Evidence
From Lab to Clinic: How Veterinary Research Reaches Your Pet
What evidence-based veterinary medicine means, how to read a headline about a new study, and why vets sometimes disagree.
By Dr Hana LindqvistVeterinary review: Dr Elena Marsh6 min readPublished 2026-09-29Updated 2026-09-29
What 'evidence-based' means
Evidence-based veterinary medicine means treatments are chosen using the best available research, combined with the vet's experience and your animal's situation. The strongest evidence comes from reviews of many studies; the weakest from opinion and anecdote.
Reading a headline about a new study
Single studies rarely change practice overnight. Ask a few questions before acting on one.
- How many animals were studied, and were they pets or laboratory animals?
- Was there a comparison group that did not get the treatment?
- Was it published in a peer-reviewed journal, or just presented at a conference?
- Who funded it, and do they sell the product?
Why vets sometimes disagree
For many conditions there is more than one reasonable option, and the evidence is often thinner than in human medicine. Vets weigh cost, the animal's temperament and the owner's circumstances differently. A second opinion is a normal part of good care, not an insult.
Frequently asked questions
- A study online says a common treatment is harmful. Should I stop it?
- Do not stop a prescribed treatment on the strength of one headline. Bring the study to your vet, who can judge its quality and how it applies to your animal.
- What does 'peer-reviewed' actually mean?
- Before publication, independent experts in the field checked the study's methods and conclusions. It does not guarantee the study is right, but it filters out the weakest work.
References
- WSAVA: Guidelines and scientific resources — https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/