No risk .. but no benefit
ANYONE acquainted with me will know that I do not believe in the use of homeopathy on animals.
There is a simple reason. It doesn’t work. It just doesn’t.
There is no use saying: “Oh but I used this magic water or that chalk tablet and my pet got better.”
That proves nothing. In every proper clinical trial ever done, homeopathic medicines (should we even refer to them as medicines?) have failed to be efficacious.
That is not to say we should be complacent about conventional medicines, for with efficacy comes the possibility of side-effects.
While homeopathic treatment does nothing, so it risks nothing. The same cannot be said for the potent products that fill our pharmacy shelves.
In the UK, it is the job of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) to monitor all reports of suspected adverse events involving medicines.
The purpose of this pharmacovigilance is to ensure that the balance between the benefits and risks of authorised medicines remains favourable.
VMD figures show that, in 2013, 118 dogs exhibited allergic reactions to parvovirus, distemper and leptospirosis vaccines. In my view, a tiny proportion of the millions that were vaccinated and therefore protected against disease.
It is certainly worth a closer look at the VMD report for 2013. In total, the pharmacovigilance team
Akita Club of Scotland’s Championship Show in West Calder. Schedules from Mrs J Gregory, 187 Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, Fife, KY4 8LQ. Tel: 01383 received 5329 reports of adverse events.
Some 64 per cent originated from drug companies, confirming to me that they are transparent in their dealings as they are, in effect, telling on themselves.
Unsurprisingly, reports from vets were in second place at 32 per cent. There is no self-interest here either. Nobody pays vets for the considerable time involved in filing these reports. They are done for the greater good.
Worthy of comment is that 398 reports involved the use of medicines contrary to the instructions. The message here is “always read the label”.
My last snippet concerns adverse reactions in humans from veterinary medicines. Of the 144 reports, 31 per cent involved needlestick injuries. At least you can’t get those from homeopathy. 514633. Entries close on May 25.
Scottish Beagle Clubs’ Championship Show in Lanark. Schedules from Mrs D Linden, 1A Strathnairn, Law, Lanarkshire, ML8 5LL. Tel: 01698 359036. Entries close May 25.