This book review is reprinted from the British Homoeopathic Journal Volume 75, Number 4, October 1986, with permission from Peter Fisher, Editor.
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The Raystede Handbook of Homoeopathic Remedies for Animals.
By M. Raymond- Hawkins MBVE and George MacLeod DVSM, MRCVS.

An interesting little book designed to superficially introduce the reader (mostly pet owner, not vet) to the potential, scope, principles and some applications of homoeopathic remedies in the small, very small and large pet. It is not intended as a serious textbook on the subject but more as a pocket guide and 'interest' book for the interested lay person.

The book is inspired by the veterinary work carried out by a vet, 'Uncle George', at the Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare in Sussex. It takes as its theme the experience of a child of the family, Peter, in his association with the veterinary surgeon. It starts with an introduction to homoeopathic methods and philosophy which sadly loses its track during discussion of 'vital force' but nonetheless gets over the difference in approach between homoeopathy and conventional medicine.

There are then four sections running through problems encountered first in dogs, then cats and subsequently small childrens' pets and outdoor large pets. All these are put in the context of animals brought to the veterinary surgery, or visited at the Centre.

Five common remedies are discussed with their First Aid implications in Section Five and there then follow four sections of questions taken from a local radio phone-in with the vet. These are usefully separated into cats, dogs, horses and general.

There follows a section on potency and a report on a school debate on the subject, homoeopathy being supported by Peter.

The school visit to the Centre is then discussed, followed by an anecdotal report on the 'Resurrection of Chicken Little'.

Throughout the entire book are packed innumerable small anecdotal stories of patients and illness, these providing the basis of information on homoeopathic treatments. Without doubt these will be of help to the interested owner keen to provide a bit of 'self help' for his or her pet, and as a 'taster' for homoeopathy this book will have a part to play, at the same time making interesting reading as a result of the great variety of cases discussed. There is one unfortunate error on page 26 where roundworms and tapeworms appear to have been confused, but otherwise it is a very informative little book.

C. E. I. DAY

The British Homoeopathic Journal
Volume 75, Number 4, October 1986