Veterinarian questions homeopathy's role

Jérôme Chantreau, a rural veterinarian in the Allier and former homeopath, is part of the Zétérinaires collective, which was formed in 2018 to question the Veterinary Council regarding homeopathy. The collective has evolved into an association that fights against pseudosciences and promotes factual veterinary medicine within the profession.

Name reflects skepticism

The name Zétérinaires is derived from the fusion of "veterinarian" and "zétetic," defined as the art of doubt. A zétetic veterinarian strives to practice a medicine whose effects are scientifically proven or explained.

Limited membership growth

Out of 300 signatories of a letter to the Council, only forty have joined the association, as it takes more effort than pleasure. The group has a Facebook page and a website where they publish articles.

Concerns about alternative treatments

Complementary medicines are seen as dangerous due to the lack or delay in care, leading to animal suffering, the acquisition of poor care reflexes, and potential risks of accidents or toxicity for the animal, human, or environment. There is also an ethical problem, as veterinarians have a moral obligation towards their patients, society, and the state that invests in their training.

Scientific standards for remedies

The group argues that remedies must be in line with scientific data, demonstrating effectiveness and a favorable benefit/risk balance. They question why one would accept a product or procedure without evidence of effectiveness or a plausible mechanism of action, suggesting that this could lead to sectarian deviations.

Placebo effect in animals

Some breeders testify to the healing of their animals through alternative practices, which can be explained by the natural evolution of the disease, the placebo effect, or other contextual effects. The placebo effect exists in animals, as the animal may feel better if it is better cared for, and in turn, the caregiver may perceive improvement.

Ethical considerations of placebos

The group discusses whether it is acceptable to lie to clients about the use of placebos, suggesting that it is necessary to explain that placebos can reduce an animal's pain and possibly some symptoms. They note that the placebo effect works even if it is explained.

Consultation quality and pseudomedicine

The quality of consultations may also explain the appeal of complementary therapies, as pseudomedicines often lead to longer consultations, giving clients the impression of more attentive care. However, this is not always accurate, as some visits are for quick treatments. Veterinarians claim to treat the detected pathologies during the clinical examination, with a complete look at the animal and its environment, though they do not always have the time to explain everything they do.