Author Archives: skeptvet

Skeptical Dinosaur Enters the Modern Age

Posted on November 5, 2009 by skeptvet

Ok, after much prodding I have set up Facebook and Twitter accounts, so anyone interested in skepticism and veterinary medicine, or for that matter Celtic Folk music, science fiction, or an eclectic array or other inteelectual and aesthetic pursuits should look … Continue reading →

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123rd Skeptics’ Circle is Live!

Posted on November 5, 2009 by skeptvet

Check out the 123rd Skeptics’ Circle. This is a regular blog carnival with posts from all over the world covering topics of interest to skeptics and critical thinkers. This week, you might even see a couple of posts you recognize! … Continue reading →

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Approaches to Uncertainty in Medical Decision Making

Posted on November 2, 2009 by skeptvet

When I was training to be a veterinarian, an older vet once described the nature of his work this way, “I make decisions for a living.” After more than 8 years in practice, I know exactly what he meant. The … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 2 Comments

The Doctor Is In

Posted on November 1, 2009 by skeptvet

As a beginning blogger, one of the most exciting, and challenging things about running this site is finding new topics of interest to readers. Some of my favorite posts have come from questions or suggestions from readers. So I just … Continue reading →

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Anti-Vaccine Activists and Conservative Christians vs HPV Vaccination

Posted on October 29, 2009 by skeptvet

I’ve written before about the link between religion and CAM, both the philosophical link and the political alliance. However, I could not have imagined a clearer and more fascinating example of this than the article recently sent to me by … Continue reading →

Posted in Vaccines | 8 Comments

Protest Government Protection of Unproven and Ineffective Medicine

Posted on October 29, 2009 by skeptvet

The Center for Inquiry, a pro-science and secularism think tank and lobby,  which previously issued a white paper about the attempts of Tom Harkin and others to insert protection for non evidence-based CAM in healthcare reform legislation, has continued to … Continue reading →

Posted in Law, Regulation, and Politics | Leave a comment

Animal Hospice — We Need It, and We Need to Do It Right

Posted on October 21, 2009 by skeptvet

Over the last several decades, attitudes towards pets and their role in our households have change dramatically, and in my opinion for the better. Many pet owners see their animal companions as family members rather than objects of utility and … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 11 Comments

From SBM — Updated on CAM Protection in Health Care Reform

Posted on October 18, 2009 by skeptvet

Science-Based Medicine has posted a look at some of the language that has survived into current Senate and House versions of health care reform legislation. The woo protection elements are alive and well. Here are some examples:  “insurance coverage shall … Continue reading →

Posted in Law, Regulation, and Politics | 4 Comments

Parvovirus Outbreak in Idaho

Posted on October 14, 2009 by skeptvet

A news report from The Olympian newspaper reports a localized outbreak of parvoviral enteritis, or “Parvo” in Southwest Idaho. According to the article, “Veterinary clinics and hospitals in Boise, Nampa and Caldwell are all reporting a spike in canines with … Continue reading →

Posted in Science-Based Veterinary Medicine, Vaccines | 5 Comments

Board Certified Woo — Or Should I Say Meow?

Posted on October 12, 2009 by skeptvet

CAM proponents generally struggle against government regulation of their industry, though they will also often cite state licensure, when it is required, as evidence that their approaches are legitimate. However, in the absence of such a government imprimatur of legitimacy, … Continue reading →

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