Monthly Archives: April 2011

Evidence-Based Medicine Works Better

Posted on April 27, 2011 by skeptvet

There are a lot of theoretical arguments in favor of science-based and evidence-based medicine and against the alternatives of opinion-based, tradition-based, or faith-based medicine, and I have discussed many of these (for example, Medical Cognition, Spiraling Empiricism, the Dunning-Kruger Effect, … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 1 Comment

Is Surgery Really Necessary for Dogs with Ruptured Cruciate Ligaments

Posted on April 25, 2011 by skeptvet

In a recent article concerning an herbal product used for treatment of a dog with a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament (the equivalent of the “ACL” in humans), I stated, “Surgery is the treatment of choice for a ruptured cruciate ligament. … Continue reading →

Posted in Science-Based Veterinary Medicine | 226 Comments

Milk Thistle in Dogs and Cats

Posted on April 20, 2011 by skeptvet

Milk thistle is an herbal product that is widely recommended and used by veterinarians. Like glucosamine, it is a supplement which has leapt over the gap between alternative and conventional medicine. Unfortunately, like glucosamine, this acceptance has come about on … Continue reading →

Posted in Herbs and Supplements | 29 Comments

Chamomile Tea for Arthritis in Dogs

Posted on April 19, 2011 by skeptvet

I recently had a case which illustrates alternative therapies commonly present themselves in my daily practice. A patient, an older large breed dog, came in for an annual exam. He was in good general health but moderately overweight, and the … Continue reading →

Posted in Herbs and Supplements | 10 Comments

Veterinary Homeopathic Standards of Practice

Posted on April 19, 2011 by skeptvet

I have been writing a bit about homeopathy lately, which may not seem like the most important CAM method to focus on since it is not widely practice and since the remedies, being only water after all, are themselves usually … Continue reading →

Posted in Homeopathy | 1 Comment

Holistic Dog Breeding

Posted on April 18, 2011 by skeptvet

The vast majority of our companion dogs and cats are neutered, for a variety of good reasons. As a consequence, the healthcare of breeding animals is not a major part of most small animal practices, and it hasn’t been a … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Herbs and Supplements, Homeopathy | 12 Comments

SkeptVet Survey Results

Posted on April 17, 2011 by skeptvet

The results of the SkeptVet Survey are in! In the week the survey has been available, I have collected 28 responses. While this is by no means a scientific poll, I appreciate everyone who took the time to contribute, and … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 1 Comment

The Science of Homeopathy?

Posted on April 13, 2011 by skeptvet

Promoters of alternative medicine, especially the more wacky fringe varieties, have a love/hate relationship with science. On the one hand, science often fails to support their theories or claims of clinical effect, so they are inclined to dismiss it. “Allopathic” … Continue reading →

Posted in Homeopathy | 16 Comments

SkeptVet Survey

Posted on April 11, 2011 by skeptvet

In the nearly two years I have been producing this blog, there have been a lto of changes. The visual format, links, and organization structure has changed. I have changed, and hopefully improved, my writing style and content. And the … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 3 Comments

Veterinary Probiotics: Sloppy Labeling and Poor Quality Control

Posted on April 4, 2011 by skeptvet

Probiotics are one of the therapies I frequently discuss here that I suspect may actually have some benefit(1, 2), though the evidence does not currently support routine clinical use. However, as with most herbal remedies, supplements, and nutraceuticals, a lack … Continue reading →

Posted in Herbs and Supplements | 4 Comments