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Homeopathy:Homeopathy:Something from “Nothing”?Something from “Nothing”?

Lynn S. Peck, DVM, M.S.

Gainesville, Florida

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Homeopathy for First Aid and Homeopathy for First Aid and TraumaTrauma

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Learning HomeopathyLearning HomeopathyIntroductory Courses

– National Center for Homeopathy (NCH)Professional Level Courses (9-12 mos.)

– Professional Course in Veterinary HP– Human Courses

Continuing Education– Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy– American Institute of Homeopathy– NCH

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Get Training!Get Training!

Beginners: First aid, basic applicationsAnything else: In-depth study needed!

– System of medicine– Not a patchwork quilt

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Multiple ModalitiesMultiple Modalities

Use of HP with other modalities– Conventional or CAVM

+ Nutrition, nutraceuticals, Bachflowers, manipulation

- Chinese herbs, strong herbs, acupuncture, energy-based therapies

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Additional InformationAdditional InformationUsing Homeopathy: First stepsUsing Homeopathy: First steps

Know basic principles– Single remedy at a time

–Selecting potency*–Assessing response–When to repeat or wait

*In an emergency, the best potency is the one you have!

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DosingDosing

Not based on body weightMedicines contact mucous

membranes 1 pellet sufficient but easy to loseSmall animals: 3-5 pelletsLarge animals: 8-10 pellets

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First StepsFirst Steps

Learn First Aid type remedies–Acute trauma, post-op pain

Study remedies: Materia Medica–Keynote symptoms–Compare remedies for similar conditions

Have some basic remedies on hand

RepetitionRepetition

HP remedies stimulate a reaction of the Vital Force

Like key in car ignition:

-- Once the motor starts, no need to keep turning the key.

-- If the motor stalls, turn the key again!Repeat when response has run its course

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RepetitionRepetition

High potencies longer effectLow potencies shorter effect

Severe/life-threatening: repeat frequently–Every 10-15 min for high potencies–Every 2-5 min for low potencies

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RepetitionRepetition

Acute: usually see response in 1-3 doses

If no response, may be wrong remedy.

If response, then stops:–Repeat remedy?–Need higher potency?–Need 2nd remedy?

Homeopathic remedies remain potent for yearsKeep remedies away from:

– Radiation sources (sunlight); magnets– Heat >120 °F– Strong odors: coffee, menthol, eucalyptus,

essential oils (aromatherapy)Do not touch remedies w/ finger

– Pour into bottle or syringe cap, white paper– Or dissolve in small volume of water

Keep bottle tightly capped when not in use

Care and Handling of HP RemediesCare and Handling of HP Remedies

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Homeopathic Remedies for Homeopathic Remedies for Some Common Acute ConditionsSome Common Acute Conditions

TraumaTrauma

ARNICA MONTANA: 1st remedy in physical/emotional trauma. Excellent pain relief

– Bruising/blunt trauma w/o lacerations– Broken bones – Head or spinal trauma

Oozing, passive hemorrhage__ After surgical operations: equine castration.

May draw back when approached.

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TraumaTraumaHYPERICUM* Injuries to area rich in nerve endings

– fingers, toes, nails, coronary band Crushing injuries, punctures, amputations Head/spinal trauma after Arnica fully acts Lumbosacral/coccygeal pain, after a fall May treat tetanus Preserves vitality of torn/lacerated tissues almost

entirely separated from the body.

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Bleeding ProblemsBleeding Problems

Bright red blood From superficial vessels:

– ACONITUM: esp from surgery; fear– PHOSPHORUS: “small wounds bleed much”

Profuse, gushing, bright red blood:– IPECAC.

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Bleeding ProblemsBleeding Problems

Oozing, passive hemorrhage Related to surgical operations: ARNICA*

– e.g., equine castration.

Venous/capillary bleeding: HAMAMELIS– dark blood; – weakness from loss of blood

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Post-Operative PainPost-Operative Pain

STAPHYSAGRIA Incisional pain Abdominal pain from surgery Especially if any symptoms of anger

BELLIS PERENNIS Deep tissue bruising (pelvic, abdominal) Post-partum pain after hard labor/dystocia.

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Post-Operative Pain: OrthopedicsPost-Operative Pain: Orthopedics

Muscle pain: ARNICA

Bone/periosteal pain: SYMPHYTUM– Speeds fracture healing– Eye blunt trauma

Nerve injury/amputation: HYPERICUM

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Post-Operative Pain: OrthopedicsPost-Operative Pain: Orthopedics

Joint/tendon/ligament pain: Better with motion:

– RHUS TOX– RUTA GRAVEOLENS -- esp. flexor tendons & carpus

-- Weakness; bruised feeling Worse with motion:

– BRYONIA -- esp. if irritable/angry and thirsty

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Fear, Terror, PanicFear, Terror, Panic

ACONITE*: Animals who come into the exam or

waiting room terrified Injured animals in shock Sudden fear before going into the

show ring Corneal injuries

Humane Society study: Aconite and URI in cats

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BurnsBurns

CANTHARIS– From Spanish Fly (cantharadin)

First and Second degree burns – with blisters

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Case: Fox with Burned FeetCase: Fox with Burned Feet

Young fox kit ~ 3 months oldRescued after forest fireSevere burns on paw padsTreated with aloe ~10-14 days with some

improvement but still couldn’t walkCantharis 1M potency p.o. – 2 dosesNext day walking comfortably

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Slow Anesthetic Recovery;Slow Anesthetic Recovery;Debilitated AnimalsDebilitated Animals

CARBO VEGETABILIS (“Corpse Reviver”) Extremities feel cold to touch/gums bluePatient is weak, coldLife force seems to be ebbing

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LacerationsLacerations

Sharp incision-type: STAPHYSAGRIA Infected wounds: HYPERICUM Very painful wounds: HYPERICUM

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LacerationsLacerations

Ragged/gaping or large surface area wounds: CALENDULA*

– Prevent infection/discourages proud flesh– Speeds granulation of wide, open wounds.– Do not use with puncture type wounds! – Note: the HERBAL TINCTURES (diluted) of

Calendula and Hypericum make an excellent wound solution/wet dressing. Tingling/burning sensation at first then tissue heals rapidly and cleanly.

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Wounds: Puncture-Type/BitesWounds: Puncture-Type/Bites

LEDUMBite wounds: Animal, insect; ticksWounded parts are coldWill cause punctures to gape open (cleaning)May prevent tetanus if given shortly after

puncture wound.

(HYPERICUM* for painful/sensitive wounds.)

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ReproductionReproduction Not accepting puppies: SEPIA

– Doesn’t take care of pups/wants to destroy them

Lactation: insufficient milk or not drying up after weaning: PULSATILLA.

Uterine inertia during labor: CAULOPHYLLUM

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ABSCESSES: ABSCESSES: Silicea Silicea

Painless abscesses– Draining– Recurring/not healing– Foreign body?

Patient seeks warmth Nice or timid behavior Thirsty

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ABSCESSES: ABSCESSES: Hepar Sulphuris Hepar Sulphuris

Very painful abscesses– Not draining

Patient seeks warmth Irritable or nasty behavior Thirsty Helps prevent or treat cellulitis

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ABSCESSES: ABSCESSES: Mercurius vivus (Sol.)Mercurius vivus (Sol.)

Ulcerating, smelly, discharging abscesses Very painful Lots of saliva, gum problems, red gums,

bad breath odor Sensitive to both heat and cold Very thirsty

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Homeopathy for Wildlife RehabHomeopathy for Wildlife Rehab

WildAgain Wildlife Rehab (CO)– Teach and use homeopathy extensively– Preble’s meadow jumping mouse

Endangered species (CO)/ USFWS supervised

– West Nile Virus in raptors, birds of prey

Florida Wildlife Care

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Other Homeopathic-Based Other Homeopathic-Based TherapeuticsTherapeutics

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NosodesNosodes

Made from disease products (discharges, saliva, secretions, etc.

Used prophylactically in times of epidemics with good success

Chris Day kennel coughMeningitis outbreak (Brazil 1998)

– 91% protection (n=90,000)Substitute for vaccinations???

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HomotoxicologyHomotoxicology

Variation introduced by ReckewigUses HP combination remedies and

“chords” (multiple potencies of single remedy)

Based on observations, theory of cell toxins and progression of phases of injury from disturbance to inflammation to degeneration

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Homotoxicology: Feline Hypertrophic Homotoxicology: Feline Hypertrophic CardiomyopathyCardiomyopathy

8 yr m/n DSH indoor only cat5/2003 dx’d Fe HCM

– Gr III/VI R systolic murmur– HR 197; L ventricle small– Echo: IVSeptum 7.8 mm– LVPW d/s 7.8/9.4 mm– Minor mitral regurgitation– CBC, Chem,T4 WNL– Tx: homotoxicology only (6 formulations)

Palmquist et al, JAHVMA, 2006 25(1):30-37

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Homotoxicology: Feline Hypertrophic Homotoxicology: Feline Hypertrophic CardiomyopathyCardiomyopathy

12/2005– HR 147 to 164 for last 22 mos.– All chambers normal size– Echo: IVSeptum 7.8 7.2– LVPW d/s 7.8/9.4 5.4/6.8– Valves normal, no regurg.

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Bach Flower RemediesBach Flower RemediesEdward Bach (British physician, 1930s)

– Devoted himself to study emotional components of illness and their treatment.

– Identified 37 flowers whose extracts had beneficial effects on emotions.

– Widely recognized and used around the world in people and animals for 70 years.

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Bach Flower Remedies - PreparationBach Flower Remedies - Preparation

Extraction in water under sunlightSmall amount of brandy or vinegar as

preservativeNo fragrance or taste except that of the

alcohol or vinegar. **Cats dislike the alcohol and are best

given either non-alcoholic or diluted remedies if alcohol was used.

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Bach Flower Remedies - PreparationBach Flower Remedies - Preparation

Remedies given in small (1 to 4 drops) volumes

Act through nerve endings in the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, or eyes

Can be absorbed through skin.There are no known side effects to the

remedies.

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Using Flower EssencesUsing Flower Essences

Stock solution: dilute without losing effectiveness

Single essence– Put 4 to 6 drops of extract into one ounce of

water in a dropper bottle. Multiple essences

– Mix up to 4 extracts at a time, as above.– Agitate sharply several times before each use.

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Using Flower EssencesUsing Flower Essences

Put a few drops in the animal’s mouth.– Cats: top of head and tips of ears.

Wait a few minutes and repeat as needed. Acute: Effects last only a few minutes (enough

time to take a blood sample or give an injection).

Use daily (4 drops 4 x day or put in drinking water) for chronic situations

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Rescue Remedy™Rescue Remedy™A combination of 5 flower extracts

– also sold as Calming Essence™ or 5 Flower Remedy

General remedy for stress, anxiety, trauma, fear, grief, pain, shock.

Scared, traumatized, or difficult to manage animals

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Rescue Remedy: Uses Rescue Remedy: Uses

Emergencies: Administer a few drops orally, topically, or via atomizer, repeating every 5 min. until effect.– Animals in shock, newborn puppies or

kittens that are weak; before or after a seizure.

Post-Op recovery: helps wake unconscious animals; reduce pain, calm anxious states of mind.

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Rescue Remedy: Uses Rescue Remedy: Uses Terminally ill animals for pain, stress,

restlessness. Animals (and people) grieving.Before a household move: cats and nervous dogs.When adopting a new animal Travelling: Give one or more doses by mouth

starting 20 min before departure. Repeat as needed.

Long road trips: start dosing several days before departure, and continue several times daily as needed during the trip.

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Rescue Remedy StudyRescue Remedy Study

Effects on shipping stress in lab ratsTwo groups of 20 S/D rats

– Newly arrived at Animal Care ServicesControls: normal food and waterTreatment: Rescue Remedy in water (free

choice)Housed in same room, 2/cageWeighed animals, food, water daily for 8 days

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Rescue Remedy Study1Actual Mean Weight Change 1Wk

0.0

10.0

20.0

30.0

gra

ms

Mean Trt Mean Ctrl

Rescue Remedy Study 1Actual Mean Start &1-Wk Ending Wts.

0.025.050.075.0100.0125.0150.0175.0200.0

225.0250.0275.0

Start Finish

gra

ms

MeanTrt

MeanCtrl

Rescue Remedy Study 1Individual Rat Wt. Gain 8 days

-10

0

10

20

30

gra

ms

Trt d8-0 gain Ctrl d8-0 gain

Mean Food Intake

Trt: 56.4 +/- 2.0 gCtl: 51.9 +/- 5.7 g p = 0.06

p = 0.002

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Other Bachflower remedies:Other Bachflower remedies:For Fear:

– Aspen: non-specific fears– Mimulus: specific fears– Rock Rose: terrified, panic-stricken

Thunderstorm anxiety: Use these 3 in combination; 4 drops of mix 4 times/day. Aspen gives a sense of fearlessness to disregard danger or difficulties, so Rescue Remedy is a better choice for scared animals in the clinic.

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ReproductionReproduction

Not accepting puppies: SEPIA– Doesn’t take care of/wants to destroy them

Lactation: insufficient milk or not drying up after weaning: PULSATILLA.

Uterine inertia during labor: CAULOPHYLLUM.

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Wounds: Puncture-Type/BitesWounds: Puncture-Type/Bites

Wounded parts are cold: LEDUM– May prevent tetanus if given immediately

after puncture wound.– Will cause puncture wounds to gape open

HYPERICUM for wounds that are more painful/sensitive than appearance indicates.

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LacerationsLacerations

Sharp incision-type: STAPHYSAGRIA Ragged/gaping wounds: CALENDULA

– Bleeding wounds/Large pieces of flesh torn – Prevent infection/discourages proud flesh– Speeds granulation of wide, open wounds.– Do not use in puncture type wounds! – Tingling/burning sensation at first then tissue

heals rapidly and cleanly.

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HYPERICUMHYPERICUM

Very painful or infected lacerationsPreserves vitality of torn and lacerated

tissues when almost entirely separated from the body.

Tincture or gel: excellent wound dressing for painful wounds and burns.

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Vaccinations and ChemicalsVaccinations and Chemicals

Chronic Disease resulting from or ill effects after vaccination: THUJA

– Chelsea and jaw mass/pain– Rabies Vaccine-related: LYSSIN

Chemical effects: NUX VOMICA– Acute post-ketamine blindness in cats– Detoxification in general

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