Why can't the veterinarian advise, diagnose, and prescribe over the phone and save me a lot of time and money?

Not only is it unethical and illegal to prescribe for an animal that hasn't been physically examined by a veterinarian, it is also impossible to come up with an accurate diagnosis and rational plan of treatment. A veterinarian can't make a diagnosis based on signs only as observed by an owner. The outward signs may be an indication of any number of internal causes with a variety of clinical treatments. A complete physical examination is required to determine the cause of signs and best course of treatment. Asking your veterinarian to advise, diagnose, and/or prescribe over the phone is the same as having your physician prescribe over the phone. If you were told to take an antacid for what was, in actuality, a heart attack, the results could be disastrous!