Veterinary Homeopathy

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1539764/pdf/canvetj00141-0066.pdf

With our homeopathic lecture in Vienna and an upcoming veterinary medicine homeopathic demonstration, the science of nonconventional therapies has been a reoccurring subject this semester. Homeopathy is more widely-accepted in Europe than in North America. It is also not as recognized due to advancing technology and opposition from conventional practitioners, states Vockeroth. Veterinary homeopathy is even less well known but has been growing in North America throughout the last twenty years. The actual art of homeopathy dates back to ancient times but was not officially recognized until the late 1800’s by a German physician. The author of this article defines homeopathy as “a system of medicine based on the principle of similars; that is, the symptoms or syndromes that a substance causes experimentally (at pharmacologic or toxic doses) are those that it may resolve in individuals experiencing similar symptoms and syndromes when it is given in specially prepared, exceedingly small doses”. It is looked at as a way to not just treat a headache or minimize pain in the lower back, but to find a lasting cure through means of individualizing a particular medicine for each patient. I wouldn’t call myself a complete believer of holistic practices, but I do think modern society’s unnecessary “pill-popping” for every small symptom is redundant. One of the biggest complications with homeopathy is dosing, according to Vockeroth. Finding just the right amount to be effective without overdosing is crucial. He also talks about “potentization”: a term used to describe diluting and agitating substances so only a small amount of the drug remains. The homeopathic doctor in Vienna also mentioned potentization of medicine in his lecture. Homeopathy in animals specifically has been used in acute and chronic situations, ranging from insect stings, concussions, and respiratory conditions in small and large animals. The author states how administration and safety of homeopathic medicine in animals is good, but still errs on the side of caution about preparing safe doses and how it does not replace treatments like ultrasounds or surgeries. There are many societies gaining popularity in America, such as the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society or American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. The final goal at the end of the day is to provide the best treatment for an animal to live a healthy and productive life, whether through conventional or alternative methods.