are probably worth more on the market than she would have
gotten in fees.  

But she's much too professional to subject herslef to the likes of
Lyn and Mary, and even you.  I think that just when I see a sincere
question I will forward it on to her and post her response.  She is
really good about email and I can email her non-emergent questions
and she will get back to me.  Sometimes not for a day or two, but
she will.

Hmm. You get what you pay for.

I don't like Mary at all. That's no secret. But I also respect her
opinions and insights with regards to cats. She definately isn't a
troll. At least not in this froup.

I guess my advice would be that if you have a real problem with your
cat, go to a real vet. I see this froups as a forum to share
experiences and consider everything here either opinion or advice, both
of which I'm free to disregard.

That siad, I have asked medical questions here in the past, but never
based my cats' health on them. This froup's biggest value in that
regard is maybe letting me know what to expect when I do visit the vet.

Carl in CT