Reflections on the Veterinary Homeopathy Conference

I'm sat up, basking in the sunrise and thought before I really get on with my day, I'd have a moment to reflect and share my reflections on the veterinary homeopathy conference that I returned from last night.

When I saw that it was running, and just 23 miles away from me, I thought I'd try and get along. And nothing else on that weekend for me... I was in. I did wonder whether I'd feel out of my depth, these people had all studied for 5 years at veterinary school, then done their Faculty of Homeopathy training and exams, and many of them had worked with homeopathy for 20 plus years. Not all, but some.

It was wonderful to see that my 4 years homeopathy training and 10 years almost constant studying since graduating meant that whilst some of the veterinary terminology might have been alien to me, my homeopathic awareness was not miles behind. I was not lost. Plus the atmosphere. There is something so special about a group of homeopaths getting together. I don't know what it is, it's a great feeling, an intensity, a shared passion, a love for learning (and a crazy addiction to books). It doesn't seem to matter who or where. I've camped in a field with homeopaths at a meeting, attended research conferences in 5* hotels, rocked up for a couple of days just knowing 2 people and having met 1 once before, presented at conferences, been at different registered membership bodies conferences. There is something remarkable. Every. Single. Time. Maybe it's about us being a small group in a huge pond? Not sure exactly what it is, but my goodness, if you've not been to a conference (it took me 6 years to do it) get along to one when you can, you'll not be disappointed.  

But to the material, the vets involved. One thing I really loved, especially in terms of the flak that the vets are getting from a small group of conventional vets who seem determined to get rid of veterinary homeopathy, was the way the vets used homeopathy as a part of their tool kit. It's NOT their only tool. What they do see much of though is cases that nothing else has helped. In one case presented the dog had had every test imaginable, many, many drugs and nothing was changing the issue. The homeopathy was tried. And, whilst it's always so great to say that it sorted it straight away, first remedies were given and nothing. Until the right remedy for the case was given, and the issue was reduced by 75%+. Still room to improve, and it's an ongoing case, but it's a great start. 

Another case, by the time it was in the homeopaths waiting room, they were aware it was the last attempt. The condition was worsening despite best attempts and specialist referrals, and euthanasia was a serious option. Then in comes the homeopathic vet. And things improved and improved with holistic options, one of those being homeopathic medicines. Beautiful photos to demonstrate, and owners very pleased that the dog was not to be put to sleep. Still one niggling issue remained and homeopathy didn't seem to be getting there to help that bit. So what did the vet do? Well here, they decided that they'd reach into the conventional tool kit and prescribe from there. That treatment helped and the animal is currently in good health. They are monitoring due to potential drug side effects but so far all is going well.

What I loved about the last case mentioned here is that the homeopathy is used very practically. It's accepted it's a tool, sometimes a great tool, but not here, and for most of the vets, a complete tool kit. They are first and foremost veterinary practitioners. And they use those skills, whether that be surgery, conventional drugs or conventional advice. They do look at things holistically, take a full case and where it's appropriate use homeopathy. 

So with the heat rising around veterinary homeopathy, current stories in the press and online, especially today with another mention of homeopathy in the Express, it seems particularly strange no one has spoken with them, the vets who actually have experience of homeopathy. One statement that is particularly poignant from today's Express, is one that I feel relates to the conference I've had the privilege to be a part of:

Arlo Guthrie, editor of VetSurgeon. org, added: “Animals can’t choose which treatment they take, nor can they experience placebo.”

To have witnessed the pain and suffering that some of the animals had come to before they came to homeopathy and the results afterwards, one could argue that conventional medicine is inflicting damage and homeopathy should be a first attempt.

From my day and a half of the conference, the insights that were shared, cases presented and vets met, there's an openness, a commitment to learning, a delight in sharing that I observed over my time there. A passion for animals, (is it too corny to say for 'all creatures great and small'?!), a love for life and living well.  It's worth reading around the topic, seriously delving into the matter a little bit further than just skimming Daily Express headlines. There is something pretty awesome to all this and my hope is that with more people hearing the word 'homeopathy' they'll actually investigate a little more around the potential.

I feel very grateful to have heard the things I've heard this weekend, seen the photos of cases I've seen, and spoken to the practitioners. Pioneers of this medical art, they have my admiration.

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Whilst I'm here, a quick personal story. Lucy, the lurcher pictured, had horrendous car sickness when she came to us and we gave travel sickness remedies. Nothing. Still the dribble, the sickness and sometimes the poop too. Then I looked again, looked at her as an individual case, and gave Phosphorus in homeopathic potency. One dose. Honestly. I think that's what people struggle with, the fact it can sound so simple. She jumped into the car (previously she'd cower and not get in) and no more sickness. It was like a miracle, and I do get it that people struggle to comprehend. But that's it. And what a joy to travel with just a stinky dog smell (depending what she's discovered that day!), not a dribbling vomiting (and worse) wreck of a dog.

Thank goodness  for homeopathy. Again.