Horses are strong, powerful creatures, but at the same time they can be fragile and fall ill with a variety of illnesses that, sometimes, do not appear to respond to conventional medicine. Many horse owners turn to homeopathy in an effort to cure physical, behavioural and emotional problems. So what's it all about, does it really work and how can you use it at home?
What is involved in Homeopathy?
NIH.gov tells us in 'Homeopathy: An Introduction' that homeopathic medicine was developed in Germany over 200 years ago, and has been used ever since to cure a range of problems in humans and animals. It is used for prevention of illness as well as treatment of them. It works on the basic premise that 'like treats like'. It uses highly diluted natural substances to trigger the natural healing process and has no side effects as it simply helps stimulate nature. NIH.gov tells us that in 2007, 3.9 million adult Americans turned to homeopathic remedies.
Does Homeopathic Medicine work on Horses?
According to the British homeopathic association little research has been carried out into veterinary homeopathy. But the studies that have been undertaken show favourable results that show outcomes that are at least equal to antibiotics. It is important to stress that it is illegal in Britain for any one other than a veterinary surgeon to administer homeopathic treatments to your horse. You are able to administer to your own animal but nobody else's. Christopher Day MCRVS, states in 'Worldofhorses.co.uk; that the suggestion, by some skeptics, that homeopathic medicine has only a placebo effect can not hold true for equines, as they have no knowledge of the medication that is being administered to them. He also states that an increasing number of vets are using homeopathic medication where conventional medication has failed. He states that it is particularly effective in cases of COPD, head shaking, mud fever, navicular and sweet itch where other, more conventional cures have failed.
How Homeopathic Assessment and Treatment is Carried out on Horses
The assessment process during a homeopathic consultation can be a long and complicated one. Christopher Day MCRVS points out that, just as no two humans are the same, the same rule applies to horses. The Holistic Veterinary Medicine centre' says that, as homeopathy is a holistic treatment, then questions are asked about a wide range of things about the horse such as character, environmental conditions and nutritional needs.' Hvmc.info ' often uses homeopathy in conjunction with other treatments such as acupuncture. Once the decision has been made by the vet which treatment would be the most useful it is usually delivered in pellet or liquid form and is added to feed or, in some cases, horses will happily just swallow it on its own. 'Equi-therapy.net' tells us that it is vital that the remedies never come into contact with human skin as this can neutralise the effect of the substance. It is always recommended that only one substance is used at a time so that its efficacy can be noted.
Treating Your Own Horse: Homeopathy as First aid
Although it is illegal to practice homeopathy on any one else's horse unless you are a qualified veterinary surgeon, you are allowed to treat your own horse, though caution is recommended. Some of the better known and common cures are as follows:
- Arnica- used for all forms of bruising and soft tissue damage. Strains and sprains.
- Calendula- Injuries, minor abrasions, cuts, bites and stings.
- Aconite- Colic, Laminitis and Gastric ulcers
It is important to note that these are shown for information purposes rather than as a 'how to' guide.
If you are in any doubt about your horse's health, always contact your veterinary surgeon as your first port of call.
Catherine Monk - Hello there! My name is Catherine and i have been writing for a few months now and loving every minute of it. I have a number of articles ...
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