Modern orthodox medicine focuses primarily on the illness, then tends to treat each patient in the same way. Often, treatment is given only for the presenting problem, with scant attention given to past history. Little time is devoted to discussing or exploring the bigger picture and even less heed is given to life style or personality, let alone underlying behavioural or emotional issues - very important aspects in a family pet. 

By contrast, homeopathy focuses on the individual and each case is considered on its particular merits. When faced with the same challenge to health, each patient will show a different picture. We can all relate to this - just think of the way you most often react to the common cold and how this can differ from someone else exposed to the infection at the same time. On the other hand, two Labradors, both suffering from arthritis shown as stiffness on arising, wearing off with gentle exercise but much worse in cold, damp weather, might be considered as showing the same symptoms. However, the heavily built dog disinclined to exercise except for rummaging in the dustbin, who would welcome a burglar with lots of licks and a gently wagging tail, would need a different remedy to the thin, agile, constantly on the go, slightly suspicious and nervous Labrador. 

It is not surprising that patients react in different ways given the huge variations in personality, life style, inter-reactions with others, emotional make up, behaviour and past history. These, along with many other issues relating to the individual patient, are explored during an extended consultation. Obtaining this information takes some time and needs close co-operation and communication between owner and vet but is very worthwhile. The net result is that the whole process is more holistic, with every aspect of the patient taken into consideration. This is not only beneficial for owner and patient, but also more satisfying for the vet. 

 

If you are interested in a more in-depth approach to health problems, please contact Janet Nuttall at Heathfield Vets on 01435 864422. 

Homeopathy is a complimentary medicine which stimulates the vitality of the animal, thus encouraging the natural energy of the patient to heal itself. The remedies may be used alone or in conjunction with many orthodox treatment techniques.  

 

Homeopathy derives from the work of Samual Hahnemann, a brilliant nineteenth century doctor who was disgusted with the medicine of his day. Whilst translating a text by the Scottish physician Cullen, Hahnemann came across a the use of a Peruvian bark for the treatment of malaria. This is now known to contain Quinine. He boiled up the bark and drank the fluid for several days, during which time he developed malaria type symptoms. These ceased after stopping the experiment. Knowing that the bark could cure a malaria patient, and induce the same symptoms in a healthy patient, allowed Hahnemann to proclaim the fundamental tenet of homeopathy 'Similia, Similibus Curentur' - Let like be cured by like. 

 

As it is a non-drug approach, there are no side effects and, as a special bonus to the livestock industry, no milk or meat withdrawal periods. Being a complementary method which works with the body rather than manipulating it, homeopathy has much to offer in the control of disease. This has long been recognised in human medicine and is rapidly gaining acceptance in the veterinary field. The remedies are safe to use and do not have side effects in the way that drugs so often do. 

 

Over two thousand remedies exist: the majority are derived from the plant, mineral and animal kingdoms. Through a process particular to homeopathy a remedy is derived from the parent substance by progressive dilution and agitation (known as potentisation). 

 

The remedies are presented in liquid, powder or tablet form and are believed to contain 'information' enabling the vital energy to channel itself in the most effective way in response to a disease picture. The correct remedy is the one whose own symptom picture most accurately matches that of the patient at the time. For example, in a human a cold may start with watery eyes and a clear nasal discharge. A homeopathic potency of Onion (Allium Cepa) if taken early on can dramatically reduce the course of the infection. 

 

To embark on a course of homeopathic treatment involves an initial examination during which the full symptom picture is assessed and a remedy matched accordingly. Homeopathy has the potential to be used in many different complaints and is especially useful in the following: