A survey to determine the perceptions of veterinarians towards homoeopathy and the utilization of homoeopathy by veterinarians in KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

In order to determine the perceptions of veterinarians towards homoeopathy and the utilization of homoeopathy by veterinarians in KwaZulu-Natal, a survey was sent out to 128 veterinarians practicing in the area. The questionnaire consisted of 6 demographic and 26 veterinary related questions. In most cases the respondents had to tick off a pre-printed answer, but a few of the questions had open-ended answers. The questionnaire was completed and returned by 63 (49,2%) veterinarians. The data was analysed by the SPSS software and the statistical methods used were frequency tables and chi-square tests. The response by the veterinarians was very positive and the sample well distributed in terms of age, type of practice, area of practice and type of animal treated. The study showed that 60.3% of respondents use homoeopathy, with the majority of these using homoeopathy for less than 10 years. Veterinarians who treat small animals were more likely to use homoeopathy than those treating large animals. The reasons for using homoeopathy were mainly as an alternative treatment, and because the treatment has less (no) side effects. Most veterinarians use homoeopathy on few patients, with only one veterinarian using it on all patients. All the veterinarians currently using homoeopathy expressed a wish to continues using homoepathy.