Author Archives: skeptvet

The Fence-Learn to Love Nuance, Complexity, and Ambivalence

From the only humanist, atheist, skeptic rock star out there, Tim Minchin!  

Posted in Humor | 2 Comments

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

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 | 46 Comments

Probiotics in Horses

I’ve written frequently about probiotics, microorganisms given as supplements to hopefully benefit health.  Often claimed as an “alternative” therapy, probiotics are really no different from any therapy in science-based medicine. The theory behind their use is certainly consistent with established … Continue reading

Posted in Herbs and Supplements | 5 Comments

The SkeptVet & the Media

As I’ve often pointed out, the majority of the information on complementary and alternative therapies for pets available on the internet comes from companies or advocates selling these products and services. One of the reasons I write this blog is … Continue reading

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

Evidence Update: Evaluating the Benefits & Risks of Neutering in Dogs and Cats

In 2010, I published a narrative review of the literature evaluating the risks and benefits of neutering in dogs and cats. Much additional research has been completed and published since then, and I have just complete an update of my … Continue reading

Posted in Science-Based Veterinary Medicine | 8 Comments

Dr. Andrew Jones, the Angry Saint of Alternative Veterinary Medicine

I’ve written a couple of times about Dr. Andrew Jones, a vet from Canada who makes his living selling alternative therapies and “veterinary secrets” online. Dr. Jones was once a practicing veterinarian, not just an online huckster and snake oil … Continue reading

Posted in General | 26 Comments

Rabies Vaccines & Aggression in Dogs-Pure Pseudoscientific Fear Mongering

One of the most bizarre manifestations of pseudoscientific and anti-scientific thinking, particularly popular among homeopaths, is the insistence that the most effective preventative healthcare intervention in history, vaccination, is actually a dangerous and destructive poison foisted on the unsuspecting public … Continue reading

Posted in Vaccines | 33 Comments

New Studies Show Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Helps Treat Concussion, but no more than Placebo Treatment

I’ve written previously about the evidence concerning hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). There are a few specific conditions for which there is reasonable evidence HBOT is a useful therapy. Unfortunately, it is becoming something of a fad treatment in veterinary medicine, … Continue reading

Posted in Miscellaneous CAVM | Leave a comment

More Delusional Homeopaths-Homeopathy for Trauma and Shock in Dogs

Homeopaths, naturally, refuse to recognize that their entire profession is nothing more than the selling of placebos. The evidence against any true benefit for homeopathic therapy, beyond the psychological benefits of the therapeutic interaction, is overwhelming. Reviews by scientists and … Continue reading

Posted in Homeopathy | 8 Comments

The State of Science-Based and Alternative Veterinary Medicine Today

Prompted by Dr. Hall’s recent assessment of the state of science-based medicine in Australia, I thought it was time to offer a “state of the profession” update on how science-based and evidence-based medicine in the veterinary field are doing in … Continue reading

Posted in General, Science-Based Veterinary Medicine | Leave a comment