This book is written as an introduction to homeopathic medicine for veterinary surgeons who would like to introduce this form of therapeutics into their practice. It will also be of value to the reader who wishes to pursue the subject at a deeper level.
The authors have extensive experience in teaching homeopathy to veterinary surgeons, doctors, nurses and veterinary nurses, both in the UK and internationally. The first part begins with the historical background, philosophy and underlying principles of homeopathy, providing a detailed discussion of the scientific basis of the discipline and veterinary evidence for its effectiveness.
Specific issues such as the theory of miasms, the bowel nosodes and the homeopathic approach to vaccination are also covered. The second part discusses each of the body systems from the homeopathic point of view. Examples of typical situations encountered in practice are given throughout, with an explanation of how remedies from the homeopathic materia medica will have been used to treat them.
In addition, there are chapters on the homeopathic management of behavioural problems, neoplasia and the geriatric patient.
John Saxton qualified from the Royal Veterinary College, London in 1964 and began his career in a mixed practice, subsequently setting up his own companion animal practice. He now combines complementary veterinary referral practice in the Leeds area with teaching. He is President, a Veterinary Fellow and an Examiner of the Faculty of Homeopathy, London and a past President of the British Association of Homeopathic Veterinary Surgeons. He is also a Recognised Teacher and Examiner for the International Association for Veterinary Homeopathy. Peter Gregory qualified from the Bristol University School of Veterinary Science in 1972 and worked in a mixed practice in the UK before spending seven years in a mixed practice on the tropical coast of North Queensland. He now works in a holistic veterinary referral centre in East Sussex. He is a Veterinary Fellow and Examiner of the Faculty of Homeopathy and President of the British Association of Homeopathic Veterinary Surgeons. He is also a Recognised Teacher for the International Association for Veterinary Homeopathy.
Reprinted with the permission of Homeopathic Links, Volume 19, Winter 2006. Reviewed by Paul Hughes, UK.
Beaconsfield Publishers have given us a reliable selection of practical homeopathic texts of sterling quality, such as Jack's 'Homeopathy in General Practice', and Foubister's 'Tutorials in Homeopathy'. The Textbook of Veterinary Homeopathy' is another which will be of interest to all intent on broadening their knowledge of practical therapeutics.
A fully comprehensive introduction written by veterinary surgeons, it is intended primarily for those already in veterinary practice. But it is more than a medical textbook. In the present era, Man has an increasingly close relationship with members of the Animal Kingdom. Not just in the domestic sense of the pet animal in the role of Man's best friend, but we now have an Animal Rights Movement which upholds the status of the animal as a sentient being with a natural right to humane treatment and care equal to humans. Although no mention is made of avian flu and its immediate implications for global human health, we are conscious that Man's relationship with animals has never been so crucial. The principle of respect for the animal patient and concern for his welfare is apparent throughout the text.
The two main sections cover Theory and Practice. Part One gives a historical survey including that of veterinary homeopathy, beginning as early as 1837 when Joseph Lux published his 'Homeopathy in the Treatment of Animals' in Germany. It proceeds on the premise that the intended reader, a veterinary surgeon, is a newcomer to homeopathy, and contains all the necessary detailed information regarding the homeopathic approach to disease and its manifestations. Fully comprehensive chapters follow on obtaining the symptoms from observation and inquiry, case-taking, constitutional prescribing, miasms, and obstacles to cure. It may be surprising to learn that animals are susceptible to miasmatic remedies derived from human diseases. There is considerable useful detailed information on Isopathy and the Use of Nosodes, and a fully explanatory section on the Use of the Bowel Nosodes.
As an introduction to homeopathy for vets, Part Two deals with practicalities.
The beauty of homeopathic therapeutics is that what applies to humans applies also to animals. The section on Behavioural Problems brings the text to life and illustrates the primary importance of understanding the disposition of the animal patient.
This book can be not only highly recommended to all vets and animal owners but could also be read by homeopaths who wish to enlarge their knowledge of veterinary homeopathy.
Reprinted with the permission of the ARH (from the Journal 'Homeopathy in Practice', Winter 2005 edition). Reviewed by Mandy Mullaney.
This is very much a textbook aimed at fulfilling the needs of the increasing number of veterinary surgeons with a genuine interest in homeopathy. It will also be of interest and benefit to those treating their own animals with homeopathy, although it is more in depth on the theory side than other books written on the same subject.
The book is divided into two main parts: 'Part I - The Theory' and 'Part II - The Practice'.
The theory section is comprehensive and very readable. There are 14 chapters in all, (The History of Homeopathy'; 'Research into Homeopathy'; 'The Remedies'; The Disease: General Considerations'; The Disease: Manifestation of Disease'; 'Obtaining the Symptoms'; 'Matching the Symptoms'; 'Practical Prescribing'; 'Constitutional Prescribing'; 'Obstacles to Cure'; 'Miasms and Their Role in Disease'; 'Isopathy and the Use of Nosodes'; 'The Bowel Nosodes'; 'Vaccination -The Homeopathic Perspective') so everything is covered from the history of homeopathy, through to case taking and prescribing and extensive information (for a relatively small book) on miasms, isopathy and bowel nosodes. All this, particularly the case taking, is with the emphasis on the patient being an animal.
I found the chapter 'Research into Homeopathy' to be of particular interest. This has an abundance of references throughout in relation to different trials and research that have been carried out through the years.
Also of great importance in this section is the chapter on vaccination. This is written from the homeopathic perspective but also takes into account the reality of the widespread use of vaccinations within the veterinary profession.
The practice section takes you through separate chapters relating to each of the anatomical systems, (The Upper Respiratory System'; 'The Lower Respiratory System'; 'The Digestive System'; 'The Stomach and Liver'; 'The Urinary System'; The Female Genital System'; The Male Genital System'; The Musculoskeletal System'; 'The Nervous System'; 'The Cardiovascular System'; The Endocrine System'; The Skin') with additional chapters on 'Surgery and First Aid', 'Behavioural Problems', 'The Geriatric Patient' and 'The Homeopathic Approach to Neoplasia'.
Each chapter starts with 'General Considerations', which give an overview of the system and information regarding common pathologies and complications with regard to conventional medications and surgery. This is followed by 'Major Modalities and Rubrics' which gives useful information for converting symptoms observed in the animal into repertory language for use in analysing the case. Lastly 'The Remedies of Major Use' are listed. Typically five main remedies for each condition are described giving a brief outline of each remedy picture and indications for use. Further to this 'Other remedies to consider' are listed with their main keynotes. Within these chapters there is reference throughout to miasmatic influences and considerations which I found to be interesting and useful information.
For what appears to be a quite a small book, there is a wealth of theoretical and practical information here. It is written with a passion for homeopathy and the whole concept of holistic care for animals. The authors take care to convey the prime importance of dietary considerations in the health of pets and farm animals. Other "actors that may present an obstacle to cure are mentioned in the specific chapter and throughout the text.
