Homeopathic vet convicted of cruelty

RE: Homeopathic vet convicted of cruelty

Arlo Guthrie — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 10:15:54 GMT

Hi Roger. Thank you for posting. Good to have some criticism from the other side of the fence (I mean that)! To restate the known facts that I have reported: Mrs Rodale was a homeopathic vet. The animal in question was treated both conventionally and with homeopathy. That's all. Personally, I think that raises a question as to whether the veterinary surgeon in question prioritised homeopathic treatment, or allowed their belief in homeopathy to colour their decision-making, but I stayed clear of making any such inference in the story, because frankly, I don't know. Members are not asked to sign the Campaign For Rational Veterinary Medicine on the basis of this story, but it is tangentially relevant, hence the inclusion of the link at the foot. Roger, I would really value the opportunity to engage in a proper, reasonable discussion about the issues surrounding homeopathy with you in the main forums, but quite understand why you might not feel the same!

RE: Homeopathic vet convicted of cruelty

Arlo Guthrie — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 12:27:47 GMT

Beanolive, not sure I agree with the description 'biased' (which is defined as an unfair prejudice against something). I'd prefer to think my position on homeopathy is just a rational, informed position. Veterinary surgeons who offer homeopathy commonly describe themselves as homeopathic vets, so it is perfectly reasonable that I do so too. The headline is therefore accurate. Whilst you are right, this case highlighted faults in the animal's conventional treatment, it is a fact that it was treated homeopathically (ie with water) too, which raises an important question about whether the veterinary surgeon elected to prioritise homeopathy (ie administering water) over other, more important aspects of care (such as adequate pain relief or taking an x-ray). We don't know the answer to that question, but I disagree with you that it is a 'small issue'. The degree to which homeopathic practitioners' decision-making may be affected by their belief in homeopathy is important. Finally, the last paragraph does not invite people to sign the petition on the strength of this story. I stand by the story as being factually (and in every other way) correct.

RE: Homeopathic vet convicted of cruelty

Roger Meacock — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 11:35:16 GMT

This incident has nothing to do with homeopathy. This vet also gave allopathic medicine. An equally appropriate and misdirected title would have been "Conventional vet convicted of cruelty". If on that basis CAM vets called for all vets to be stopped from working using allopathic medicines no doubt such a statement and bias would get the derision it deserves. As I put in my comment on Vet Times that was trimmed of this point, Arlo, if the shoe was on the other foot and there was a move to restrict the freedom of the press I doubt you'd be supportive of such action or be campaigning to spread support. Beware of tarring all homeopathic vets with the same brush especially when it's not relevant, because if we extrapolate such actions to non-homeopathic practice there wouldn't be any vets left to practice if the majority are damned by the action of 1.

RE: Homeopathic vet convicted of cruelty

Steve Johnson — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 21:10:40 GMT

Sorry Beanolive but how can giving an animal water take 'a lot of training and skill'?

I mean, you might fall over and hurt yourself I guess...

RE: Homeopathic vet convicted of cruelty

Beanolive — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 15:55:07 GMT

Biased as always, coming from you, Arlo! This vet has a record of poor professional conduct in any way possible, so it is not surprising that she cannot treat an animal safely with anything, that includes homeopathy, which takes a lot of training and skill. The title is totally inappropriate, as the vet in question is not a homeopathic vet but a vet - and a poor one it seems. The last encouragement to vote against homeopathy on the strength of this 'article' is unnecessary and with emphasis on a small issue in an obviously poorly judged case of malpractice in any way possible.

Please get the facts right instead of making articles with headlines just for the sake of it.

RE: Homeopathic vet convicted of cruelty

Arlo Guthrie — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 15:06:14 GMT

Ed's note: updated the article to answer your question, Wynne.

RE: Homeopathic vet convicted of cruelty

Hannah Wynne Richards — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 17:09:29 GMT

I wonder if poor Dangerous had homropathic "treatment"?

Wynne