A reader inquired about homeopathy for their cat Arya, who suffers from chronic kidney disease. While the reader's sister supports homeopathy, their veterinarian, trained in feline care, advocates against it, citing a lack of effectiveness. The response indicates that the veterinarian's recommendations should be prioritized.
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Homeopathy, which originated in the 18th century, is based on the premise that a diluted substance can stimulate healing akin to the symptoms it would cause in healthy individuals. Extensive research has shown that homeopathic treatments lack efficacy in humans, and although fewer studies exist on pets, results have been similar.
In 2015, the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia determined that there is no reliable evidence supporting the effectiveness of homeopathy for any health condition. Following this, the European Academies' Science Advisory Council in 2017 described the claims of homeopathy as implausible and inconsistent with established scientific principles. The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, part of the National Institutes of Health, also concurs and has documented adverse reactions from homeopathy, including fatalities due to toxic contaminants or improper dilution.
These organizations warn that resorting to homeopathy can be particularly dangerous if it leads to the delay of effective, evidence-based treatments. Scientific evidence supports the idea that Arya would be better off using therapies recommended by the veterinarian known to be safe and effective.
In a separate question, a reader asked about the placebo effect, which occurs when an inactive substance, or placebo, appears to cause actual improvement. The body's natural healing ability, fluctuations in disease symptoms, concurrent changes such as diet or attention, and caregiver expectations may contribute to this phenomenon.
Most veterinary placebo studies have focused on conditions like arthritis or epilepsy in dogs, and similar effects have even been observed in rats. The recognition of the placebo effect underscores the complex nature of healing.
Lee Pickett, VMD, is a practicing veterinarian in North Carolina.