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Facts about veterinary homeopathy
Number of homeopathic vets
There are around 80 veterinary surgeons practising homeopathy in the UK who are registered with the Faculty of Homeopathy.
Conditions commonly seen
A pilot study published by the British Homeopathic Association in 2007 found that the conditions most commonly seen by homeopathic vets are arthritis, atopic dermatitis, lameness, epilepsy, diarrhoea, aggression, fear, pruritus and kidney failure.
Patients were predominantly dogs and cats, but horses and some other smaller animals were also present in the study. According to owners, 80% of animals taking part in the study improved (from a total of 767 pets).1
The benefits
A veterinary surgeon trained in homeopathy will know when it is most effective to use homeopathic medicine, conventional medicine or a combination of both. Homeopathy can be used equally well for minor conditions and for more chronic problems when prolonged treatment may be required.
The consultation
A homeopathic consultation is very different from a usual veterinary consultation. The medicine prescribed will be unique to the animal and may well be different from that of another animal presenting with a similar condition. This is because homeopathy works by treating the whole animal and not just the condition.
Owners are asked about the current illness, any past illnesses, behavioural characteristics and the effect of external stimuli on the animal such as the weather, time of day and diet. As a result the consultation is usually longer than a typical veterinary consultation, and only when a complete picture of the animal has been established can the correct homeopathic medicine be prescribed.
Regulation
Veterinary surgeons who practise homeopathy are registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and must retain their professional membership of this body in order to practise. It is illegal to treat animals if you are not a qualified veterinary surgeon.
Finding a homeopathic vet
Pet owners can search for a vet who practises homeopathy in their area by visiting: http://www.britishhomeopathic.org/getting_treatment/homeopathic_vets/
Owners can ask their current vet to refer them to a homeopathic vet, or make an appointment direct.
Qualifications
The most qualified homeopathic vets have passed the Faculty of Homeopathy Membership exam and can be identified by the letters VetMFHom or VetFFHom after their name. These vets are competent to take referral cases and many use homeopathy as the main therapeutic approach in their practices. Other vets are Licenced Associates of the Faculty of Homeopathy and have the letters LFHom(Vet) after their name. This means they have passed the Preliminary Certificate in Veterinary Homeopathy and have achieved a basic level of training in homeopathy.
Reference
1. RT Mathie, L Hansen, MF Elliott and J Hoare. Outcomes from homeopathic prescribing in veterinary practice: a prospective, research-targeted, pilot study Homeopathy (2007) 96, 27-34 Download paper