Reflections on Veterinary Homeopathy

Having come home from their conference yesterday, I found that I wanted to share some thoughts of my own about veterinary homeopathy.

One thing I really appreciated, 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. Then 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 they were in the vet's 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 that. The treatment helped their dog and it is currently in good health. They are monitoring it due to potential drug side effects, but so far all is going well.

What I loved about the last case mentioned here is that 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 they 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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On a personal note, it was also interesting for me to meet vet Chris Day, who was our first contact with homeopathy 21 years ago, and John Saxton, who subsequently treated our horse for recurrent uveitis. It had been suggested we may consider removing her eye to get rid of the uveitis, a practice which I believe still happens. As it was, a homeopathic consultation, some wisdom, science and work on John's side of things, 5 white tablets, some perseverance on my dad's side (the week she was having the remedy it snowed badly and he had to walk a half mile uphill several days to deliver the remedy), and we had a horse with two eyes for the rest of her life.