The Doctors 1/29/09

[clutterbug]

Anyone else see this today? I don't understand why I don't turn the tv off when it comes on...the Ob/Gyn did a preconception counselling thing with someone today. She told the mother to get rid of her cats because of risk of toxoplasmosis...or else she risks baby dying etc etc. She did mention that you can be tested for immunity, but then said really the best thing to do is not have the cats around. What the...??? Sure, take precautions, but get rid of your cats? How many people watched that today and took it to heart??

[dogmom327]

Didn't watch it but totally doesn't surprise me. I spent several years working in an animal shelter and you wouldn't believe the number of women who brought their cats in because their doctor told them they shouldn't have cats when they are pregnant. Good grief. First, the odds of catching it from your own cat are really really small (for indoors cats it would be almost impossible). Second, if you've been around cats your whole life, odds are good you were exposed at some point and are immune (and hence the test).

Just another example of how logic, reason and science have almost nothing to do with modern obstetrics (sorry, that's harsh but the more I learn, the more scared I am).

[clutterbug]

Wow, I had no idea...when did this become the standard advice? Anyone I know with cats has always been told to have someone else change the kitty litter, which I think is a reasonable piece of advice. It is scary how irrationally risk-adverse we as a society are becoming!

[Debstmomy]

I think that the Dr. just doesn't like cats! That is crazy!!!