In Western Medicine the goal is often to alleviate a specific symptom. This works in that the animal may feel better, but it does not necessarily change the underlying cause of the problem. Many homeopathic practitioners feel that symptoms are adaptive responses to physiologic stress. It is felt that symptoms are inherent defenses of the body, and eliminating them without addressing the source of the problem can suppress the body's healing responses. Thus instead of treating, controlling or suppressing symptoms, therapies that augment and even mimic the body's defense symptoms are utilized.
Homeopathic medicine is based on the principle of similars .
Symptoms or syndromes that can be induced by a substance are the same as those it may resolve when given in carefully prepared, tiny doses to those that suffer from similar syndromes or symptoms. In Western Medicine employs the principle of similars in immunization and allergy hyposensitization. When this approach is used, especially in chronic cases, the individual may in fact worsen for a short of time before they improve. As with Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine, Homeopathy endorses the concept that ailing animals do not simply have a disease, rather they have a syndrome that affects both body and mind. In addition, like the other philosophies, it recognizes the need of individualizing a treatment to each patients own specific needs and constitution.