Homeopathy is a type of naturopathic medicine first developed by German physician, Samuel Hahnemann about two hundred years ago. It is based on the principles that the body has the ability to repair itself and “like cures like” — a substance that can make you ill in large doses can make you well in small doses.

Homeopathic remedies are prepared using a special method of dilution and potentization — the specific remedy is ground up and diluted with water, then succussed (shaken in a particular way), then diluted and succussed again. This process of dilution and succussion makes the homeopathic effect of the solution stronger as it becomes more dilute.

Homeopathy is used to treat many conditions such as digestive problems, skin problems, arthritis, cancer and acute injuries.

How does veterinary homeopathy work?

In “classic” or “constitutional” homeopathy, the system developed by Hahnemann, only one remedy, derived from a plant, animal or mineral, is used at a time and is chosen very carefully based on all the symptoms of the pet. Some homeopaths combine remedies.

With that said, the most difficult part of homeopathy is choosing the right remedy. Currently, there are about 10,000 substances whose specific effects on the body have been carefully documented. Finding the right remedy relies on careful analysis of all the pet’s symptoms including physical symptoms such as diarrhea, changes in behaviour as well as the time of day and/or under what conditions the symptoms occur.

The speed of recovery is usually dependent on how long the pet has been sick. Some pets treated with homeopathy may show immediate improvement within hours or days and others may show improvement more gradually over several weeks or months. In some cases, the pet may show partial or no improvement, which indicates a different potency or remedy may be required.

Are there any side effects to veterinary homeopathy?

Side effects are unusual in pets treated by a highly-trained homeopath. In some cases a pet’s symptoms may worsen after the remedy is given, but this is seen as a sign that the treatment is working. The side effects that may occur such as diarrhea or discharge from the eye, ear or nasal cavity, are usually mild and are healthy signs that the pet is releasing accumulated toxins.

What is the cost of veterinary homeopathy?

The initial consultation fee is about $180 but this will vary depending on the veterinarian. Each followup visit will cost about $80 and the average cost of a homeopathic remedy is $20.

How does veterinary homeopathy help pets with cancer?

Homeopathy can be used alone to treat animal cancer or as a complementary therapy to conventional cancer treatment. Dr. A. U. Ramakrishnan developed another form of homeopathy to treat cancer in humans, which has been adapted to animals. It consists of using two remedies that are chosen based on the type of cancer present and the pet’s symptoms and characteristics. Dr. Ramakrishnan’s book is called A Hopeopathic Approach to Cancer.

The Banerji Protocols by Dr. Prasanta Banerji is a third form of homeopathy developed to treat chronic conditions such as cancer. As with all forms of complementary therapy it’s advised to consult your veterinarian or veterinary oncologist before starting treatment.

Is the practice of veterinary homeopathy regulated?

In Canada, homeopathy is a recognized form of veterinary medicine. When looking for a practitioner for your pet, seek treatment from a licensed veterinarian certified in veterinary homeopathy.

Sources:

  • Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy, Leucadia, CA, What is homeopathy?
  • Bow Bottom Veterinary Hospital, Calgary, AB, Veterinary Homeopathy, by Lifelearn Inc., based on material written by Dr. Steve Marsden, DVM, ND, MSOM, LAc, DiplCH, AHG, Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM and Dr. Cheryl Yuill, DVM, MSc, CVH.
  • College of Animal Homeopathic Medicine – Animal Homeopathy College, Vancouver, BC, Homeopathy FAQs.
  • Citizen Pet & Equine magazine, Summer 2010 issue, The ‘Law of Similars’ in action, by Dr. Wanda Vockeroth, DVM.

This page has been reviewed by our Panel of Experts for accuracy. Our Panel of Experts is comprised of practitioners with varying specialties and perspectives. As such, the views expressed here may not be shared by all members of our Panel.

The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.