My point is we are learning that natural products can be used to treat diseases that cannot be treated by conventional medicines.

Please do not speak for me.

I actually am planning on consulting a Vet Nutritionist as well. I do have reservations about homeopathy and naturopathy. My father was the head of surgery at a hospital in Massachusetts and I have a great respect for the medical profession but I am also willing to look at alternative methods. Would I inject an holistic remedy in Buster no, would I treat him using only homeopathic methods no. I feel as a society we over medicate and am not so obstinate that I would not be open to new points of view.

I get that but not all conditions are manageable without medical intervention.

As to your Buster, I have no idea what you have done vet wise that has made you so interested in Dr. Dodds, and it is not my business; but after all the things that Phil has pointed out I have concerns about her bottom line interest in this test of hers.

I personally would do food elimination along with vet nutrition guidance if I had a pup with food allergies. That is of course after it was proven that they were not environmental which is the most common in dogs. Again, no idea what you have done. Just commenting about what I would do...and especially after reading Phil's comments.

I'm confused because what you posted is a vague article and didn't give any real facts of studies.

Buster has a Holistic/Western Vet that I use for regular appointments. We also go to a more Traditional Vet for xrays and emergencies. He also has a Specialist hospital that I use for second opinions and where his Orthopedic Surgeon is located. I am going to do the food elimination trial but was going to use the Nutriscan results to look for indicators of possible problematic foods that may cause triggers. There were some foods that were flagged in his blood tests that I would like to see if they are still triggers since I have not been feeding him these food. He showed an borderline intolerance to berries but they lumped all the berries in one group so I am not sure if it is all berries or maybe only strawberries. Blueberries and cranberries are added to a lot of foods that I have had to exclude. They also lumped in Salmon which he had a positive result to in one of the tests into the other fish mix test so I have had to exclude all fish products. I figured I would exclude all the food that appear as issues in both tests from my elimination trials so as not to add to Busters discomfort. Some people believe in the beneficial properties of antioxidants, omega 3's and 6's, and glucosamine and chondroitin and others debunk their effects. Buster did test positive for environmental issues as well but I wanted to see if I could get a handle on his food issues to better see if they were causing more of the issues. Since I stopped feeding him the main triggers from the blood test of Chicken, Duck, Pork, Turkey, Rabbit, Green Peas and Fish Mix he has greatly improved. Buster has no hot spots or major issues he just scratches and chews his paws occasionally. I tried a food with Millet in it which was not in the blood tests and he seemed to start up scratching again and the Nutriscan test does test for Millet. But it is allergy season so it might not be the Millet so why not use the test as a reference.
We do xrays, cat scans and ultrasound testing with the understanding that they may or may not be able to indicate an ongoing issue as a diagnostic tool and that is what I am planning on using the Nutriscan test as a reference.

That is what you were doing and Dodds was questionable to begin with and now we have a lot more info to prove she is even more so and not basing anything on science. I don't know how you could continue to stand by Dodds. I wanted this test to be real and work too but sadly it's not and padding her pockets with more money is not going to help anyone especially Buster.

One sentence jumps out at me. The one about it being allergy season. So what are you doing for environmental allergies? If they are bothering him, I don't see how you can ever accurately finger any food as being an issue.

This whole post has me scratching my head Carolyn. I guess I am just too simple a person to grasp all of this. My pups don't eat all those things you mentioned and if I had to think about every single ingredient in a food I would flip my wig. I guess if it is your thing...thats all good.
I do have concerns though about this whole Dodds thing and the fact there is no science to back up her claims; but hey it's your money.

Once again your opinion which you are entitled to. Please do not assume you know what I am thinking.

Why else would you be posting on a thread about Dodds and her test and posting links trying to back up holistic stuff? Go ahead set me straight then.

It may be blind loyalty, but I don't discount a lifetime of many positive accomplishments in her career based upon some things I've read on this thread that raise questions about the validity of the test. In spite of that, I still might consider the test if I read a little more positive things about it. In a time before Atopica or Apoquel, I was left with allergy serums and steroids which didn't help my little girl enough to my liking. I tried food elimination trials, but I failed to restrict her diet enough. I know I'm at fault for that. I even tried Chinese herbs, which I know aren't highly regarded here. My vet didn't advise blood testing for food allergies, so I did what I could to help Kiwi have a good quality of life. As long as we are not withholding necessary medical care, I believe each of us has the right to explore options for our pups, even if they are alternative ones. My first line of medical care has always been from conventional means, but I have tried alternative means when my vet has suggested them. Never for a second have I thought he has advised anything to benefit his practice, nor have I ever complained about the cost of treatment.

I believe you give credit where and when it is due. Dr Dodds has made substantial contributions over many years with her research, and founding the first blood bank for dogs ! But that is her history and not the now of this test today.


How-ever it has been amply stated here this test does not have published research to back it up. It may be usefull in some or many circumstances - we just don't know *yet*. It is unproven.


The science of the test is just not there yet - and leaves one wondering why Dr Dodds would come out with this test without it or at least a clear caveat that there are no rigorous scientific studies behind the test and their anticipated publish date. And I will not speculate on her motives as a few have done on this thread.


This test is relatively pricey but about the same as for an expanded T4 panel per offa requirements. How-ever it does not have the same research behind it - and even the Expanded T panel is now being researched to develop a more accurate test....


I know you know that is the nature of scientific inquiry - status quo is researched - new and better and more innovative technologies will always be in advance or almost always in advance of rigorous scientific research.

People can do whatever they want.

The bottom line people are touting this test on this forum and that has brought other opinions in to play. That is what we do...voice opinions.

I wouldn't give a nickel to an unproven test...and certainly not over $200 or whatever the cost of this test is.

Your relationship with your vet is your business. No one is disputing that. No one says you can't love Dodds. We are talking here about the validity of the test and the apparent lack of peer reviewed science behind the theories put forth by Dodds. If you still feel as a consumer that you would like to spend your money on the test and have $280 available for it, then go for it!

Maybe it's just me, but you almost seem angry with Carolyn for expressing her interest in this test...? I think she is merely trying to ask you to stop putting words in her mouth as in "She is trying to find a way to validate a test that has no science behind it that's her point." -- when that wasn't her point at all, as she stated. Only Carolyn really knows what point she is/was trying to make here.

If Carolyn finds the results of the test helpful, more power to her. I think she'll find the right way to help her kiddo and clearly cares enough to do just that. We all may take different paths to a destination, I think...?