Consumer's Guide to Alternative Therapies in the Horse

by David W. Ramey

Book Overview

The Consumer's Guide to Alternative Therapies in the Horse is a discussion and exploration of what works and what doesn't based on scientific evidence. This book will help you evaluate both common and alternative treatments, and in doing so, help your horse to live a more healthy, productive life. Here you will sort through the misconceptions and myths surrounding alternative therapies, and learn what science has discovered about them. You'll get...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1582450625
• ISBN13: 9781582450629
• Release Date: October 1999
• Publisher: Howell Books
• Length: 210 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.4" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Bound to make the touchy-feelie crowd hysterical

An excellent scientific approach that will no doubt send the oddball "alternative" therapy fans into a complete swoon. However, they'll not be able to come up with a single serious scientific article to refute the science in this book -- after many decades of frantic, fruitless attempts. The sad fact is that these "alternative" therapies simply do not work, as far as any scientific study has ever been able to tell. And the few little studies they occasionally cite are scientifically worthless, as a bit of research always reveals. This always brings out the worst in the homeopathic/chiropractic/crystal therapy/needle-stickers, etc., and they usually revert to claims that it's all just a plot by the evil veterinary/pharmaceutical community. A glance at some of the critical reviews on this site are typical -- you'll notice that they don't refer to any scientific publications or peer-reviewed journal articles ... because, sadly, they can't. This will, also sadly, do little to dissuade those desperate and gullible souls who will grasp at anything hoping to help their four-legged friend. After thirty years in dog & horse rescue, I understand the feeling all too well, but after seeing the results of alternative medicine vs. real veterinary medicine, I know that alternative medicine is 99% pure moonshine and marketing. This book should be required reading for all horse, dog & cat owners, period. We all need to know the facts in order to do right by our furry friends.

Too bad it's got 'horse' in the title

Dr. Ramey and colleagues have written an incredible book on much much more than alternative remedies for horses. In chapter after chapter, this book shows the lay reader how scientists approach questions. Without jargon, the book explains in detail what medical researchers mean when they ask for evidence of a remedy's effectiveness. The book then asks these questions of many currently popular 'alternative' medical techniques with a clear, scholarly, and accessible approach.This book is a SERIOUS MUST READ for anyone who wants to understand the stance taken towards alternative medicine by modern scientists and physicians.

FINALLY,no nonsense information on important questions

It is about time someone gave us equine consumers the straight, objective and honest scoop in these questionable areas of horse therapy. So much money is made off of our ignorance and our trust that people tell us the truth about their products. We often forget that their motive may be economic, not necessarily just for the good of the horse. Thank you Dr. Ramey.

Separating Fact From Fiction

Considering all the treatments and misinformation that animal owners are having to contend with, this book is really needed. Dr. Ramey shows you how to combat the misleading and confusing claims by explaining how to evaluate the evidence with science and he also provides the facts on many alternative therapies. Although it's aimed at horse owners the information will be very helpful to pet owners, veterinarians, or anyone who's trying to sort through what works and what doesn't. The chapter on ethics promotes understanding by presenting both the client's and veterinarian's perspective. An excellent guide for those looking for the straight scoop.