BRINGING THE WORLD TO YOU
by Dr. A.J. Kallet

The internet has changed our world. From choosing a pet to planning your vacation, the world is available every minute to everybody. Your pet's health care is no different. Currently many sites exist offering a range of options. Some are generic information sites, while others offer fee-for-service advice about various animal ailments and behavioral problems. Education you about diagnosing and treating your pet's problems has always been a top priority at Madera Pet Hospital. The more you understand, the more involved you can become in ongoing therapies.

The web allows of us to research a topic quickly, but quality is always a concern. Gathering and filtering out useful information takes patience and persistence. The problem becomes separating opinion from fact. Literally hundreds of sites are available for every condition known to dogdom. Support groups and chat-rooms flourish.

Keep in mind that web sites change (and disappear) frequently, so a referenced article may be missing or revised when you visit the site. In general, all major portals have many pet-based chat groups, but chat rooms and newsgroup postings are always difficult to evaluate. Many groups devoted to human disease have excellent information, and much of it applies to our pets as well. There are a number of fee-based consultation services, staffed by a single specialist or a group, usually form an academic institution.

There are many links available on the Madera Pet Hospital web site that you may find helpful in understanding the various diseases that may afflict your pet. We at Madera Pet Hospital hope for a long life for your pets. When they become ill, we want you to have the latest information. The web and your doctor can work together to provide you the best in veterinary care.