What is homeopathy? by Christine Mattson Barrett, DVM
Homeopathy is a holistic method of healing which is scientific and systematic. It has been used in humans for about two hundred years and is only recently being more widely applied to animals.
Homeopathy begins with the premise that each individual has an inner energetic principle (Vital Life Force) which is responsible for maintaining the health and well being of the individual. When the Vital force is disturbed (through infection, trauma, vaccination, etc.), it produces symptoms in an attempt to heal. It is these symptoms—physical, emotional and/or mental—which we call disease.
Homeopathic medicines come from animal, mineral and plant sources. Over the past two hundred years, these substances have been individually tested (and proven) in healthy human volunteers to determine their properties and characteristics as medicines. The job of the practitioner is to carefully match the properties of the medicinal substance (remedy) to the symptom picture or disease state of the patient according to the homeopathic Law of Similars—“like cures like.”
The remedy stimulates the patient’s Vital Force to produce symptoms similar to those of the patient’s disease, thus creating a “medicinal disease.” The medicinal disease displaces and extinguishes the patient’s natural disease so that (s)he heals “from the inside out” in a holistic manner. In many cases, it is realistic to hope that the patient will be cured, that is, (s)he becomes healthy, symptom-free and requires no ongoing treatment, medicine or special handling (diets, bathing, etc.). The healing process can be very lengthy—from several months to even two years, so patience is a requirement for the guardian, the animal companion and the practitioner.
What can homeopathy treat?
Any medical condition that we are accustomed to treating with the “ANTI-S” (anti-biotics, anti-inflammatories, anti-histamines, anti-immune system) can be treated with homeopathic remedies. This includes acute conditions such as Parvo, snake bite, heat stroke and chronic conditions such as skin/flea allergies, bleeding disorders, arthritis. Many surgical cases (e.g., tumors, abscesses) and behavioral cases (e.g., aggression, fears) can also be effectively treated. Treatment is accomplished in a very gentle, noninvasive manner by the administration of specially prepared homeopathic remedies. Remedies are dispensed as either small, sweet-tasting pellets or as liquid preparations to be given in small oral doses. Sometimes a single dose is sufficient to set the healing process in motion and sometimes repeated doses are needed. Re-dosing may be as often as daily or as infrequent as once every few months.
What are your responsibilities as the guardian of your animal companion?
Observation and recording: A few days after the remedy is given, changes will begin to occur in chronic cases. You will need to carefully observe and record and physical/behavioral symptoms, traits and especially changes (e.g., thirst, appetite, energy level, diarrheas). These observations are important in evaluating the response to treatment and in determining when to give the next dose or the next remedy. Aggravations are to be expected and should be carefully noted.
Avoiding other drugs, treatments: Vaccines, drugs (including Panalog, aspirin), surgeries and even insecticide (flea collars/baths) can interfere with the healing process, possibly making the disease incurable. Please call before using any of these therapies.
Nutrition, exercise and grooming: Just as in human, there is no substitute for a healthful lifestyle. One of the most powerful adjuncts to successful homeopathic treatment is good nutrition. A good diet provides the building blocks for the body on its pathway to good health.
Treatment
Initial intake includes an in-depth interview, physical exam, if practical (this can also be done by your local veterinarian) and the research analysis to determine the first remedy prescription. Only one remedy at a time is given in classical homeopathic treatments. Remedies can be dispensed from this office, from a homeopathic pharmacy or in many cases from your local health food store. Prices of remedies are about $10 to $15.
Follow up visits can often be done by telephone. They are usually needed from once or twice weekly to once or twice monthly, depending upon the nature, acuteness and severity of the case.
Dr. Christine Mattson Barrett earned her degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1986 from U.C. Davis. From 1986 to 1994 she practiced conventional veterinary medicine in San Diego and then in Auburn. She began exploring alternatives for more effective treatments, particularly in chronic long term diseases. This search led to homeopathy.
