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Homeopathy 2020; 109(04): 224-229
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1710021
Original Research Article

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Crataegus oxyacantha in Dogs with Early-Stage Heart Failure

Melina Castilho de Souza Balbueno 
1   Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Welfare, University of Santo Amaro, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
2   HD Science School, São Caetano do Sul, São Paulo, Brazil
,
Kleber da Cunha Peixoto Junior
1   Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Welfare, University of Santo Amaro, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
,
Cidéli de Paula Coelho
1   Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Welfare, University of Santo Amaro, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
2   HD Science School, São Caetano do Sul, São Paulo, Brazil
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Abstract

Background Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common cardiopathy in middle-aged dogs. When the dog is asymptomatic and has an enlarged left atrium, treatment is beneficial; however, some allopathic drugs are very costly and may produce side effects. To extend the duration of this asymptomatic phase, complementary therapies such as herbal medicine and homeopathy are available. Although herbal therapy with extract of Crataegus oxyacantha is beneficial, there is a risk of adverse reactions—unlike with homeopathy, where the risk is minimized with the administration of ultra-diluted doses.

Objective This study evaluated the efficacy of Crataegus oxyacantha, as mother tincture (MT) and in 6 cH homeopathic formulation, in treating the initial phase of heart failure due to MMVD in a veterinary clinic setting.

Methods A total of 30 dogs with MMVD, 7 years or older and weighing up to 10 kg, were randomized into three groups as follows: Crataegus 6 cH, Crataegus MT, and hydroalcoholic solution (placebo). Animals were evaluated through echocardiography parameters, laboratory blood tests, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurements at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after initiation of therapy, for statistical analysis and monitoring of the blinded study.

Results Patients who received Crataegus 6 cH showed a reduction in SBP 60 days after treatment, while those receiving Crataegus MT exhibited a reduction 90 days after the therapy was initiated. There was a significant linear regression when evaluating the effect of treatment with Crataegus 6 cH on SBP measurements over the evaluation intervals (linear equation: SBP = 176.57 mm Hg – 0.21x, where x represents days of treatment). There was an increase in both fractional shortening and isovolumetric relaxation time for those patients receiving the homeopathic formulation.

Conclusions Therapy with Crataegus was beneficial for hypertensive and cardiopathic dogs with MMVD, extending the duration of the asymptomatic phase. The reduction in SBP occurred more swiftly in the 6 cH group than in the MT-treated dogs.

Keywords

myxomatous mitral valve disease - cardiopathy - dog - homeopathy - Crataegus oxyacantha

Highlights

• The study is the first to use Crataegus (6cH and mother tincture) in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD).


• The study design was randomized, blinded, and placebo-controlled to evaluate efficacy.


• Data analysis included comparison between effects of treatment using homeopathy and mother tincture.


• The results suggest that homeopathic Crataegus is beneficial for hypertensive and cardiopathic dogs with MMVD.


Supplementary Material



Publication History

Received: 19 November 2019

Accepted: 26 February 2020

Article published online:
17 July 2020

The Faculty of Homeopathy

 

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