A Canadian homeopath and naturopath used saliva from a rabid dog to treat a toddler with behavioral problems, but while she called it a successful treatment, experts have their doubts.
Anke Zimmerman diluted the saliva and gave it to the four year-old boy who was then exhibiting symptoms close to what she described as "slightly rabid-dog state."
Zimmerman claims that the homemade concoction worked for the boy's "aggressive" behavior, however, experts and scientists are questioning her theory and are also concerned about the potential effects this could have on the child in question.
Zimmerman's Home-Made Remedy
The young child, whose name is Jonah, was apparently bitten by a dog when he was two years old. His mother brought him to Zimmerman for the treatment which was approved by Health Canada. Zimmerman claimed in her notes that his mother described Jonah's past behavior as him acting aggressively during school, growling, and having trouble sleeping at night due to fear of zombies and werewolves.
Zimmerman continued in her notes that anyone who may have been bitten by animal that had a rabies vaccination or did not could potentially suffer from an altered state similar to someone who has been infected by rabies. Zimmerman then proceeded to give Jonah the diluted homemade antidote to combat rabies with rabies.
The naturopath stated that Jonah's growling decreased and his behavior improved drastically.
Is Zimmerman Barking Mad?
Many health experts were surprised that Health Canada approved the method and are now fearful that this new remedy could possibly prevent actual medical treatments.
"There's no way I can understand why we would have anything that was meant to be saliva of a rabid dog approved for use in this country. I also have concerns that this would be used for treating what sounds very much like a behavioral issue in a young child," health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry stated.
Stephen Hoption Cann from the University of British Columbia also questioned Zimmerman's approach and suggested that using rabies for such purposes is "clearly lacking." Professor Timothy Caulfield from the University of Alberta also stated that Zimmerman's claims are scientifically "absurd."
