Monthly Archives: October 2010

HuffPo Offers Vet Woo Too, Courtesy of Dr. Palmquist

Posted on October 27, 2010 by skeptvet

The folks at Science-Based Medicine and Respectful Insolence have been pointing out for a while that the Huffington Post has become a mainstream media champion for unreliable alternative medical information. And fortunately for us, HuffPo isn’t ignoring the veterinary side … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Miscellaneous CAVM | 9 Comments

The AHVMA: Bought and Paid for by Big Supplement?

Posted on October 14, 2010 by skeptvet

A common complaint about conventional, science-based medicine is that it is unduly influenced by commercial interests and agendas, especially the pharmaceutical industry or “Big Pharma.” There is no question that corporations who manufacture medicines, pet foods, and other products used … Continue reading →

Orientalism

Posted on October 12, 2010 by skeptvet

One of the more subtle flaws in thinking that supports unproven alternative medical approaches is the notion best described by Edward Said in his book Orientalism. Though I don’t agree with Said’s post-modernist approach in general, I see great utility … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Humor | 8 Comments

Cognitive Dissonance In Action: Glucosamine No Matter What!

Posted on October 11, 2010 by skeptvet

I’ve discussed cognitive dissonance previously. Briefly, it is the unpleasant feeling that comes from a conflict between beliefs, and its most typical manifestation is a powerful ability to rationalize away evidence that contradicts what we believe. Rather than experience the … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Herbs and Supplements | 9 Comments

Home Remedies: A Cautionary Tale

Posted on October 7, 2010 by skeptvet

Harriett Hall, The SkepDoc from whom I cribbed my moniker, recently wrote on the science-Based Medicine blog about the new Mayo Clinic guide to home remedies, which sounds like a sensible guide to appropriate kinds of self-treatment for minor medical … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Miscellaneous CAVM | 6 Comments