Category Archives: Science-Based Veterinary Medicine

Evidence Update: Cold Laser Therapy for Dogs & Cats

I first summarized the scant evidence concerning low-level or “cold” laser therapy in companion animals in 2010, and I reviewed a couple of small studies in 2011. A recent checked showed only a couple of studies looking at cold laser … Continue reading

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Evidence Update: Flame Retardants (PBDEs) and Hyperthyroidism in Cats

The words “chemical” and “toxin” are among the most popular and misused words in the alternative medicine lexicon. They are often more a vague code for “evil spirits” rather than a specific reference to true environmental health hazards, and they … Continue reading

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Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine: What is it & Why Does it Matter?

The Equine Veterinary Journal and Equine Veterinary education journal have just launched a new open-access evidence-based medicine resource, including systematic reviews, critically-appraised topic reports (CATs) and editorials. This includes my most recent editorial on the subject, which I can now … Continue reading

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Evidence Update- Neutering and Cancer Risk in Danish Dogs

One of the “hot topics” in veterinary medicine right now is the balance of risk and benefits to neutering. Even though I completed an extensive review of this subject in 2010, and updated it just last year, the new evidence … Continue reading

Posted in Science-Based Veterinary Medicine | 10 Comments

Longevity & Causes of Death in Pet Cats

Basic epidemiological research, identifying the most common diseases and causes of death and risk factors for these, is the foundation of preventative medicine. Unfortunately, such research is often scarce in veterinary medicine. Collecting data on a large population of animals … Continue reading

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Can Your Vet Diagnose a Seizure from Your Home Video?

The age of ubiquitous cell phone cameras is upon us, and it appears to be double-edged sword. On the one hand, moments historically understood to be private can, often without the participants’ permission, become worldwide entertainment. On the other hand, … Continue reading

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Evidence Update: Evaluating the Benefits & Risks of Neutering in Dogs and Cats

In 2010, I published a narrative review of the literature evaluating the risks and benefits of neutering in dogs and cats. Much additional research has been completed and published since then, and I have just complete an update of my … Continue reading

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The State of Science-Based and Alternative Veterinary Medicine Today

Prompted by Dr. Hall’s recent assessment of the state of science-based medicine in Australia, I thought it was time to offer a “state of the profession” update on how science-based and evidence-based medicine in the veterinary field are doing in … Continue reading

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EBVM 2014: Building a Community to Advance Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine

I have just returned from one of the most exciting scientific meetings I have ever attended, the EBVM 2014 conference organized by the RCVS Knowledge, the charity arm of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Over 250 people from around … Continue reading

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Clever New Study Illustrates the Importance of Placebo Controls In Veterinary Clinical Studies

I recently ran across a fantastic web site, Testing Treatments, which explains clearly and simply how we use science to test our medical treatments. For anyone not already very familiar with this process, this site will explain why a lot … Continue reading

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