36 of 42 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
At last! Accurate, well-researched info on Alt Vet Med!, January 15, 2000
This review is from: Consumer's Guide to Alternative Therapies in the Horse (Paperback)
Having familiarized myself thoroughly with the "alternative" veterinary medical literature, I can assure Amazon.com clients that Dr. Ramey's book, "A Consumer's Guide to Alternative Therapies in the Horse," is the first well-researched, scientifically literate and accurate book ever published on the subject. Unfortunately, all the veterinary texts and most of the articles published to date on the subject - even those intended for veterinarians themselves -- are rife with errors, misleading statements and sloppy scholarship. Rather than providing accurate information, they offer mostly "promotional misinformation." Dr. Ramey doesn't give us "just the good news," he gives us "all the news" - both pro and con. His book is all the more remarkable in that it is primarily designed not for veterinarians or scientists, but for a lay audience. He and his various contributing authors deal beautifully with tough scientific issues in a manner that will be easily accessible to the average horse owner. (As a veterinarian, I'm quite certain many of my colleagues would learn much from this unique work.)
When dealing with the subject of "energy medicine," rather than relying on the metaphysical musings of some New Age guru, Dr. Ramey relies on the expertise of the University of Hawaii's Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Victor J. Stenger. Other editors of veterinary texts have called on self-proclaimed "veterinary chiropractors" (an officially "non-accredited" profession /specialty) to write chapters on chiropractic. Dr. Ramey, on the other hand, has called on Professor Joseph Keating. Dr. Keating teaches "The History of Chiropractic" at the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic and is co-founder of the National Institute of Chiropractic Research. Rather than addressing the many serious shortcomings of "alternative" medical research, previous "alt vet med" authors and editors have generally preferred to simply ignore the problem and, instead, discuss at length the real and imaginary shortcomings of science-based medicine. Dr. Ramey has dealt with the issue by enlisting Dr. Edzard Ernst, Chairman of the University of Exeter's Department of Alternative and Complementary Medicine to write a chapter discussing "Common Misconceptions about Alternative Medicine." And so on...
If you're convinced you're going to cure your horse's terminal cancer with shark cartilage, or if you're determined to make a fortune by multi-level marketing "equine homeopathic remedies" over the Internet, this book is not for you. (Dr. Ramey and his contributing authors are rather unique in the field of "alternative medicine" in that they're not trying to sell anybody anything. On the other hand, the are willing to give the reader a dose or two of common sense at no charge -- beyond the very modest cover price of their book.) If you're interested in getting the "straight dope" on alleged "alternative" therapies for your horse, or even for yourself, this book is a "must have."
Robert Imrie, DVM
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22 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Too bad it's got 'horse' in the title, February 1, 2000
This review is from: Consumer's Guide to Alternative Therapies in the Horse (Paperback)
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.
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14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Separating Fact From Fiction, December 9, 1999
This review is from: Consumer's Guide to Alternative Therapies in the Horse (Paperback)
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.
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