How does it work?
Homoeopathy is based on the principal that “like cures like”. This means that something that can produce a disease can also cure it, that is, if it is manufactured according to Homoeopathic methods. For example, Dr Hahnemann knew there was a cure for Malaria. The bark of the Peruvian Bark tree could be brewed and the liquid given to the suffers of Malaria. This is where Quinine originated, and most of us know Quinine is used in the treatment of Malaria.

Dr Hahnemann went further and took the brew himself and realised that it could give him what looked like Malaria, the same thing happened when he gave it to his family and medical students. He went even further and diluted the brew and found with each dilution it worked better. This is the second principal, the power of the minimum dose. According to this rule a prepared substance increases in strength the more it is diluted. Homoeopathic medicines are diluted to infinitesimal proportions so the toxic properties of some substances become harmless to the body. When the correct specific remedy is given it stimulates the immune system to heal itself.

Can I use Homoeopathy with vet Treatment?
Homoeopathy does not replace veterinary treatment but is a wonderful adjunct and at times when your vet is closed or out of reach there are some great Homoeopathic first aid remedies you can use to get your horse out of trouble. You can give a remedy while waiting for the vet or use Homoeopathic treatment in conjunction with veterinary care.

Those complaints that take a very long time to heal can often be speeded up with Homoeopathic treatment. For example tendon & ligament injuries. Progress of these injuries can always be checked by ultrasound so the horse is not in danger of returning to work too soon.

What conditions are treatable?

• Greasy Heel
• Itch
• Cuts & lacerations
• Wounds which become infected
• Proud flesh
• Wounds which don’t respond to antibiotics
• Lameness
• Ringbone
• Pedal osteitis
• Tendon and ligament damage
• Anhidrosis
• Sarcoids
• Stomach Ulcers
• Swollen Joints

Many other complaints can also respond to Homoeopathic treatment. Always check with your vet so you know exactly what condition your horse has and what treatment is available.

Does the age of the horse matter?
Homoeopathy is safe for new born foals or really old horses. In older horses with joint degeneration it does not cure but can help with pain and swelling, thereby helping the horse get around more comfortably. In young horses it stimulates the immune system and assimilation of nutrients so development becomes more normal. Veterinary advice is always recommended for joint diseases.

How Long before I notice results?
Time frames are always difficult to give people. This always depends on the condition being treated. Always consult your vet if you are worried or have serious problems. Acute problems like colics should respond within the hour, more chronic problems like ringbone may take 3 to 4 weeks before any change is observed. Wound infections should respond within a couple of days. Greasy Heel should respond within the first week of treatment. If response is slow or absent always contact your Homoeopath.

Can Homoeopathy be used as a preventative?
Most certainly the best advice is to keep your horse healthy so he or she doesn’t get sick. I give a treatment for the immune system, this helps to keep all the systems working at their optimum level. Especially if you are showing your horse or doing something like endurance riding it helps to reduce the strain on the horse’s body.

Will Homoeopathy help when everything else has been tried?
Most of the time these are the problems we as Homoeopaths are asked to treat. Homoeopathy can influence such a wide range of complaints it’s always worth an enquiry.

What sort of dosing is given?
The dose for a horse is usually 1/4 of an eye dropper or .25 ml given orally onto the inside bottom lip. Homoeopathic medicine is absorbed directly into the animal’s body via the mucous membranes. The size & weight of the horse is irrelevant. There is no risk of overdosing with Homoeopathy and for show purposes Homoeopathic treatment is not swabable. The horse is responding to the stimulus of the remedy rather than an actual physiological substance . The frequency of dosing is important, more acute complaints require more frequent dosing. Chronic complaints less dosing. All instructions are clearly written on the bottle.

Is consultation necessary?
Homoeopathy does not replace veterinary assessment, and often XRay/ultrasound findings are useful in determining the correct remedy for your horse. Professional Homoeopathic consultation is necessary before treatment can be given. For all health problems or if symptoms persist please consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. Your horse’s well being is of prime importance.