Author Archives: skeptvet

Je Suis Charlie

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

Posted in General | 2 Comments

How to Pick a Vet (or How Not To)

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

Posted in General | 13 Comments

Is Cancer Caused by Bad Luck?

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

Posted in General | 5 Comments

The Dangerous Allure of Alternative Therapies for Pets with Cancer

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

Posted in General | 5 Comments

Science or Magic? A Illustration of Homeopathic Provings

Introduction One of the ways that homeopathy manages to look like a science, rather than essentially the practice of magic, is through the use of detailed and systematic methods that resembles those of real science. One example of this is … Continue reading

Posted in Homeopathy | 5 Comments

A Visit to Hogwarts: The BAVH Introductory Course in Homeopathy

One of the things I like best about homeopathy is that when I want to illustrate how fanciful and ridiculous the theories and beliefs of homeopaths are, there is no need to exaggerate or embellish their claims in any way. … Continue reading

Posted in Homeopathy | 8 Comments

Vaccination Protects Children from Allergies Later in Life

One of the innumerable complaints made about vaccination is that it “stresses the immune system,” and that this can lead to immune-system diseases, including allergies. Dr. Crislip at Science-based Medicine has already dealt with the notion of immune system overload, … Continue reading

Posted in Vaccines | 8 Comments

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