Misinformation blindness
THE problem these days, with social media instantly at our fingertips, is we’re able to immediately voice an opinion without applying any real thought whatsoever to the matter in hand.
I don’t spend all day on Facebook but it seems that whenever I read a thread of comments about any particular subject, some of the most vociferous responses are made by individuals who have not bothered to properly read the original post.
Pretty soon, the whole story morphs into something it never was in the first place. This can have devastating effects on the people involved.
This tendency to comment confidently on topics that are way out of our experience and in which we have no expertise has spilled over into normal life.
Take blind dogs, for example. We have a number of patients who have a very October 14 ■ Clydebank & District Canine Club’s open show in Lanark Agricultural Centre at 9.30am. ■ Ayrshire Collie Club’s championship show in the happy existence but who are devoid of sight.
In one or two, so as to spare them from extreme pain, both eyes have been surgically removed.
As you might expect, since we are veterinary surgeons and always have our patient’s best interests at heart, these procedures were not carried out without first applying considerable thought.
The patient’s demeanour, character and physical abilities were taken into account. Their environment and whether it could be made safe for them was carefully considered. The area in which they were to be exercised was assessed for danger and the presence of other dogs who might be a help or a hindrance.
And, of course, heartfelt discussions with the owner Hallmark Hotel, Annick Road, Irvine, at 9.30am. ■ Hunt, Point, Retrieve Club of Scotland’s open show in Aytoun Hall, Auchterarder, at 10.30am. October 15 ■ St Bernard Club of Scotland’s championship show in Lanark took place, so they understood the commitment they were about to make.
The choice at the time was always the same – and stark: Euthanasia or enucleation.
Removing both eyes is not for everyone or every patient but I have seen a blind Jack Russell who can tear round his garden at top speed, avoiding fences and other items of garden furniture.
Watching him run is, at first, heart-stopping but pretty soon thoroughly heart-warming.
His quality of love is great and he is happy as Larry.
When plonked on the consulting room, his tail goes like the clappers. His owners live with his disability extremely well.
What is hard for them, however, is the incessant trail of negative comments about their circumstance from “dog lovers” who may mean well but who have not earned the right to voice an opinion.
Sensible people need to rebel against this.
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Agricultural Centre at 9.30am. ■ Hound Association of Scotland’s open show in Lanark Agricultural Centre at 10am. ■ English Springer Spaniel Club of Scotland’s open show in Crawfordjohn Public Hall at 11am.