Category Archives: General

Dr. Plechner Rallies Supporters to Correct the SkeptVet & Other “Disease Care Providers”

Last spring I wrote an article about a Dr. Al Plechner, who claims to have discovered a glandular imbalance, which he has named Plechner Syndrome and which he claims is responsible for a wide range of health problems. Dr. Plechner’s … Continue reading

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Animal Naturopathy

Naturopathy is a pleasant-sounding term for an approach to health and disease that is quite different from that of science-based medicine. It is an example of an alternative philosophy that has great appeal for from a certain perspective but which, … Continue reading

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FDA Warns Consumers About Unsupported Claims for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

I reviewed the evidence for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) recently after a series of conversations on a popular veterinary discussion forum (Veterinary Information Network: VIN) in which quite strong claims were put forward about the potential value of this therapy … Continue reading

Posted in General, Science-Based Veterinary Medicine | 4 Comments

Use of Leeches in Veterinary Medicine

I recently received an email promoting one of the strangest therapies I’ve looked into while writing this blog—leeches. 10 FACTS HOW LEECHES HELP DOGS! 1.         Leeches a new wave in alternative animal medicine? No way! Over 3000 years ago leeches … Continue reading

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American Academy of Orthropaedic Surgeons Evidence-Based Review of Arthritis Treatments

I have previously reviewed a number of common alternative therapies for arthritis. The evidence concerning veterinary use specifically is often limited, but for common therapies, like glucosamine and acupuncture, there is often extensive research data in humans. While extrapolation from … Continue reading

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Plechner Syndrome and the Art of Making Stuff Up

Most proponents of so-called complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are ordinary, reasonable people, even when promoting beliefs that may be dubious or even thoroughly incredible. However, occasionally I run across one of those individuals with not only a bizarre understanding … Continue reading

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Univ. of Tennessee Veterinary School Recognizes “Excellence” in Alternative Medicine

The University of Tennessee School of Veterinary Medicine is one of the most noticeable academic institutions that appears to have been co-opted for the promotion of pseudoscientific veterinary medicine (along with Louisiana State and the University of Florida). I have … Continue reading

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What’s Wrong with Integrative Veterinary Medicine?

The terminology associated with unconventional therapies has shifted a bit over the last 40 or so years. Initially, such therapies were often described as “alternative.” This fit well with the still widespread philosophical position that new or different ways of … Continue reading

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American Holistic Veterinary Medical Foundation gives $10,000 to University of Tennessee Veterinary School to Promote Alternative Medicine

Last fall, I wrote about the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Foundation (AHVMF), an offshoot of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA), which is devoted to raising money for the promotion of alternative therapies. The AHVMA is a vigorous advocate … Continue reading

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Screening Tests and Pre-Anaesthetic Bloodwork in Veterinary Patients: Issues & Evidence

A perennially hot topic in human medicine is the risks and benefits of screening tests. Blood tests, imaging (like CT scans) and other diagnostic tests are usually seen by the general public as only beneficial. How could it be a … Continue reading

Posted in General, Science-Based Veterinary Medicine | 19 Comments