Yes, it is a learning process… just like our own health... and you are right Holly... it is a learning experience... we are all conditioned to believe what we are told by doctors.. and Vets... but in reality, we all need to research on our own...
Case in point... my Kristii (to be 15 in December) is in renal failure.... her RBC was down to 18%.... while SubQ fluids have moderated her kidneys to a reasonable level... she was still very anemic... there is a hormone produced by the kidneys that is directly connected to RBC's. So her Vet recommended a hormone replacement.. however one possible side effect is that she can develop antibodies and if that happens it will be totally not effective. I asked a couple of people that I know that are Vet Techs in Specialty Clinics and ER hospitals... and received info about a different hormone that has much less of a chance to produce/develop antibodies... I gave that info to her Vet... she had not heard of it... but was very thankful for the info... and said, yes that would be a better choice...
By the way, her RBC is up to 40% which is up to the excellent range and now only on SubQ fluids 2x's a week and doing really well.. she has gained almost 2 1/2 lbs... and eating well (home cooked food..ggg)...
Sometimes I think some of you all should be the vets! You definitely own a great wealth of knowledge about the breed.