[megansmomma]

Originally Posted by Verbena

The same blog person doesn't believe in stem cell . . .

I believe this is what you are referring to regarding Skeptvet and stem cell therapy.

I recently came across some advertising materials, for veterinarians and also for pet owners, from the MediVet company, the other major provider of veterinary stem cell therapies along with VetStem. These advertising materials exhibited many of the hallmarks of quackery I have written about before. None of these warning signs allows us to conclude this therapy doesn’t work, but because they tend to be found along with unproven or clearly bogus approaches, the more of them we see, the more cautious we should be in believing the claims being made.

1. Appeal to emotion in lieu of presenting real evidence

2. Claims of major scientific breakthrough without supporting published research evidence

3.Use of testimonials to support claims and encourage use of the method

4. Claiming extensive research validates the therapy without providing this evidence

5. Playing to fears about conventional medical treatments

6. Claiming to be “natural” and invoking the fallacy that “natural” means “safe” and “beneficial”

7. Claiming to produce a benefit with absolutely no risks or side effects

1. Appeal to emotion

Of course, emotions is a more compelling marketing tool than facts, and it is unavoidable in any effort to sell something. However, appeals to emotion that are not accompanied by solid factual support for the claims being made are often a smokescreen to obscure the absence of such support. And because of the unique dangers inherent in medical treatment, and the constraints on pet owner’s abilities to make medical decisions for their companions in a purely rational way given the intense emotional connection they have with their animals, it is easy to inappropriately manipulate people with emotional appeals.

The client brochure for MediVet shows a serious looking cat and somewhat sad looking dog staring directly at the reader, and the text reads:

If your pet suffers from pain, arthritis, or joint disorders, ask your vet about the healing power of stem cells. Don’t let your pet suffer any longer.



Clearly an appeal to emotion, with a good dose of guilt and an implied promise of relief if you buy the product.

Selling Veterinary Stem Cell Therapies: Medivet’s Dodgy Advertising | The SkeptVet