Alternative Veterinary Medicine

Homeopathy (homoeopathy) uses the principle discovered and developed by Dr Samuel Hahnemann, in Saxony. In literal terms, the name means the treatment of disease using a substance which has the power to provoke similar symptoms when administered to a healthy body. The symptoms that a substance can induce are discovered by means of ‘provings’ - tests on healthy human beings. Hahnemann later developed the extreme dilutions which remain, to this day, a controversial area of homeopathic practice. In circa 1813, in Leipzig, Hahnemann lectured on the use of his medical system on animals. He stressed that the principles were the same as in humans.

Boenninghausen continued to develop veterinary homeopathy, on his extensive estate in Westphalia. Numerous authors have kept the practice alive until, in modern times in the UK, George Macleod (1912 - 1995) was a very well-known veterinary homeopath and author.

In 1982 the British Association of Homeopathic Veterinary Surgeons (BAHVS) was formed. In 1984, veterinary courses commenced at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital. In April 1986, the International Association for Veterinary Homœopathy (IAVH) was founded in Luxembourg. Among other work, this organisation has produced a veterinary materia medica. The first veterinary qualification in the world (VetMFHom) was awarded by the Faculty of Homeopathy in 1987. That organisation created the post of Veterinary Dean in 1988, in order to oversee education and examinations in veterinary homeopathy and, in 1991, the first Veterinary Fellow of the Faculty (VetFFHom) was elected. In 2001, the first examination and qualification in basic (first-year) homeopathy was established [LFHom(Vet)]. It was also the year of the emergence of the first veterinary repertory.

Evolution of Homeopathy

From its very small beginnings, homeopathy was developed very extensively by Hahnemann. It did not stop developing, with Hahnemann's death, however. So-called 'classical homeopathy', developed around the notion of giving a single remedy, based on the totality of signs. Using multiple remedies (called 'complexes'), often with a 'clinical indication' also developed widely in Germany and France. Some practitioners like to use low potencies, some prefer high potencies. At the AVMC, we strive to use the best of all available methodologies, to suit the individual case presented, rather than to align with any single practice or philosophy. The welfare of the patient is more important than any particular philosophy or methodology.

Hahnemann's original ideas on miasms (applicable in chronic disease analysis) have been massively extended by some authors. The extensive range of medicines (pharmacopoeia) left by Hahnemann has grown over the years, as has our understanding of it. At the AVMC, we have developed several new medicines.

The list now runs into several thousand, making ways of grouping remedies vital to our ability to comprehend and use them to best advantage. It also helps in analysis of complex cases. The miasmatic approach is of value in this, as is grouping remedies according to source materials (e.g. Kingdoms, Orders and Families). The teaching of homeopathy has developed accordingly.

While the homeopathy of today is highly developed from Hahnemann's original, with much greater scope, it has retained its strictly patient-centred approach and is used, to the best of our ability, to bring the patient back to health as rapidly, gently and completely as possible.

Practical Application

Homeopathy has been used in animals for at least 190 years. All types of animals respond, from pets to farm animals, from horses to wild animals, from birds to fish. Organic farmers rely upon it as an effective, safe medicine which does not give rise to drug residues in meat, milk or eggs. Conventional farmers also make use of its benefits. Among its other benefits, of especial importance in farmed animals, is the fact that it cannot provoke 'antibiotic resistance' in bacterial populations. Furthermore, competition horses and dogs can be given homeopathy, without risk of falling foul of competition ‘doping’ rules. While the use of veterinary homeopathy can clearly enhance physical appearance and performance, by improving health, it cannot produce 'supernormal' performance, in the way that a drug can.

Homeopathic medicines are selected according to their ability to stimulate natural healing processes. The body dictates the reaction. Sometimes, usually heralding a good response, there may be a temporary 'therapeutic aggravation' of local or superficial symptoms.

The homeopathic consultation process is more complex than the usual veterinary consultation. It can take a long time, depending upon the complaint from which the patient suffers. It involves the vet in discovering a great deal of information, not just from clinical examination but also from the owner. Likely questions may include details of background, lifestyle, environment, demeanour, character, likes, dislikes, fears, diet, household & family details and responses to various external influences.

In individual animals, many chronic and refractory diseases can respond, where conventional medication may have failed. Injuries and acute illnesses also respond. In groups, herds or flocks of animals, in-water medication can treat large numbers of animals safely, easily, cheaply and effectively.

Homeopathy is a gentle form of therapy, without side-effects, which can just as easily treat dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, goats, llamas, cattle, pigs, sheep as such sensitive species as birds and gage pets.

Homeopathy, far from being a ‘folksy’ and weird system of esoteric medicine, has ‘gained its spurs’ and its use is increasing rapidly, as people realise what it has to offer, whether as a 'first-aid', ‘first-line’ or 'last resort’ medicine. Skin disease, arthritis, auto-immune disorders, bowel disease, cancer, epilepsy, heart problems and behavioural conditions are frequent callers but many other diseases respond.

Until modern times, no research had been conducted to establish its effectiveness. This has now been remedied. Research papers are appearing, showing the widespread benefits of this simple, safe and effective therapy.

Compatibility

Homeopathic medication can be damaged by frost, excessive heat, sunlight and Aromatherapy. Its effects in the body can be reduced by intercurrent aromatherapy, steroids (cortisone or corticosteroids) and anti-inflammatory drugs. It is capable of careful and informed integration with Acupuncture, but these two therapies may clash, if not properly integrated.

The Remedies

There are several thousand homeopathic medicines available. With them, homeopathy is able to treat infectious diseases, chronic diseases, acute diseases, injuries and behavioural disorders. While cancer is not easily mastered, there are encouraging numbers of recorded cases of complete recovery from some of the worst forms. It even enjoys widespread use in disease prevention, in place of vaccination. Many homeopathic medicines lend themselves to first-aid and emergency use. Most of these are easily available in pharmacies and health shops all over the UK (usually in a 6c potency but also sometimes available in a 30c potency).

For a list of homeopathic remedies useful in the first-aid situation, visit:

http://www.alternativevet.org/homeopathy.htm#first-aid

The Law

The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 restricts the treatment of animals (other than your own) with homeopathy, by anyone other than a fully qualified vet.

N.B.: We cannot treat notifiable diseases in the UK without official dispensation from DEFRA.

For further information, visit the AVMC's in-depth website:

http://www.alternativevet.org