Search Results for: karen becker

The “Natural” Nonsense that is Applied Zoopharmacognosy

Posted on October 24, 2016 by skeptvet

Introduction A few years ago, I wrote about an interesting phenomenon called zoopharmacognosy. The idea is that animals might select specific plants or other substances to eat that would have therapeutic effects. An example might be an herbivore with a … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 28 Comments

More Misuse of Science as Propaganda Tool by Mercola and the AHVMF

Posted on December 13, 2015 by skeptvet

I’ve written quite a bit about the problematic relationship between advocates of alternative medicine and scientific research. While I’m all for appropriate, high-quality research into any therapy with reasonable plausibility, which would include many alternative treatments, I object to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Nutrition | 9 Comments

Antibody Titer Testing as a Guide for Vaccination in Dogs and Cats

Posted on December 11, 2014 by skeptvet

I have been involved in a number of discussions lately regarding the concept of testing antibody titers in lieu of vaccinating, and I thought it might be useful to summarize some of the issues involved in this complex topic. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Vaccines | 44 Comments

CAM Vets Attacking Conventional Veterinary Medicine

Posted on December 15, 2013 by skeptvet

The nature of science is fundamentally critical. Science works best when it shows us what is not true. This is largely a function of the fact that most of the biases and cognitive quirks that lead us astray when trying … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 8 Comments

There is no “Natural” or “Holistic” Heartworm Prevention or Treatment Proven to be Safe and Effective

Posted on June 30, 2013 by skeptvet

Much of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is offered either as an addition to conventional, science-based treatment or in situations in which conventional therapies are unavailable or ineffective. This doesn’t excuse offering treatments that haven’t been properly tested, and it … Continue reading →

Posted in Herbs and Supplements | 86 Comments

More Misleading and Unethical Advertising for Alternative Veterinary Medicine

Posted on April 27, 2012 by skeptvet

I’ve written before about the unethical and misleading negative advertising that so often characterizes the promotion of alternative veterinary medicine. But I ran across another example that set my teeth on edge and illustrated a particular problem I have with … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 46 Comments