Author Archives: skeptvet

Introduction Yes, I know the title is a misquotation of the original line, but I couldn’t resist. The idea that music might be useful in calming animals or otherwise influencing their mood and behavior is not new, but there seems … Continue reading →

As a proponent of evidence-based medicine (EBM), I often emphasize that in the absence of good-quality controlled research evidence, we cannot reliably assess the safety or efficacy of medical treatments. And as a skeptic, I am often forced to clarify … Continue reading →

The core principle of evidence-based medicine is that not all evidence is created equal. Controlled scientific studies provide more reliable evidence than anecdotes because they contain controls for universal sources of error in human perception and judgment. This is a … Continue reading →

Human beings are diverse. We are diverse, as individuals and as communities, in our physical characteristics and in our experiences. This leads to a diversity of beliefs and opinions. It is inevitable that we will disagree with other people about … Continue reading →

In veterinary medicine, we have greater incentives to make our clients happy than most physicians have to satisfy their patients. Pet owners choose their vets, often on the basis of location or personal recommendation, and they can choose to find … Continue reading →

Why Ask Why? There are many reasons people are interested in the causes of cancer in pets. On a purely emotional level, it is natural to ask “Why?” when something terrible happens, such as the diagnosis of cancer in a … Continue reading →

Most pet owners understand that science-based medicine is the best hope for maintaining and restoring health in their animal companions. The tremendous successes of preventative and therapeutic healthcare in the last couple of centuries is difficult to deny (though proponents … Continue reading →