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Originally Posted by Happy in Wyoming
Too many people in the medical profession regard animals as "things" to be used to test their theories. The plight of lab animals is hiddeous and there are vast numbers of researchers who are enjoying every minute of it. It can't be just about the money; there's plenty of money in every branch of medecine. The people who torture animals don't want anyone to love animals as living, feeling creatures, creatures who have no concept of malice.
We see these warnings from researchers on a regular basis. They're not very scientific for people who claim to be scientists. They cite a few cases and insist that this means the problem is widespread. This time they've hit a new low. They don't want us to comfort our beloved pets at the end of their lives. They admit that the bacteria are common but hit at both pets and those who love them at the time when they are most vulnerable in their supposed scientific concern. They are evil people.
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There was absolutely nothing in the article about any use of lab animals. Lab animals have nothing to do with it.
There was no suggestion that the problem is widespread. It is certainly likely that it may be found more often if doctors look for it.
There is nothing unscientific about the report. That is all that it is. It points out that these three patients had infections with bacteria commonly found in cats and dogs and that all three had contact with a sick pet before they became ill themselves.
The motivation behind the report was to advise doctors to consider contact with a sick pet when people present with an unusual infection. Nothing more.
These are not evil people. They are doctors who treat sick humans.
No one suggested that pet owners not comfort a dying pet.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DandJ
Even if the information was true -- and I don't feel certain that it is -- it would not keep me from cuddling Artie if he were sick or dying. If he were sick or dying, that's when he'd need or want my cuddling the most, I'd imagine, and I wouldn't stop being his provider of all things based on this article.
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What motivation would there be to lie about it? It is an observation that three women got sick with an organism commonly found in the mouths of cats and dogs after comforting a sick pet. There is really no reason to doubt the truth of the report.
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Originally Posted by tdna
Three documented cases of an illness (that is easily treated and sounds no worse than a bad cold) among how many tens of millions of pet parents will not prevent me from giving every ounce of love and comfort I can when the day comes  . How many parents of human children get sick every year during cold season by sharing germs with their puking, coughing, snot-leaking little angels? |
I was really sick for about two weeks last month. DH kept his distance and fortunately did not catch what I had. If you have a sick child, the risk of your getting sick is certainly increased. You can comfort that child without kissing him on the mouth or sharing food and utensils with him, though.
Quote:
Originally Posted by cat1116
You know what I'd say to that study? 
Really? As if compassion were only limited to those of the human race [and even then that's somewhat lacking].  |
Nowhere does the article say you should not comfort your dying pet.
Quote:
Originally Posted by no kudzu
I've reread the article and I understand more now. The doctor who sent the article to the Journal of Infectious Diseases said this knowledge would not change even how he would interact with a dying pet. he was simply trying to educate doctors as to how to question their patients so that doctors can help their own patients. Doctors need to ask all sorts of questions to make proper diagoses and come up with best course of treatment.
There is absolutely nothing in this article which states lab animals were used for this study. and to blast all scientist as evil is extremely naive. We would not have the meds and treatments for humans or animals without scientists.
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Exactly.
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Originally Posted by cat1116
The mere suggestion stinks to you know where.
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Mere suggestion of what?
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Originally Posted by beatlecrazy
You know, I'd rather cuddle my sick/dying pet than be around sick or screaming children. How many times do parents and/or guardians (uncles, aunts etc) get sick due to their kids? What is so wrong with giving your pet the best last moments? There are worse things out there than caressing your old dog's head for the last time, or burying your face in your dog or cat's fur (and other pets!). This research is so dumb, I hate to even finish reading it.
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It is not "research" and it is not "dumb." The ladies most likely caught what they had due to close contact with their pets. That is all it says.
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Originally Posted by Dashdog
Ditto and yes I cuddled Dash, Jazz and Phoenix during their last days on earth and at the vets before they left me.
I agree the article is not saying don't do this but is telling doctors to consider it when someone comes in with those symptoms so they can treat it correctly. Diagnosing illness is like solving a a mystery and there is a lot of hit and miss invloved so the more facts one has the easier it is and this is probably one illness they do not think about.
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Exactly.
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Originally Posted by Va-Cat
Having just 2 weeks ago cuddled and kissed a very dear dog while she was gently relieved of her suffering, this report...this steaming pile of excrement has me seeing red.  A scientific discover from Arkon Ohio? Really? Nothing against the fine state of Ohio but I wouldn't call it the center for scientific discoveries. All through this trash report it speaks of the rarity of the occurances they are reporting and yet the title screams as if its happening every day. The author of this nonsense should be ashamed. None of my animals will ever be without my comfort if I have any say in the matter. |
I am very sorry for the loss of your pet. I have been there. I know how it hurts. However, I think your grief is making you over react to a report of a simple medical observation.
The title says nothing about the frequency of the problem.
There are at least two medical schools in the Akron area. It is not exactly a scientific dead zone. The report came from a community hospital. That is where the patients were identified. No one is claiming a major medical discovery. It is not a trash report and there is no reason for the author to be ashamed.
Come on, people. For pet owners, the message should be that it is not a good idea to eat after your pets (the woman who licked the dropper was stupid.)
If your pet is sick, do not let it lick you in the mouth and consider that the kisses may be for your comfort rather than the pet's. Snuggle, massage, do what you would normally do, and wash your hands and face more often.
If you get sick after caring for a sick or dying pet, let your doctor know. You might even mention that you read the case report. It might streamline your getting a correct diagnosis and treatment.
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News, Cuddling dying pets gives owners scary infections.
