Search Results for: early neuter

Longevity & Causes of Death in Pet Cats

Posted on March 9, 2015 by skeptvet

Basic epidemiological research, identifying the most common diseases and causes of death and risk factors for these, is the foundation of preventative medicine. Unfortunately, such research is often scarce in veterinary medicine. Collecting data on a large population of animals … Continue reading →

Posted in Science-Based Veterinary Medicine | 40 Comments

Routine Vaccinations for Dogs & Cats: Trying to Make Evidence-based Decisions

Posted on August 5, 2014 by skeptvet

Introduction As part of my effort to practice medicine based solidly in scientific evidence, I regularly review my own practices and recommendations and make adjustments as seems indicated by new evidence. The quantity and quality of scientific research in veterinary … Continue reading →

Posted in Vaccines | 69 Comments

“Electroacupuncture” as a Treatment for Nausea & Vomiting Caused by Morphine in Dogs

Posted on April 9, 2014 by skeptvet

A study was recently published investigating the possible effects of “electroacupuncture” on nausea and vomiting induced by morphine in dogs. This study illustrates some of the challenges of evaluating acupuncture in general, and it shows how the ambiguity in study … Continue reading →

Posted in Acupuncture | 1 Comment

Acupuncture vs Opioids for Surgical Pain in Dogs: Which is Better?

Posted on January 12, 2012 by skeptvet

My attention was recently drawn to a veterinary acupuncture study which appears, superficially, to show acupuncture to be equivalent to opioid analgesia for post-operative pain in dogs. Unfortunately, especially for the research subjects, the design of the study was deeply … Continue reading →

Posted in Acupuncture | 7 Comments

Causes of Death for Dogs by Breed and Age: An Important New Study

Posted on March 28, 2011 by skeptvet

It has long been recognized that there are patterns in the causes of death for our dogs. Younger dogs die from different things than older dogs, and different breeds have greater or lesser risk of dying from different causes. Understanding … Continue reading →

Posted in Science-Based Veterinary Medicine | 30 Comments

SkeptVet Gets Hate Mail

Posted on March 14, 2011 by skeptvet

This blog grew out of my own efforts to educate myself and my clients. I began looking into alternative medicine in veterinary school (about 14 years ago now, gasp!). Having heard about James Reston’s supposed acupuncture anesthesia in the 1970s, … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 21 Comments

Probiotics for Herpesvirus Rhinitis

Posted on February 21, 2010 by skeptvet

I’ve written before on the subject of probiotics, bacteria or yeast fed to people or animals with the intent of affecting health in some way. I consider them to be in a bit of a gray zone between mainstream medicine … Continue reading →

Posted in Herbs and Supplements | 9 Comments