Shocked by Vet's Response Toward the Raw Diet

[happygirlx3]

On another forum a young veterinarian opened himself up for questioning about anything concerning veterinary medicine including diseases, diet, how to become a veterinarian, etc. It is an "Ask me anything" thread. So of course, I asked him how he felt about yearly vaccinations and the raw diet. Here is his reply:

This post is just wrought with material I disagree with and with baiting statements, and I am sorry that our views won't coincide. Your statement about "falling" for what is taught in vet school is in and of itself a knock against me and what I was taught, as if I was purposefully being duped in vet school to follow the masses.
I wholeheartedley disagree with R.A.W. diets... my reasons range from health concerns for the animal (Salmonella and other bacterial contamination, bony foreign bodies, etc.) to the human health concerns. I for one certainly don't want an animal licking me that has recently consumed raw hamburger or bones. I will NEVER force a particular owner to follow my advice, and if you want to continue the R.A.W. diet go ahead, but I disagree with it. And I disagree and offended by your implication that I was duped and "fell for" certain corporate sponsored information in school, as well as the implication that I don't keep up with current medical knowledge. R.A.W. diet is NOT current medical knowledge, it is just an alternative.
And your SHOCKED about yearly vaccines? Why? There are only so many studies that show vaccines lasting 3 years. The 5 in 1 you mention (Leptospirosis, by the way) is SPECIFICALLY one of the vaccines that has been shown to NOT have a duration of immunity over 1 year, so it is recommended yearly. Excuse us veterinarians for trying to best protect your pet. The distemper/parvo vaccine, as well as the rabies vaccine, has been shown to last 3 years, so many vets recommend it as such (including me).
If I seem bitter, I AM. It is an attitude like, this, that all we vets are out to do is scheme and trick and take your money, that upsets me about how some of the public chooses to view us.


I was very disappointed in both his attitude and his opinion on the matter. His view seems to be very common in my area, however.

[ciaBrysh]

It's not just common in your area, trust me lol. Just keep your head up and ignore it. That's probably the best you can do since most vets will not take to education unless you show them...and even then they will probably be skeptical lol

[Scarlett_O']

Yup...sadly that is how most vets feel...heck that is what MOST of the people in the world feel!!!

[doggoblin]

I think to be fair you need to also post the initial question posed by yourself. That way we can take the response in context.

[happygirlx3]

Ah sorry! Here was my question:

I've been feeding my dogs and cats prey model raw for several years as well as giving limited vaccinations (only rabies every 3 years as required by law). Over the years I have my friends and family do the same and noticed remarkably healthier pets. I am shocked that many veterinarians still encourage yearly vaccinations, especially the 5 in 1 or 7 in 1. My question is this:

How do you feel about the raw diet and yearly vaccinations? Also, do you believe in doing your own research outside of veterinary school?

[wolfsnaps88]

I switched vets because of not only the response I got but the attitude behind it when I told a vet i fed raw. She basically laughed in my face and said Eukanuba is a great food that she feeds and I should switch to that. I was actually shocked she didn't try to sell me Science Diet.

She made me feel bad and like I was hurting my dogs. Vets do provide a medical service but they need to have great CUSTOMER service as well as medical knowledge to keep me a client. I mean, she made me feel BAD.

I think vets know a LOT about their profession and I don't think all of them are intentionally trying to dupe us. I think more research is needed to prove what we all already know. This way, there won't be any controversy. I mean, they spend enough on researching kibble. What more do they need to know about THAT stuff? Why isn't there more testing on raw? The last kind of raw feeding trial was a long time ago and someone needs to step up and do another one!

[lucky]

Most people/vets have the same opinion here too :(

[NewYorkDogue]

Ah sorry! Here was my question:

I've been feeding my dogs and cats prey model raw for several years as well as giving limited vaccinations (only rabies every 3 years as required by law). Over the years I have my friends and family do the same and noticed remarkably healthier pets. I am shocked that many veterinarians still encourage yearly vaccinations, especially the 5 in 1 or 7 in 1. My question is this:

How do you feel about the raw diet and yearly vaccinations? Also, do you believe in doing your own research outside of veterinary school?

Fair enough question. His response seemed a bit defensive to me... No, actually very defensive. Sounds like he's not budging, either.

Sad.

[Chocx2]

I would like to put in my thoughts on this.

My friend, she is a vet, three years ago I told her I was switching to raw, she laughed at me and all of her staff did also, said my dog would get bacteria. Now, there is multiple dogs/friends she knows that feed raw also.

So over the short three years her view has evolved. She now tells people that raw diets are ok for some pets but not all. She prefers cooking now. And she herself changed the way she now feeds her pack. Its a no grain food???? No more Science Diet even though she got it for free????? Said that the pro trainers feed the new food???? Even if I didn't put a thought in her head I think I opened her mind to different thinking.

Just my thought, one vet at a time

[CorgiPaws]

While I don't excuse the ignorance I do think it would perhaps be frustrating to have gone to school all that time, especially for true animal lovers, only to be seemingly discredited by so many people. I do think most vets have a genuine interest in animal welfare and health, and I do honestly believe that they know best. After all, they are professionally trained!!
One thing I've had to come to terms with is that there is almost always "evidence" on both sides of debates, especially scientific ones, as ironic as that is, and two peoples devoted research can lead them to two very different conclusions.
My passions all seem to be controversial ones: canine and feline nutrition, natural childbirth, parenting, and dog breeding. I lurk and or participate in forums pertaining to All of the above.

Just remember that as sure as you are that a raw diet and limited vaccines is the best damn thing you can possibly do, they are certain it will harm your animal. I don't think that most vets are out to drain your bank account and then laugh their way to the Bahamas about how they totally robbed you of your pets health. I think for the most part, professionals mean well, but are perhaps misguided, or led down a totally different path of research than some of us are. (except perhaps dr. Lisa on the doctors. She just may be out for blood.... But thats another topic for another day)

I hope this makes sense. I'm a bit loopy at the moment from meds. Lol