Search Results for: probiotic

Veterinary Probiotics

What is it?   A widely used definition of probiotics is “Live microbes that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” The basic idea is that all animals have a great number and variety of … Continue reading

Posted in Herbs and Supplements | 9 Comments

Acute Diarrhea in Dogs- Resources

SkeptVet PostsMetronidazole for Acute Diarrhea in Dogs: An Evidence-based Treatment? Chinese Herb vs Metronidazole for Diarrhea in Dogs: An Example of the Problems with Alternative Medicine Research Probiotic Fortiflora: Not apparently very helpful in preventing diarrhea in shelter animals Encouraging … Continue reading

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Metronidazole for Acute Diarrhea in Dogs: An Evidence-based Treatment?

One of the most common medicines used by veterinarians is metronidazole. Though labeled as an antibiotic, like most drugs metronidazole has multiple effects. In addition to killing some bacteria, it can be used to treat the protozoal parasite Giardia, and … Continue reading

Posted in Science-Based Veterinary Medicine | 8 Comments

Fecal Microbiome Testing- Anything to It?

New Ideas in ScienceOne of the most exciting aspects of science is the discovery and development of new ideas and insights that lead to new ways of understanding and manipulating the natural world. Theories that seem preposterous at first can … Continue reading

Posted in Science-Based Veterinary Medicine | 8 Comments

Crowdfunding Quackery

One of the most heartbreaking things we all see on social media are appeals for financial help to fund medical treatment. Especially here in the U.S., where healthcare is less readily available to low-income people than in most developed countries, … Continue reading

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Evidence Update: Promising Clinical Trial of CBD for Arthritis Treatment in Dogs

Introduction At long last, there is a published veterinary clinical trial of a cannabis-based treatment! As I say in nearly every article I write, a single study neither definitively proves nor disproves even the specific hypothesis being studied, much less … Continue reading

Posted in Herbs and Supplements | 44 Comments

Veterinary Practice News Evidence-based Medicine Column

Last summer, I was asked to take over the Evidence-based Medicine Column (previous the Alternative Medicine Column) in the trade magazine Veterinary Practice News from Dr. Narda Robinson. This was an excellent opportunity to  illustrate the principles and techniques of … Continue reading

Posted in Presentations, Lectures, Publications & Interviews | 10 Comments

Canine Nutrigenomics by Dr. Jean Dodds: Science as Windowdressing

Introduction A number of readers have asked me to review a recent book on canine nutrition: Canine Nutrigenomics: The New Science of Feeding Your Dog for Optimum Health The book has two authors. One is Diana Laverdure, a self-described “canine … Continue reading

Posted in Book Reviews | 60 Comments

Science Through the Looking Glass- The Integrative Veterinary Care Journal

While much of so-called complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), also referred to by the latest marketing buzzword “integrative medicine,” is clearly inconsistent in theory and practice with science and science-based medicine, nevertheless practitioners of CAM like to assume the trappings … Continue reading

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The SkeptVet & the Media

As I’ve often pointed out, the majority of the information on complementary and alternative therapies for pets available on the internet comes from companies or advocates selling these products and services. One of the reasons I write this blog is … Continue reading

Posted in Presentations, Lectures, Publications & Interviews | 1 Comment