Prejudice against Homeopathy

"What we don’t talk to, we don’t understand. What we don’t understand, we fear. What we fear, we destroy." (Aboriginal proverb)

"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident." (Arthur Schopenhauer 1788 -1860)

The practice of natural medicine, particularly homeopathy, is not a lucrative exercise. Manufacturing is not highly profitable. There is also a great deal of hard work involved in specialised learning and the time-intensive nature of proper practice. For these reasons, there is poor availability of veterinary natural medicine but those who have taken it up enjoy the rewards, in job satisfaction (Why use Homeopathy?).

There is no doubt that taking up natural medicine massively reduces practice profitability, compared with conventional practice. The differential may change, if the monopoly of supply of conventional prescription medicines is removed from veterinary practices, forcing them to charge more realistic professional fees for their work, rather than relying on sales.

Whether economics plays a part, whether it is the classic primitive behaviour pattern, in which a community harries those who do not conform precisely or whether it is simply fear of the unknown, there is a significant amount of prejudice against natural medicine within the veterinary profession and its hierarchy. In recent years, this has been actively fuelled by a vociferous minority, who wish to see homeopathy banned. There are even tales of prejudice against homeopathy and other natural medicines within the RSPCA Inspectorate and hierarchy. There was a clear-cut case in which the Donkey Sanctuary at Sidmouth strongly advised a client not to consult the AVMC, despite a chronic and distressing condition having shown no signs of improvement (happily, the owner took no notice and the donkey is now fine - case report). There is no moral or ethical place for such an attitude, when animal welfare should be the objective. There is so much to do for animals and their welfare that it beats me how or why these people have the time and energy for such negative activity.

(The AVMC is conducting objective analysis of clinical outcomes from cases seen. These results are being updated on an ongoing basis. To view them, click here.)

It is a matter of record that the AVMC has frequently offered free help to the relevant authorities, in cases of widespread animal suffering or disease (notable examples have been: Foot & Mouth Disease in 2001, Avian Influenza in 2006, Seal 'phocine distemper' PDV outbreak in 2002, Koala Chlamydia - ongoing). Sadly, in each case, these offers have either been ignored or refused. This would appear to be a result of institutional prejudice against homeopathy, often despite the abject failure of conventional methods. The seal disaster killed 17,000 animals in 1988 and 18,000 animals in 2002, yet no help was accepted. Survival of the Koala Bear is threatened by venereal spread of Chlamydia. Similar offers of help are now being made for Squirrel Pox in Scotland, Bluetongue in Southern and Eastern England and Avian Influenza in the swans at Abbotsbury, in Dorset, in the West Country. Natural medicine may have a lot to offer, when conventional medicine is at a loss. However, to date, it has not been given a chance to prove its worth, despite the failure of the drug approach in such situations.

"Nature loves variety - Society hates it" (so said Professor Milton Diamond). Those who would knock homeopathy bleat on about science. I say: if science knows all the answers, who needs scientists? The nature of homeopathy can be an obstacle to belief, in that the medicines used are often diluted 'beyond the molecule'. This is a cause of incredulity, in many but why not suspend disbelief, while examining the results? In fact, I have lectured to and enjoyed dialogue with a group of atomic scientists, who had no problem getting their minds around the sub-molecular issues. If that community was not worried, with their knowledge and understanding of molecular and atomic physics, why should I be? The first rule of good science is observation and the results have to be observed. I have frequently invited veterinary surgeons, including officers of the RCVS, to attend our clinic and observe. Why has this never happened? Let's suspend disbelief, objectively examine the outcome of homeopathic intervention and worry about possible so-called 'scientific' explanations later. It is frankly unscientific to do otherwise.

Just because it took place in a laboratory does not make it science. - Chris Day

Forget the laboratory. Forget ingrained theory and beliefs. Forget entrenched loyalties. Get out in the field, roll up your sleeves and observe the results in practice. That is the start of real science. That is the only way to counter the entrenched belief system that prevents acceptance of homeopathy. 'It doesn't work because it can't work' is a fair summary of many of the arguments ranged against homeopathy and is symptomatic of belief not science.

There is a clamour for only 'evidence-based medicine' to be acceptable. This same voice calls for homeopathy to be banned for lack of evidence. Sometimes this goes beyond the polemic into rabid rant. This seems very strange in the light of a recent BMJ report on evidence-based medicine (EBM), which states that, of 2,404 human treatments so far reviewed, only 15% were shown to be to be effective. 47% were of unknown effect. This report did not address harmful side-effects, nor did it draw attention to the fact that, in most cases, the evidence is only that a drug can suppress a symptom of the disease, rather than aid the patient to overcome a disease. One cannot expect modern conventional veterinary medicine to fare much better. If calls to ban medicine that is not evidence-based were to prevail, what would happen to 85% of conventional medicine? (See also Chris Day's Blog)

Experience (one of the best forms of evidence) shows that homeopathy is able to bring about a positive result in the large majority of cases seen, even after conventional methods have failed. In addition, a recent veterinary pilot clinical outcome survey, conducted by the British Homeopathic Association, yet to be published, showed very positive results. Published papers exist, to show that homeopathy is not without effect. These are conveniently ignored by the anti-homeopathy lobby.

Those who would 'rubbish' homeopathy will often claim that its so-called successes are only in self-limiting conditions. At the AVMC, we are scientific enough to know that some cases will resolve on their own, so making interpretation of any single result quite difficult. However, in referral practice, we know that the cases seen have defied many types of input before being presented for homeopathy, thus lessening the likelihood of them being self-limiting. Of course, the results of any veterinary intervention, conventional or otherwise, must be viewed to be possibly the result of self-limitation of the condition.

The six UK veterinary schools have reduced student exposure to natural medicine, despite a unanimous motion by the AVS (Association of Veterinary Students), several years ago, for more 'alternative' content within the undergraduate curriculum. The reason for this reduction is not clear but, of course, academic posts are linked to research funding, in many cases, which comes from commerce. One veterinary school has recently re-opened the communication channel, which is very encouraging.

There are many signs of erosion of this prejudice, demonstrated by increased co-operation between vets on both ‘sides’. This is undoubtedly helped by proper ethical and professional conduct and openness, by veterinary homeopaths and by showing consideration and respect for mutual but healthy scepticism.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, until recently, separately listed the holders of the Faculty’s Membership qualification in its Register. This meant that, in homeopathy at least, there was recognition of the efforts that those vets who practice alternative medicine have put in, towards specialisation. Sadly, this listing has ceased, since 2006, for unclear reasons. The result is that it is more difficult for veterinary surgeons or for the animal-owning public to locate veterinary homeopathic referral services.

Some clients complain of resistance by veterinary surgeons to referral for homeopathy. If a veterinary practice refuses to supply a referral note or history, for homeopathic or other veterinary natural medicine, on request, then this should be a matter for discussion and diplomacy. We at the AVMC are happy to help in any way we can, on behalf of prospective clients and their animals. The RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct requires veterinary surgeons to co-operate with referrals and second opinions, when sought by clients.

If argument and professional rivalry pertain, in the management of a case, this can only be to the potential detriment of the patient. The AVMC always seeks a harmonious and co-operative route, in any dealings between veterinary surgeons. A sincere wish to help a sick animal, in any way possible, with frank and clear discussion should break down barriers. The animal patient is the priority in all our dealings and we try to ensure nothing can stand in the way of the best for the animal.

The public (i.e. the consumer) is ever more supportive of homeopathy. These days, despite residual professional prejudice, hardly a day goes by without some mention of natural medicine, in the national news or press. Twenty years ago, things were very different. In those days, an item on homeopathic medicine or organic farming, in the national press, was a very rare event.

Veterinary surgeons are not entitled to obstruct requests for referral or second opinion. On the contrary, the RCVS guidelines stipulate facilitation of such transactions. In today’s more ‘liberated’ and 'enlightened' environment, there should be no obstacle to obtaining the treatment you wish for your animal. We behave professionally and work for the benefit of the patient. This motivation should unite all vets.

Everyone is entitled to an opinion, of course. On this issue, as in so many walks of life, there appears to be a wide spectrum of differing views and reactions. There are those who are scornful, there are those that would mock, there are those who are downright hostile, there are those with little or no opinion. There are also those who are open-minded, professional and ethical enough to observe results and want for their patients anything which might help, and these are the vets who continue to ask for homeopathic help or to assist their clients in seeking homeopathic help, when asked.

At the end of all this, care and concern for animal welfare has to be the bottom line. If a system of medicine, however incredible, may help just 1% of patients not helped by established methods, it is worth exploring! It would appear that a great deal more than 1% of such patients are helped by homeopathy (outcome analysis).

At a time when there is such a high incidence of adverse reactions to prescription medicines, worldwide, many resulting in death, surely it behoves us to search earnestly for another way? The true picture of the current toll of drug medication is very obscure. According to the Center for Drug Safety (in the USA), reported Adverse Drug Events (ADEs) result in more than 2.1 million injuries each year and the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that 100,000 Americans die annually of adverse reactions to prescription drugs. That organisation also states that the FDA's Office of Drug Risk Assessment calculates only 1% of ADEs are reported. Coupling that with the very low efficacy claims (15%), made by the BMJ above, makes bleak reading.

Perhaps one of the problems homeopathy has, on its path to mainstream acceptance, is the expert?

http://www.guardiansofthestatusquo.com/

Science must look into the emerging field of bio-energetics, if it is to catch up and find some of the answers. Time should not be wasted on fruitless argument and ideological theorising.

For an introduction to the science of homeopathy: http://www.trusthomeopathy.org/case/res_toc.html

With regard to the recent rabid assaults on homeopathy within the NHS and on veterinary homeopathy, it is extremely boring and pointless for those who are more concerned with theory, dogma, reductionism and robotic and mechanistic medicine than with patient care to sound off on a subject of which they have neither experience nor understanding. Patients and patient care should be the central theme of medicine, not dogma and blinkered ideology.