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Author Archives: skeptvet
Home Remedies: A Cautionary Tale
Harriett Hall, The SkepDoc from whom I cribbed my moniker, recently wrote on the science-Based Medicine blog about the new Mayo Clinic guide to home remedies, which sounds like a sensible guide to appropriate kinds of self-treatment for minor medical … Continue reading
Posted in General, Miscellaneous CAVM
6 Comments
Does the Pheromone DAP Reduce Stress in Dogs Having Surgery?
In June I reported on a systematic review of the behavioral effects of pheromones on dogs and cats. That review examined all the studies to date on pheromone products such as Feliway and DAP (dog appeasing pheromone) and concluded that … Continue reading
Posted in Science-Based Veterinary Medicine
6 Comments
Theory of Superstitious and Magical Beliefs
Lindeman M, Aarnio K. Superstitious, magical, and paranormal beliefs: An integrative model. Journal of Research in Personality 2007;41:731-44. I recently ran across this paper in the Journal of Research In Personality which had some interesting things to say about how … Continue reading
Posted in General
4 Comments
Nope, Glucosamine and Chondroitin Still Don’t Work in Humans
Just one more nail in the lid that’s never coming off the coffin of glucosamine and chondroitin. Despite the ubiquity of these supplements and the innumerable testimonials for their benefits in people and in pets, the research continues to accumulate … Continue reading
Posted in Herbs and Supplements
3 Comments
Another Study of Fish Oil for Canine Arthritis
In January, a couple of research studies were published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) investigating the possible usefulness of dietary fish oil supplementation for treating the symptoms of arthritis in dogs.[1-2] I have previously discussed … Continue reading
Posted in Herbs and Supplements
5 Comments
Evaluating Risks and Benefits of Neutering Dogs and Cats
In response to questions from clients, and a lot of myths embedded in them, I set about last year reviewing the literature concerning the risks and benefits of neutering dogs and cats. This led to a handout for owners, which … Continue reading
Posted in Science-Based Veterinary Medicine
21 Comments
Eureka! Latest Breakthrough in Homeopathy!
At last, I’ve figured out how to get rich and cure every disease. Writing about homeopathy yesterday got me to thinking. There is a plethora of potential homeopathic remedies not available or used by either conventional medicine or advocates of … Continue reading
Posted in Homeopathy, Humor
2 Comments
Care and Use of Homeopathic Remedies
It always feels a little cruel to poke fun at homeopathy since it is perilously close to self-parody already, particularly the serious and earnest way in which proponents say absurd things. As a refresher, the idea is based on a … Continue reading
Posted in Homeopathy, Humor
8 Comments
Vitamin Supplements- Do they prevent cancer?
Few purported medical interventions have such wide appeal or such an entrenched reputation for being benign and beneficial as vitamin supplements. Vitamins are chemicals (yes, they are, though you can call them “compounds” or even “essential nutrients” if it sounds … Continue reading
Posted in Herbs and Supplements
9 Comments
Another Acupuncture Study Shows It’s a Placebo
Acupuncture is one of the CAM modalities most widely accepted as scientifically proven to be effective, at least for pain and maybe nausea. Even providers skeptical of the mystical roots and language of the practice will often suggest that it … Continue reading
Posted in Acupuncture
13 Comments