Where to learn about vet medicine?

Hello,
I had a major emergency with my dog Sat. evening. He was bitten by a rattlesnake. And ofcourse, with my luck, the only vet office open was for emergency services. I was hit with a $1600 estimate!!!! Being a family of 5, I could not afford that. So in desperation, I turned to our local feed store. Fortunately, He knew what to do. I started penicillin, pain meds & anithisamines. It saved my dogs life!!! I took him to the family vet first thing Mon. and he was doing better than expected. We are follwing up with steriods and cont. the pen. My question is: Where can I learn more about vet medicine with out having to apply to a vet school. I only want to be informed on what to do in an emergency. I realize that I can not completly treat my pets but I want to know more anyways. I didn't like the helpless feeling I had that Sat. I wouldn't even know what to do if my dog were choking!!! But I don't even know where to begin.
Thank you,
Tracy

To Tony:
We were very lucky! But I did what I could! I do not intend to treat my pets at home. I had no choice. There is no way I could of paid that amount. Even at his appt. the vet stated that was high. I felt that the emergency vet was trying to take advantage of me. They made me feel like crap!!!! I would have paid what I had to help him. But I didn't have $1600.

Glad your dog made it and congrats to that!
I hope though, that local cheapo dog experts won't think they can provide emergency surgery to their dogs at home.
You and your dog got lucky.
Ask how would you feel if your dog didn't make it.
Late Entry : any decent book store will carry several good books on veterinary medicine.
Perhaps 50 bucks? It's worth it.

First of all you, your dog, and your feedstore freelance vet were very lucky. The man at the feedstore is practicing veterinary medicine without a license which is illegal and unsafe for your pet. I realize that veterinary care is expensive. Perhaps you should consider pet insurance. A good place you can go to learn about emergency care is here http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content...

Also ask your vet about getting a rattlesnake vaccine for your dog when he is feeling better. It is not available in all states, I give it to alot of dogs in my area (Cental California)