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Strange Rare and Peculiar Animals
Homeopathic Management of Acute Injury and Illness for The SRP by Doug R. Yearout, DVM (USA) This article first appeared in the Winter 2020 edition of the Journal of The Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy
Introduction
Avian, exotic pet and wildlife species present a unique set of health problems that are difficult to master whether using allopathic or holistic modalities. First and foremost, it takes a thorough understanding, and knowledge of what to expect from these species when they are not sick – the so-called “what is normal” of countless species. It behoves the practitioner to have a solid background in natural history, behavior, habitat management, and husbandry in the free roaming wild, and in the captive environments. So many of the diseases, befallments, and indispositions observed are directly due to ill-informed caretakers who may mean well, but who offer inadequate, or downright poor quality of care, including, and especially nutrition and environmental requirements.
I have been fortunate to possess a background in wildlife biology, zoology, botany and earth sciences, so it was a natural progression through conventional veterinary training as well as postgraduate homeopathy programs. I wanted to seek out and to treat all of the strange, rare, or peculiar semi- domesticated animals, and wildlife presented to the practice. I know I’ve not seen it all yet, but it can be said that plenty of seriously weird things have come through the doors in 35 years. Somewhere along that way, the transition was made from the harsh realities of conventional medicine, to the more energetic, vitalistic and nurturing ways of non-traditional alternative care.