Author Archives: skeptvet

John Oliver Nails It! How the Media Misreports Science.

Posted on May 9, 2016 by skeptvet

With his usual humor and also very clear, accurate explanations, John Oliver talks about how scientific research is misrepresented in the media, and how this not only misleads the public about important health issues but undermines confidence in science. … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor | 4 Comments

Dogs are Still not Wolves: Human Feeding Practices Have Shaped the Dog Genome

Posted on May 8, 2016 by skeptvet

I have written many times about the argument, often made to support raw meat feeding or other alternative dietary practices, that dogs are basically carnivores and that because they were derived from wolf ancestors their optimal diet should be as … Continue reading →

Posted in Nutrition | 9 Comments

Teaching Integrative Medicine in Veterinary Schools: Part of an Evidence-Based Curriculum or Trojan Horse for Alternative Medicine?

Posted on May 1, 2016 by skeptvet

I recently came across an interesting paper that cited some of my previous writing about the relationship between evidence-based medicine and alternative medicine. M.A. Memon, J. Shmalberg, H.S. Adair III, S. Allweiler, J.N. et al. Integrative veterinary medical education and … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 4 Comments

Clinical Reasoning

Posted on April 26, 2016 by skeptvet

One subject I am especially interested in is the ways our inherent reasoning processes can lead us to develop and defend mistaken beliefs. Many features of human observation and thought have evolved for quick judgments and efficient approximations under conditions … Continue reading →

Posted in Science-Based Veterinary Medicine | 1 Comment

SkeptVet Talking about Alternative Medicine for Pets on the Prism Podcast

Posted on April 23, 2016 by skeptvet

Had a great time chatting about alternative veterinary medicine on the Prism Podcast. You can download the mp3 below if you like or listen on the web or on iTunes.

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

SkeptVet’s Acupuncture Adventure- The Hand’s On Training and Wrap-Up

Posted on April 22, 2016 by skeptvet

After nearly 100 hours on online instruction and independent study, my acupuncture training has concluded with a 5-day hands-on practicum and both a written and practical exam. All that remains to do to finish my certification in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture … Continue reading →

Posted in Acupuncture | 12 Comments

Evidence Update- Cranberry Extracts and Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs

Posted on April 12, 2016 by skeptvet

I’ve written in the past about the subject of cranberry extracts used to prevent or treat urinary tract infections. (1, 2) There is some in vitro and lab animal research that suggests these products might reduce the ability of a … Continue reading →

Posted in Science-Based Veterinary Medicine | 11 Comments

Possible Risk Factors for Kidney Disease in Cats

Posted on March 27, 2016 by skeptvet

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common and important cause of illness in older cats. It is a frustrating disease for many reasons, especially the lack of a clear understanding of what causes CKD and the absence of a proven … Continue reading →

Posted in Science-Based Veterinary Medicine | 16 Comments

WVC 2015: Can We Trust the Scientific Literature?

Posted on March 10, 2016 by skeptvet

INTRODUCTION Evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM) is the explicit and deliberate integration of scientific research evidence with the circumstances and needs of individual patients to support clinical decision making. It requires that the practitioner be able to find and critically evaluate … Continue reading →

Posted in Presentations, Lectures, Publications & Interviews | Leave a comment

WVC 2015: EBVM in the Trenches