Category Archives: General

Science, Science Denial, & Drug Development- A response to Dr. Judy Morgan

As I’ve mentioned previously, in the last four years I have continued my clinical practice while also working for Loyal, a biotechnology company pursuing FDA approval of drugs to extend health lifespan in dogs. There is little overlap between my SkeptVet … Continue reading

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AVMA Asks for Comments on Draft Code of Conduct

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) functions mostly as a lobby and PR organization for veterinarians. It is a membership organization and, as such, is beholden to whoever its members are, and the organization is very keen to avoid conflict … Continue reading

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When Should a General Practice Vet Refer Patients to a Specialist?

General practice veterinarians (GPs) are often faced with the question of which services they should provide themselves and which should be left to board-certified specialists. The growing availability of specialty care, the expectations of many pet owners for advanced care … Continue reading

Posted in General, Presentations, Lectures, Publications & Interviews | 3 Comments

Are Dogs & Cats Living Longer?

The general trend for life expectancy in humans has been upward for a long time. Improvements in nutrition, sanitation, and both therapeutic and preventative medical care have led to humans today living longer and healthier lives than at any time … Continue reading

Posted in Aging Science, General | 12 Comments

VIN CE Course: Assessment & Management of the Geriatric Patient

If you are interested in canine and feline aging, I have a new continuing education course available on the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). Two hours of a pre-recorded self-study course and two hours of live, interactive sessions focusing on: Session … Continue reading

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Hate Mail- 2023 Edition

Back in February, I announced that I had received the VIN Veritas Award in recognition of my efforts to promote science-based pet health and combat misinformation about veterinary medicine. Subsequent to that announcement, I have also received a lot of kind and … Continue reading

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Cancer in Humans and Dogs-Are We Victims of Our Success?

Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases pet owners and veterinarians must contend with. While data are frustratingly sparse, there is no doubt that cancer is common in dogs, with estimates ranging from 25% to 40% of dogs likely … Continue reading

Posted in Aging Science, General | 1 Comment

VIN Veritas Award

I received some exciting news today. As always, I am very grateful to everyone who has been supportive of my advocacy and science communication work over the years and who has found it useful (that means all of you!!). The … Continue reading

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The Open Veterinary Hospital- And a Farewell to VPN

This is my last piece for Veterinary Practice News as the EBVM columnist. I chose to focus on the open veterinary hospital model, which I have been a proponent of for many years. There is widespread recognition in veterinary medicine … Continue reading

Posted in General, Presentations, Lectures, Publications & Interviews | 11 Comments

Do Dogs Like Music? (Evidence Update)

Over the roughly 13 years I have been writing this blog, I have covered quite a few different topics, though with all I have maintained the central theme of evaluating claims about pet health from a science-based perspective. Part of … Continue reading

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