When my feral cat Joey got into a fight with another cat his front leg swelled out noticeably. In the past I had to set a humane trap and hope to catch him, bring him to my vet where she would lance his abscess and treat him with antibiotics. Lots of trauma both to me and the cat. Now I treat him with Silicea 200c or 30c once and the abscess opens and drains. It is amazing how well these work.
What are homeopathic remedies and how do they work? I will be brief in my answer but will suggest books to read for more information.
Homeopathy is a branch of medicine which states that any substance which can cause symptoms of illness can also be used in the treatment of any condition showing similar symptoms. Like treats like in simple terms. The more alike the remedy is to the illness the better the match. Since pets can't tell us what is wrong, observation of the animal and how it reacts to outside stimulation comes into play rather than actual communication.
Homeopathic remedies are obtained from all natural sources - plants, animals, minerals and their compounds. Homeopathy is not herbal medicine.Preparation is a scientific procedure based on a series of dilutions and succussions which is capable of rendering even a poisonous substance safe to use.
In general higher potencies which are more energized than lower ones should be used for acute conditions whereas the lower potencies are more commonly used for chronic conditions.
Remedies are sold as pellets and powders or water dilutions with alcohol. Some pets will accept the pellets or powders but I find that dissolving the items in water and administering in a plastic syringe is best. Sometime I have to resort to giving the remedy in food or milk. It still works. It is very important not to actually touch the pellets with your fingers - so as not to contaminate them. Pour them into a small container to mix with liquid or to pop in the animal's mouth. If nothing happens, then try another remedy. I have not had any negative reactions in the ten years I have used homeopathy.
A very good book that describes homeopathic remedies in detail is Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs, Small Doses for Small Animals by Don Hamilton, DVM. Another book for written for humans but with a very detailed description of the remdies and how they are made is The Family Guide to Homeopathy by Alain Horvilleur, MD
