As many of you are aware there are a number of wonderful vet specialists who have helped in some unusual cases through a small on-and-off "Unusual Cases Vets' List" I have distributed. Till now things have been somewhat informal but some basics have been asked. Unfortunately, those who have used the list have often not followed-up well, and there has been a recent, blatent misuse of the list. Now it is no longer possible for things to progress in such an informal fashion. These are very busy professionals and the gift of their time needs to be repaid by them having a learning opportunity. There has not been any request for more than that in reimbursement at this point. I have heard that accurate follow-ups, information who is treating the animal and that vet's willingness to have aid, post mortems, and some other things are desired, in fact these three specifically named will probably have to be REQUIRED. At this point I have asked the participating vets to let me know their suggestions for what should be required and what agreed to BEFORE a case can go out for advice. When that is decided those rules will be posted and MUST be followed for others to have this opportunity when times are hard. I am sorry if someone here has a situation right now, but this has to be settled before the list is definitely lost. The list is an important resource for anyone who runs into an unusual medical problem, but I am not sure it will continue unless people accord the participants the respect they deserve. Sukie [Posted in FML issue 2560]