Author Archives: skeptvet

Low-level Laser Treatment does not Improve Healing after TPLO Surgery in Dogs

Posted on May 6, 2018 by skeptvet

I have been covering the subject of low-level, or “cold” laser treatment for many years. While there is some plausibility to the idea that laser light might have beneficial effects on tissue, very little convincing evidence of actual benefits in … Continue reading →

Posted in Science-Based Veterinary Medicine | 22 Comments

Lysine for Feline Herpesvirus: A Therapeutic Zombie

Posted on May 4, 2018 by skeptvet

Introduction Science is a process for developing and refining our understanding of nature over time. The work of a community of scientists, often with vigorous competition and conflict between individuals, gradually improves the accuracy of our understanding. Perfect comprehension of … Continue reading →

Posted in Herbs and Supplements | 9 Comments

Ethics and Evidence-based Medicine

Posted on April 5, 2018 by skeptvet

The relationship between evidence-based medicine (EBM) and ethics may not be immediately apparent. EBM focuses on facts and data, safety and efficacy, and determining what we know and don’t know. Veterinary ethics is about what is right or wrong to … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 7 Comments

Veterinary Practice News Evidence-based Medicine Column

Posted on April 4, 2018 by skeptvet

Last summer, I was asked to take over the Evidence-based Medicine Column (previous the Alternative Medicine Column) in the trade magazine Veterinary Practice News from Dr. Narda Robinson. This was an excellent opportunity to  illustrate the principles and techniques of … Continue reading →

Posted in Presentations, Lectures, Publications & Interviews | 10 Comments

SkeptVet Gets Hate Mail 2018

Posted on March 19, 2018 by skeptvet

It will come as no surprise to readers that I receive a steady stream of hate mail in the form of email and comments on the blog. Occasionally, someone calls me up at work, sends me a snailmail letter, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor | 20 Comments

Presentation on Placebos in Animals

Posted on March 8, 2018 by skeptvet

Here are the notes and slides for a recent presentation on placebo effects in veterinary medicine. WHAT IS A PLACEBO? Despite the fact that most people have heard of the placebo effect and feel they have some understanding of what … Continue reading →

Posted in Presentations, Lectures, Publications & Interviews | 1 Comment

Presentation on Choosing Diagnostic Tests

Posted on March 8, 2018 by skeptvet

Here are the notes and slides for a recent presentation on strategies for effectively choosing diagnostic tests. GOALS OF DIAGNOSTIC TESTING Ultimately, the goal of any test we run should be obtaining information that allows us to more effectively treat … Continue reading →

Posted in Presentations, Lectures, Publications & Interviews | 8 Comments

Presentation on Surgical Neutering Techniques

Posted on March 8, 2018 by skeptvet

Here are the notes and slides for a presentation I recently gave comparing various surgical sterilization and neutering techniques. INTRODUCTION Among the most common surgical procedures in small animal practice are those for sterilization (preventing reproduction) and neutering (removing the … Continue reading →

Posted in Presentations, Lectures, Publications & Interviews | 5 Comments

Presentation on Cannabis for Pets

Posted on March 8, 2018 by skeptvet

I recently gave a presentation for veterinarians on Cannabis as a potential source of medical therapies for veterinary patients.  There haven’t been many new studies in veterinary species since my last post on the subject in 2016, but that is … Continue reading →

Posted in Herbs and Supplements, Presentations, Lectures, Publications & Interviews | 6 Comments

Actually, Raw Chicken Likely Can Lead to Paralysis in Dogs.

Posted on February 11, 2018 by skeptvet

I recently reported on a study out of Australia that found an association between feeding raw chicken, infection with the bacterium Campylobacter, and a serious neurologic disease call Acute Polyradiculoneuritis (APN). Not surprisingly, advocates of raw diets are desperate to … Continue reading →

Posted in Nutrition | 33 Comments