Search Results for: caregiver placebo

More Vets Passionately Promoting the Delusion of Homeopathy

Posted on August 31, 2016 by skeptvet

I’ve written at length about homeopathy: the evidence that it is has no real effects; the reasons why the evidence homeopaths cite to support it isn’t convincing; and the dangerous and irresponsible things homeopaths often claim about their magic water … Continue reading →

Posted in Homeopathy | 5 Comments

SkeptVet’s Acupuncture Adventure- Part 3: Acupuncture and the Evidence

Posted on September 22, 2015 by skeptvet

Acupuncture and the Evidence I have spent several hours, now, listening to lectures discussing scientific evidence and acupuncture. I have also made an effort to find and read many of the specific papers discussed so that I can evaluate their … Continue reading →

Posted in Acupuncture | 3 Comments

What Do Holistic Vets Say About Science and Evidence-based Medicine?

Posted on March 23, 2015 by skeptvet

I’ve written several times about how proponents of alternative therapies appear to view science and evidence-based medicine. (1, 2, 3)  I think it is critical in evaluating these practices, as pet owners or  veterinarians, to understand the philosophy and approach … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 10 Comments

What’s Wrong with Integrative Veterinary Medicine?

Posted on April 3, 2013 by skeptvet

The terminology associated with unconventional therapies has shifted a bit over the last 40 or so years. Initially, such therapies were often described as “alternative.” This fit well with the still widespread philosophical position that new or different ways of … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 32 Comments

Measuring Arthritis Pain in Dogs: Are Owner Surveys as Good as Force Plate Analysis?

Posted on February 4, 2013 by skeptvet

I have written about a wide variety of conventional and alternative therapies for arthritis pain in dogs. A recurring issue in evaluating these therapies is how we know whether or not interventions designed to reduce pain in animals are effective. … Continue reading →

Posted in Science-Based Veterinary Medicine | 4 Comments

Does the Truth Matter?

Posted on March 7, 2010 by skeptvet

One of the most common responses I get when I point out the lack of evidence for particular CAM therapies is, “So what? If it doesn’t do any harm and if people feel better, even just because of a placebo … Continue reading →

Posted in General | Leave a comment

Animal Hospice — We Need It, and We Need to Do It Right

Posted on October 21, 2009 by skeptvet

Over the last several decades, attitudes towards pets and their role in our households have change dramatically, and in my opinion for the better. Many pet owners see their animal companions as family members rather than objects of utility and … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 11 Comments