VetSurgeon.org has joined forces with referral practitioner Alex Gough to conduct a survey into the profession's attitude to the use of homeopathy in animals.
Whilst the debate continues to rage over its use in human medicine, this is believed to be the first time that there has been a survey of opinion within the veterinary profession.
Alex Gough said: "This should give us an interesting insight into how practitioners feel about one of the more well-known systems of alternative medicine. That in turn may add something to the broader debate outside the veterinary profession."
Arlo said: "We really need as many veterinary surgeons as possible to take part, in order to get the most accurate picture. There are only 8 questions, and it should take less than a minute."
Click here (veterinary surgeons only), to take part in the survey.
PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vets.
I tried the homeopathy survey, but stopped as the questions polarised a more complex argument. I would like to see the questions extended to address perceptions of evidence, eg allowing a response to Q5 as “an unproven form of vet med”, Q3 to include “if an appropriate evidence base demonstrated, to Q4 “do you feel there is a condition where an evidence base exists for homeopathy, etc
The key for me is evidence base, and I feel this to be missing in homeopathy. Medicinal products are required to demonstrate an evidence base prior to registration. Not so for homeopathy. I feel adding questions about vets views on the evidence base for homeopathy will allow a more informed debate, and highlight potential avenues to drive wider acceptance, eg by demonstrating efficacy in a controlled clinical trial.