Monthly Archives: October 2014

Even Mandatory FDA Recalls Can’t Make Supplement Manufacturers Stop Lying About What’s in their Products

Posted on October 27, 2014 by skeptvet

There is ample evidence that under the current lax regulatory system in the U.S., dietary supplements are frequently mislabeled and adulterated with pharmaceuticals, toxins, and other undesirable substances. Apart from the lack of evidence to support the claims of benefits … Continue reading →

Posted in Herbs and Supplements | Leave a comment

EBVM 2014: Building a Community to Advance Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine

Posted on October 26, 2014 by skeptvet

I have just returned from one of the most exciting scientific meetings I have ever attended, the EBVM 2014 conference organized by the RCVS Knowledge, the charity arm of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Over 250 people from around … Continue reading →

Posted in Science-Based Veterinary Medicine | 3 Comments

New Systematic Review of Veterinary Homeopathy: Still no Reason to Believe It Works

Posted on October 21, 2014 by skeptvet

I have reviewed the overall evidence concerning homeopathy, from basic science through clinical trial research in great detail previously. Despite more than 150 years of effort by advocates for this practice, virtually no reliable evidence has been developed to show … Continue reading →

Posted in Homeopathy | 9 Comments

More Evidence of the Risk of Infectious Diseases Associated with Raw Pet Foods

Posted on October 9, 2014 by skeptvet

I try to keep track of new research on the subject of raw food for pets. So far, the research only allows us to conclude: There is no evidence to support claims that raw diets are healthier than cooked commercial … Continue reading →

Posted in Nutrition | 54 Comments

From the JREF Swift Blog- Alternative Medicine & Placebo Effects: In Pets?

Posted on October 9, 2014 by skeptvet

My first contribution to the Swift blog at the James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF) is up today. Alternative Medicine & Placebo Effects: In Pets? Placebo effects, of course, operate for all medical therapies, effective or ineffective, conventional or alternative. But … Continue reading →

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Acupuncture Works! (Just as Well as Fake Acupuncture Anyway)

Posted on October 6, 2014 by skeptvet

The evidence has been accumulating for some time that acupuncture is an elaborate and very potent placebo that can effectively make subjective symptoms better without actually influencing the underlying disease. I have written about a number of studies illustrating this … Continue reading →

Posted in Acupuncture | 3 Comments

The University of Florida’s Integrative Medicine Service: Good Science or a CAM Trojan Horse?

Posted on October 5, 2014 by skeptvet

The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Foundation (AHVMF) recently announced the winner of their 2014 education grant. The University of Florida will receive the $10,000 award for demonstrating “their intent and ability to become a force in integrative veterinary medicine.” I … Continue reading →

Posted in Acupuncture | 3 Comments

Anxitane (l-theanine) for Anxiety in Dogs

Posted on October 1, 2014 by skeptvet

Introduction I was recently asked to look into the evidence concerning a potential therapy for anxiety in dogs, a supplement called Anxitane. It is always challenging to evaluate the effects of any therapy for anxiety in any species. Anxiety is … Continue reading →

Posted in Herbs and Supplements | 9 Comments