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98 of 98 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very detailed book - explores homeopathic care in-depth ..., June 18, 2001
This review is from: Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs: Small Doses for Small Animals (Paperback)
A good sized book, with good binding & paper. The printing is clear, font type & size well selected & adequate. Dr. Hamilton begins by explaining how as a veterinarian, he grew he grew increasingly frustrated with the limitations `modern' veterinary care; of how he was often only able to provide temporary relief, with ailments returning time and time again. He tells of his exploration into alternative veterinary medicine and how by the mid/late 90's, he had become convinced of the benefits of natural/homeopathic sustenance, prevention & treatment. The book is essentially divided into 2 sections: a) The 1st Section contains a reasonably detailed summary of the history of homeopathic care & sustenance, its nature, philosophy and development. Dr. Hamilton carefully explains the theories and principles behind homeopathic care, of how it deals with the entire being (pet or human), seeking always to identify and treat root causes of ailments and diseases. He expresses his concerned that 'modern' medicine is too often symptom oriented, and drugs are prescribed to suppress symptoms without curing the ailment itself. With symptom suppressing medication, relief is temporary and over time, ailments often reappear in even more virulent forms. Dr. Hamilton cautions the reader of common pitfalls faced by beginners and emphasises that proper homeopathic care requires much careful & systematic observation. He tells how homeopathic care is deeply rooted in human civilisation and quickly dispels any notion that homeopathic remedies are 'quack' remedies based on old wives' tales. (b) The 2nd Section consists of a series of chapters which carefully details common disorders and diseases afflicting our dogs and pets. From skin disorders to bloat, from cuts & scratches to death-causing diseases (and practically everything else in between). The author explores causes and effects, and suggests homeopathic preventive care and remedies. Potencies & dosages of homeopathic medicines are explained. The chapter on vaccination is particularly interesting. This issue is dealt with in some detail and Dr. Hamilton is openly critical of the current vaccination practice. An extensive list of further reading & references is provided. This book requires careful reading & concentration. This is definitely not the book for a quick introduction on how to use aromatic scents & oils ... but, I suspect will be invaluable reference for anyone seriously wishing to learn homeopathic care, diagnosis and treatment. I know I'm going to have to re-read this book several times ... The book leaves no illusion about me being ready to prescribe any but the most simple of homeopathic remedies ...
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78 of 79 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The BEST Book on Veterinary Homeopathy, January 19, 2000
This review is from: Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs: Small Doses for Small Animals (Paperback)
I have read just about every book on veterinary homeopathy and this one is the best! In fact, because of the excellent chapters on the nature of disease and vaccinations, I recommend this book even for dog and cat lovers who have no interest in homeopathy. This book is an absolute must-read for anyone interested in treating their dog or cat with homeopathic remedies. Unfortunately too many people, being unaccustomed to a holistic concept of health, use homeopathic remedies in a decidedly allopathic manner; i.e., they choose a homeopathic remedy the way they would choose a drug, without taking into account the totality of the patient's symptoms and conditions. Dr. Hamilton tells you what you need to know to treat acute and minor health problems homeopathically (chronic illness needs to be treated by an experienced veterinary homeopath): how to take a case, choose a remedy, handle and administer remedies, select potency and repetitions, and recognize signs of a cure or partial cure as well as the signs of suppression or a noncurative aggravation (contrary to popular belief, not every aggravation signals a positive healing crisis). He also covers the very important subject of eliminating obstacles to a cure (e.g., low-quality processed foods, vaccinations, unnecessary stress). Dr. Hamilton also includes a Materia Medica that, while brief, is very accurate. Those with a serious interest in homeopathy will probably want to invest in at least one comprehensive materia medica and repertory though. Like the previous reviewer, I disagree with Dr. Hamilton's views on purebred dogs. IME, it's simply a myth that mixed breeds today are inherently healthier than purebred dogs. Our German Wirehaired Pointers are naturally reared and in excellent health!
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52 of 54 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The section on vaccination alone makes the book worthwhile!, March 27, 2000
This review is from: Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs: Small Doses for Small Animals (Paperback)
Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs is a comprehensive overview of homeopathic treatment of acute conditions that affect cats and dogs. Much more detailed than other such titles on my shelf, this book addresses each aspect of homeopathy, from its philsophical underpinnings to how to administer a dose. Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs is a must-have resource, if only for the section on vaccination, an issue that ought to concern all pet-owners, whether or not they have an interest in homeopathy. The study of vaccinations often leads to interest in alternative healing modalities, in which case, the buyer will have a great resource already to hand! The Materia Medica provides a less-detailed overview of remedies than a does true MM, but this hardly limits the book's value as a homeopathic resource. Most readers interested in homeopathy no doubt already own one or MMs. No one book on homeopathy can address in-depth every aspect of this fascinating healing modality; Don Hamilton covers well those areas defined by the title of his book Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs clearly delineates the divide between the opposing philosphies that drive conventional and homeopathic approaches to health. I highly recommend this book.
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