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Emailed a rabbit specialist in the UK asking for advice and...

Oompa-Loompa

Oompa-Loompa

Warren Veteran
...this is the reply I got:


"Hi Frida,
I am really sorry but I can't comment on your rabbit. It wouldn't be ethical. You need to go back to your vet"


Am I missing something here? Why would giving a desperate rabbit owner some simple advice over email be seen as unethical? :? I mentioned about 3 times in the email that I don't trust my local vet, in that case wouldn't it be more unethical to tell me to discuss things with them when they are not 100% trust-worthy and could end up killing my animals? I don't get this at all :? I'm very disappointed in this response.
 
Oompa-Loompa said:
...this is the reply I got:


"Hi Frida,
I am really sorry but I can't comment on your rabbit. It wouldn't be ethical. You need to go back to your vet"


Am I missing something here? Why would giving a desperate rabbit owner some simple advice over email be seen as unethical? :? I mentioned about 3 times in the email that I don't trust my local vet, in that case wouldn't it be more unethical to tell me to discuss things with them when they are not 100% trust-worthy and could end up killing my animals? I don't get this at all :? I'm very disappointed in this response.
Click to expand...

I would assume, as there are differences possibly in law and treatment regimes between Sweden and the UK, that the vet couldn't possibly comment on the situation.

A UK vet could suggest something that would be outrageous to a swedish vet etc.

Thats my take on it anyway.
 
I would assume no vet would want to give medical advice on a rabbit without looking at it first, as they could be seen as liable if mistakes were made.
 
I basically described the symptoms my Boris has been having and asked what could be causing them. I was in a hurry when I wrote it though, so I'm starting to think that perhaps she misinterpreted it and thought that I was asking her rather than get him checked out by my local vet..hmm...:? I need to read it again. I understand what you're saying though, it makes sense when you think about it. I was just so surprised.

I can't change vets because there's literallly no one else close to me that is any good :( One was so bad they've actually been banned from taking in any more small animals...and that's where Boris got neutered :shock: If I'd known then what I know now...
 
Can you ask your vet to write a referral to one of the vets in the UK for further advice? Some can offer an advice service, without actually having to see Boris, but would need a referral with the all the history and any diagnostics...however I am not sure whether this referral service works internationally?? You could write back and ask?
 
I'd presume that what she meant is she wouldn't comment on another vets case, usually you'd need a referral if you wanted to consult a second vet. Or you could 'fire' your first vet and go to another. Not two at the same time without their knowledge.
 
Tamsin said:
I'd presume that what she meant is she wouldn't comment on another vets case, usually you'd need a referral if you wanted to consult a second vet. Or you could 'fire' your first vet and go to another. Not two at the same time without their knowledge.
Click to expand...

You presume correctly.:wave:
 
It is professional ethics. No vet will give an opinion on the case of an animal under the care of another vet, unless contacted by the first vet.

When my rabbit was ill, I contacted the Royal **** in Edinburgh, not because I didn't trust my vet, but because I wanted more information and wondered if they could advise. They said they couldn't speak to me without my vet having contacted them. They weren't being difficult, just professional.
 
I think its a fairly standard response. I took B & A to a less local vet as I wanted a second opinion and he said he couldnt even then speculate if he would do treatment differently because he hadnt had all their notes, despite me being able to tell him all the details. I would have to properly change vet.
 
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