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EDUCATION AND DEBATE: Richard Mayon-White Pets—pleasures and problems BMJ 2005; 331: 1254-1255 [Full text]

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Are pets good for us?

Hugh Mann   (21 March 2008)

What If Dog Bites Man ?

Dr. Herbert H. Nehrlich   (22 March 2008)

Haiku I Told You

Hugh Mann   (24 March 2008)

Are pets good for us? 21 March 2008
Hugh Mann, Physician Eagle Rock, MO 65641 USA Send response to journal: Re: Are pets good for us?	Pets are a mixed blessing. They give us companionship and comfort, but they also give us allergies, parasites, and viruses. These diseases may be minor, or they may be life-threatening. For example, pet allergy can make us cough and sneeze, but pet viruses can cause cancer. The connection between cats and Hodgkin's disease has been observed by many doctors. I have seen this connection several times in my practice. I love animals and understand their appeal, but I am concerned about the health risks of indoor pets. Competing interests: None declared
What If Dog Bites Man ? 22 March 2008
Dr. Herbert H. Nehrlich, Private Practice Bribie Island, Australia 4507 Send response to journal: Re: What If Dog Bites Man ?	I would be very interested to read supporting evidence for Dr. Mann's allegations that there be a link between Hodgkin's Disease and pet ownership. Competing interests: None declared
Haiku I Told You 24 March 2008
Hugh Mann, Physician Eagle Rock, MO 65641 USA Send response to journal: Re: Haiku I Told You	If doctors dismiss anecdotal evidence science will stagnate. Competing interests: None declared