Claire Davies works as a small animal vet primarily at our Stratton branch and offers both Homeopathy and acupuncture for pets. She is also happy to offer homeopathic treatment for farm animals and horses.
Claire holds the Vet. MF Hom. qualification, and has been combining homeopathy and acupuncture into the treatment of a varied list of conditions for 15 years.
Dedicated complementary medicine clinics are held at our Stratton and Holsworthy branches, and clients of other veterinary clinics are welcomed when referred.
To arrange an appointment for a consultation, please phone the appropriate branch on the normal contact number and request a homeopathy or acupuncture appointment with Claire.
Holsworthy: (01409)253418
Stratton: (01288)359500
What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a system of medicine which works on the principal of "Let like be treated with like". In other words a remedy known to cause a particular set of symptoms when given in concentrated form to a healthy individual can be used highly diluted to cure these same symptoms when they are observed as part of a disease process.
Homeopathic remedies
Homeopathic remedies are prepared from varied sources including plants, minerals and animals (Snake venom, spiders, bees). Substances are dissolved in water:alcohol base, repeatedly diluted and sucussed(shaken) until often none of the original ingredient remains.
The remedies used are all prepared by a licensed homeopathic pharmacy. However no homeopathic medicine is specifically licensed for use in veterinary practice.
Remedies are administered orally in small tablets, or via drinking water. If stored correctly, remedies have almost limitless shelf-life. Care must be taken to avoid handling the remedy; they must be stored in the original container in which they are dispensed away from heat, cold, direct sunlight and strong smelling substances.
Holistic approach
Homeopathy is a complementary form of medicine. It can be used alone in both acute and chronic conditions or in combination with conventional medicine and surgery, acupuncture, nutraceuticals and diet etc. as deemed most appropriate for the individual animal.
Claires objective with each case is to take as broad a view -a holistic approach- as possible to prescribe and advise according to what is best suited to that animal and its particular circumstances.
What can be treated homeopathically?
Answer: almost anything!
Homeopathy is useful in a huge range of conditions and even where a definitive diagnosis has not been able to be made including:
- Heart and chest disease
- Digestive problems
- liver and kidney disease
- Skin conditions
- Hormonal problems
- Arthritis
- Back problems
- Immune system disease
- Viral disease
- Tumours and cancers
- Mental disturbances- Epilepsy, head trauma, behavioural problems, phobias, aggressions etc.
The consultation
A homeopathic consultation is considerably longer than its conventional counterpart, typically lasting 30-45 minutes; detailed information is sought about the animal's particular problem. The patient's general health, its character and behaviour are also carefully investigated.
A physical examination is included and, where appropriate, conventional diagnostic methods such as blood sampling, ultrasound scanning, Xrays etc. may be recommended.
It is not always possible to prescribe a remedy immediately, particularly after ther first consultation where a lot of information needs to be assesssed and analysed to lead to more accurate prescribing.
Rarely is it possible to 'cure' a problem on a first visit, repeat consultations are usually necessary to assess response to the remedy prescribed. A change in symptoms needs to be matched by changing the remedy. disease problems that have been present for many months or years are going to take time to resolve. Follow-up consultations are often much shorterthan the first- typically 10-20 minutes and will be priced accordingly whether carried out in person or by phone. Remedies are relatively inexpensive.
Consultation fee
Clinics are charged on a time basis of £ (+VAT) per 5 minutes