Evidence-based Veterinary Homeopathy

This lecture was conceived out of two complementary needs. I have always harbored an interest in the science behind homeopathy: explanations for what make those little white pellets perform such miraculous actions on the body. And I have observed that veterinarians who practice homeopathy are rightfully consumed with clinical matters, namely how to become better prescribers to increase success rates, to the exclusion of time to review literature on the science of homeopathy. Meanwhile, the demand to prove the “scientific” nature of homeopathy is increasing. As denialists find their way into regulatory boards, either by direct membership or by influence, falsehoods about the lack of studies in homeopathy are easily perpetuated. Yet veterinarians who practice homeopathy are largely ignorant of the wealth of studies that refute such claims. It was only logical that I embark upon a project to collate the relevant studies out there. In my travels through PubMed and other sites, while searching with such words as “meta-analysis” and “bias,” I came across numerous studies, published in mainstream conventional journals, that cast doubt upon the entire publication process and trustworthiness of “evidence.” Since the point of this paper is to focus on homeopathy, I have merely introduced some of these other papers in an effort to put the whole “evidence based medicine” concept in perspective. One of my goals is to provide my colleagues with material to present at other meetings. I encourage you to lift as much from this paper as you need to. Along those lines, in lecturing on the evidence in the past, I have found that it is crucial to make sure the audience has a basic understanding of homeopathy so that the unique considerations, especially in clinical trials, can be understood. Accordingly, I have included lecture notes in the first section below that are purely for your use should you choose to lecture on the topic in the future. This first portion focuses on homeopathy: what it is, how it is applied in practice (the nuts and bolts), basic principles, the remedies (how they are prepared, sources, administration), and indications. The second part focuses on the “evidence” supporting homeopathy, particularly the ultramolecular doses, provings, and clinical efficacy. The notes below on the evidence in homeopathy are highly incomplete, and intended to highlight some of the more important and interesting studies only. Where applicable, resources are provided that contain more thorough lists and/or reviews of the research.