A Book from the SkeptVet
Please follow & like us :)
0
Set Youtube Channel ID
Author Archives: skeptvet
More Evidence of the Risk of Infectious Diseases Associated with Raw Pet Foods
I try to keep track of new research on the subject of raw food for pets. So far, the research only allows us to conclude: There is no evidence to support claims that raw diets are healthier than cooked commercial … Continue reading
Posted in Nutrition
54 Comments
From the JREF Swift Blog- Alternative Medicine & Placebo Effects: In Pets?
My first contribution to the Swift blog at the James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF) is up today. Alternative Medicine & Placebo Effects: In Pets? Placebo effects, of course, operate for all medical therapies, effective or ineffective, conventional or alternative. But … Continue reading
Posted in General
Leave a comment
Acupuncture Works! (Just as Well as Fake Acupuncture Anyway)
The evidence has been accumulating for some time that acupuncture is an elaborate and very potent placebo that can effectively make subjective symptoms better without actually influencing the underlying disease. I have written about a number of studies illustrating this … Continue reading
Posted in Acupuncture
3 Comments
The University of Florida’s Integrative Medicine Service: Good Science or a CAM Trojan Horse?
The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Foundation (AHVMF) recently announced the winner of their 2014 education grant. The University of Florida will receive the $10,000 award for demonstrating “their intent and ability to become a force in integrative veterinary medicine.” I … Continue reading
Posted in Acupuncture
3 Comments
Anxitane (l-theanine) for Anxiety in Dogs
Introduction I was recently asked to look into the evidence concerning a potential therapy for anxiety in dogs, a supplement called Anxitane. It is always challenging to evaluate the effects of any therapy for anxiety in any species. Anxiety is … Continue reading
Posted in Herbs and Supplements
8 Comments
Evidence Update: Azodyl for Chronic Kidney Disease in Dogs
One of the products I have kept track of over the years is Azodyl, a probiotic reported to be useful in treating kidney disease in dogs and cats. Though the company has reported positive results in laboratory studies involving rats, … Continue reading
Posted in Herbs and Supplements
37 Comments
What is “Integrative Oncology” & is it Good for Patients?
I’ve written about so-called “integrative medicine” in the past, and my conclusion was that it is largely a Trojan horse intended to exempt certain alternative therapies from rigorous scientific scrutiny and gain mainstream acceptance without appropriate evidence of safety and … Continue reading
Posted in General
6 Comments
Latest Review of Evidence for Vitamin D & Calcium Supplements
I have reviewed the complex and inconsistent evidence concerning the potential risks and benefits of vitamin supplements here, and concluded that most of the common claims for health benefits are unjustified. I recently discussed an example of this sort of … Continue reading
Posted in Herbs and Supplements
3 Comments
Choosing Wisely-The Video
Here is some good advice about overdiagnosis and overtreatment–with a beat!! 🙂
Posted in Humor
9 Comments
Is There a Blood Test for Cancer in Dogs & Cats?
I am often asked by clients if there is a blood test that can tell if their apparently healthy pet has cancer. Obviously, “cancer” is a scary word, and many of the various diseases given that label are difficult to … Continue reading
Posted in General
26 Comments