In-Vitro Growth Kinetics of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Cytotoxicity Tests Using Low-Diluted Viscum Album.

INTRODUCTION: The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in cytotoxicity tests is an in-vitro alternative model for predicting initial doses. Homeopathic medicines may stimulate the immune system to combat a pathology effectively and have been used for over two centuries. Viscum album (VA) extracts are widely used in the treatment of cancer, due to their immunomodulatory, cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic properties. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the in-vitro growth kinetics of canine MSC in relation to cytotoxicity, cell differentiation and expression of pluripotentiality markers, using a VA preparation at the D1D2 (1×10-1, 1×10-2 potency (VAD1D2). METHODS: MSC were obtained from adipose tissue sampled from a healthy dog that was undergoing an elective veterinary procedure and with its owner's permission. The experiments were performed in three groups: MSC treated with VAD1D2 or diluent or untreated (control). The cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. The differentiation was induced in three lineages, and apoptotic cell labeling was performed by an Annexin-V test. RESULTS: At the concentration of 10 µL/mL of VA, the number of cells after in-vitro culture was maintained when compared with the control (untreated) group. A significant and gradual decrease in cell viability was recorded as VA concentrations increased. The apoptosis analysis showed that VA at 20 µL/mL presented absolute percentages of initial apoptosis twice as high as at 10 µL/mL, which was similar to the control (untreated group). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the use of efficient methods to assess the in-vitro cytotoxicity of VA-based homeopathic medicines using MSC lineages may predict the potential action at different concentrations. These findings demonstrated that VAD1D2 interferes with canine MSC growth kinetics.

Use of Homeopathic Arnica montana 30cH for Postoperative Analgesia in Female Dogs Undergoing Elective Ovariohysterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Ovariohysterectomy (OH) is one of the most frequent elective surgical procedures in routine veterinary practice. Arnica montana is a well-known medicine in phytotherapy, with proven analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, healing, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activity. However, there is still a shortage of studies on the action and effects of the homeopathic formulation of the medicine on animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate analgesia with Arnica montana 30cH during the postoperative period after elective OH. METHODS: Thirty healthy female dogs, aged 1 to 3 years, weighing 7 to 14 kg, were selected at the Veterinary Hospital in Campo Mourão, Paraná, Brazil. The dogs underwent the surgical procedure with an anaesthetic protocol and analgesia that had the aim of maintaining the patient's wellbeing. After the procedure, they were randomly divided into three groups of 10. One group received Arnica montana 30cH; another received 5% hydroalcoholic solution; and the third group, 0.9% NaCl saline solution. All animals received four drops of the respective solution sublingually and under blinded conditions, every 10 minutes for 1 hour, after the inhalational anaesthetic had been withdrawn. The Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale was used to analyse the effect of therapy. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey test was used to evaluate the test data. Statistical differences were deemed significant when p ≤0.05. RESULTS: The Arnica montana 30cH group maintained analgesia on average for 17.8 ± 3.6 hours, whilst the hydroalcoholic solution group did so for 5.1 ± 1.2 hours and the saline solution group for 4.1 ± 0.9 hours (p ≤0.05). CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that Arnica montana 30cH presented a more significant analgesic effect than the control groups, thus indicating its potential for postoperative analgesia in dogs undergoing OH.

Daily intake of a homeopathic agent by dogs modulates white cell defenses and reduces bacterial counts in feces.

Motivated by conventional medicines' ineffectiveness and the appearance of bacterial resistance, homeopathic medicines are being increasingly demanded by the veterinary market. Dog feces contain high bacterial and pathogenic loads, which can cause diseases in animals and facilitate zoonotic transmission. Adequate animal immunity contributes to the elimination of potential pathogens. This work's objective was to evaluate the effects of using a homeopathic medication on blood cell counts, serum protein levels, and fecal bacterial counts in dogs. Two groups were used, each including five 19-month-old Beagle dogs. The homeopathic product Orgainfecto® was sprayed on the two daily meals in the treated group (T), at 0.5 mL/animal/day for 60 days; the group that did not receive the homeopathic was considered the control (C), who were fed only the vehicle used in the production of the homeopathic as a placebo. On days 1, 30, and 60, individual stool samples were collected for bacterial counts in the stool, blood samples for blood counts, and serum for biochemical tests. Total bacterial counts in feces were lower in group T on days 30 and 60 of the experiment, while total coliforms and E coli. were lower in this group on day 60. Total leukocyte counts were lower on day 60 in group T, unlike the neutrophil count, higher in group T on day 30, and eosinophils on day 60. However, the lymphocyte count was lower in group T on days 30 and 60. There was an increase in globulin and total protein in group T on day 60. We conclude that the tested homeopathic causes neutrophils and eosinophils' stimulation and increases globulins levels even with reduced lymphocytes. The daily consumption of homeopathic by dogs decreases the intestinal bacterial load, resulting in less environmental contamination and animal and human colibacillosis risks.

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

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.

What's new in atopic eczema? An analysis of systematic reviews published in 2012 and 2013. Part 2. Treatment and prevention.

This review provides a summary of key findings from 22 systematic reviews on atopic eczema (AE) published over the 2-year period from January 2012 to 31 December 2013, focusing on prevention and treatment of AE. For an update of systematic reviews on the epidemiology, mechanisms of disease and methodological issues, see Part 1 of this update. Based on current systematic review evidence, the most promising intervention for the prevention of AE is the use of probiotics (and possibly prebiotics) during the late stages of pregnancy and early life. Exposure to household pets, especially dogs, may also be protective, but exclusive breastfeeding for up to 7 months does not confer benefit. The role of vitamin D in preventing AE is currently unclear. Very few of the systematic reviews provided additional evidence for the use of specific treatments for AE. Further research is required to establish the role of desensitization, Chinese herbal medicines, homeopathy and specialist clothing. Nevertheless, there is now clear evidence that evening primrose oil and borage oil are not effective for the treatment of AE. There have been no randomized controlled trials on the use of H1 anti-histamines as monotherapy for the treatment of AE.

Non-vaccination of dogs is linked to uncompleted COVID-19 vaccination protocols of owners.

Despite the known importance of vaccines as one of the greatest achievements in medical science, vaccine hesitancy has been increasing in the last decade and has become a major threat to global health. The growth of vaccine hesitancy worldwide became more evident with the onset of COVID-19 and raised the fear that this hesitancy would also impact companion animal vaccination. This study aimed to characterize vaccine-hesitant groups regarding companion animals and human vaccinations, as well as to explore the possible association between vaccine hesitancy in pets and their owners. An anonymous online survey containing 27 closed questions was conducted, including questions about dog health, such as vaccination, neutering, and homeopathy use, as well as questions about the COVID-19 vaccination status of the owner and motivations for vaccinating or not vaccinating their pets. Most participants (81.5 %) reported receiving three or more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Not vaccinating against COVID-19 or having an incomplete vaccination protocol was associated with an increase in the age range of participants (odds ratio [OR] = 1.43), not having higher education (OR = 7.70), and being in extreme income ranges (less than two minimum wages [OR = 7.57] and more than 10 [OR = 5.20]). The use of homeopathy in humans (OR = 3.24) and dogs (OR = 3.74) was associated with non-vaccination against COVID-19. Owners who were not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 were almost six times more likely to not vaccinate their dogs (OR = 5.94). Non-vaccination of dogs was also associated with non-neutering (OR = 3.56), keeping the dog in contact with other dogs (OR = 2.09), and an increase in the number of dogs in the house increased the chance of not vaccinating the animals (OR = 1.30). The present study revealed a strong association between non-vaccination against COVID-19 and non-vaccination in companion dogs, raising the hypothesis that vaccination hesitancy is a growing challenge in veterinary medicine. In addition, the characteristics of Brazilians who are reluctant to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or immunize their companion animals are described here for the first time.

The first intravenous anaesthetic: how well was it managed and its potential realized?

Our speciality commonly traces its origin to a demonstration of the inhalation of ether by a patient undergoing surgery in Boston in 1846. Less well known is the demonstration of the i.v. injection of opium with alcohol into a dog in Oxford in 1656, leading to anaesthesia followed by full long-term recovery. After gaining i.v. access, a mixture of opium and alcohol was injected, resulting in a brief period of anaesthesia. After a period during which the dog was kept moving to assist recovery, a full recovery was made. Details from this momentous experiment allow us to compare the technique used with modern management. It is important to consider why there was a failure to translate the results into clinical practice and nearly 200 yr of potentially pain-free surgery. Possible factors include lack of equipment for i.v. access, lack of understanding of dose-response effects, and a climate of scientific discovery rather than clinical application. Given the current interest in total i.v. anaesthesia, it seems appropriate to identify its origins well before those of inhalation anaesthesia.

H3N2 homeopathic influenza virus solution modifies cellular and biochemical aspects of MDCK and J774G8 cell lines.

BACKGROUND: Influenza viruses cause highly contagious acute respiratory illnesses with significant mortality, especially among young children, elderly people, and individuals with serious medical conditions. This encourages the development of new treatments for human flu. Biotherapies are diluted solutions prepared from biological products compounded following homeopathic procedures. OBJECTIVES: To develop a biotherapy prepared from the infectious influenza A virus (A/Aichi/2/68 H3N2) and to verify its in vitro response. METHODS: The ultradiluted influenza virus solution was prepared in the homeopathic dilution 30dH, it was termed Influenzinum RC. The cellular alterations induced by this preparation were analyzed by optical and electron microscopy, MTT and neutral red assays. Glycolytic metabolism (PFK-1) was studied by spectrophotometric assay. Additionally, the production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by J774.G8 macrophage cells was quantified by ELISA before and after infection with H3N2 influenza virus and treatment. RESULTS: Influenzinum RC did not cause cytotoxic effects but induced morphological alterations in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. After 30 days, a significant increase (p < 0.05) in mitosis rate was detected compared to control. MDCK mitochondrial activity was changed after treatment for 10 and 30 days. Treatment significantly diminished (p < 0.05) PFK-1 activity. TNF-α in biotherapy-stimulated J774.G8 macrophages indicated a significant (p < 0.05) increase in this cytokine when the cell supernatant was analyzed. CONCLUSION: Influenzinum RC altered cellular and biochemical features of MDCK and J774G8 cells.

Anti-proliferative effects of homeopathic medicines on human kidney, colon and breast cancer cells.

OBJECTIVE: Homeopathy is controversial, due to the claims made for very high dilutions. Although several theories are proposed to understand the mechanisms of action, none are scientifically verified. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of the selected homeopathic medicines in specific in vitro cancer models. METHODS: We assessed the cytotoxic activity of selected homeopathic medicines in mother tincture (MT), and ultramolecular dilution (30C, 200C, 1M and 10M) against cell lines deriving from tumors of particular organs, Sarsaparilla (Sars) on ACHN cells (human renal adenocarcinoma), Ruta graveolens (Ruta) on COLO-205 (human colorectal carcinoma), and Phytolacca decandra (Phyto) on MCF-7 (human breast carcinoma). Sars was also tested against Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells (a non-malignant cell line). Cytotoxicity was measured using the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method, anti-proliferative activity by trypan blue exclusion assay, apoptosis determined by dual staining the cells with ethidium bromide (EB) and acridine orange (AO) dyes. RESULTS: MTs and ultra-diluted preparations of the three homeopathic medicines had highly significant effects in the respective cancer cell lines, producing cytotoxicity and a decrease in cell proliferation. The effects were greatest with the MTs, but in all cases and persisted, although to a lesser degree in the ultra-diluted molecular preparations. Sars showed no effect on MDCK cells. In the homeopathic medicine treated cultures, hallmarks of apoptosis were evident including, cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation. CONCLUSION: This study provides preliminary laboratory evidence indicating the ability of homeopathic medicines as anticancer agents. Further studies of the action of these homeopathic remedies are warranted.

[The agent Latrodectus and canine paecilomycotic eclampsia as a laboratory model in the survey of treatment for mycoses and parasitic diseases].

The extragent used to prepare a Latrodectus mactans hydrocarbon extract is a multicomponent system composed of alkanes, alkenes, and arenes. More than 100 compounds were identified in the hydrocarbon extract (petroleum). The petroleum matrix of Latrodectus mactans was first obtained to manufacture homeopathic remedies. The authors could prepare the first Russian homeopathic medicine from Latrodectus mactans, which proved to be effective in treating canine eclampsia. Canine experiments provide a rationale for the authors' choice as the only homeopathic remedy among thousand known drugs to treat female eclampsia. It is Latrodectus mactans that is in the list of homeopathic medicines permitted for use in accordance with Order No. 335 (Supplement 2) of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Russia, issued on November 29, 1995. It is manufactured from Latrodectus mactans living in the USA.

Effects of opium inhalation on physical and biochemical parameters of stray dogs in Kabul city, Afghanistan.

Background: Afghanistan is one of the biggest opium-producing countries in the world. There are more than a million drug addicts in the country, and most of them are living in public places. Stray dogs who live with drug addicts are at the highest risk of inhaling drugs. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate changes in physical and biochemical parameters of stray dogs inhaling drugs. Methods: A total of 12 dogs were assigned into two groups healthy and infected (stray dogs who inhale drugs) dogs. The physical and biochemical parameters of both groups were evaluated. Results: Subjective evaluation showed clinical changes such as congestion of conjunctiva in the infected group. Biochemical examination showed a significantly higher level of glucose (p < 0.05) and total protein (TP) (p < 0.01) in the infected group compared to the healthy group. The ratio of other biochemical parameters was slightly decreased as compared to healthy dogs. Conclusion: Drug inhalation can alter biochemical parameters like glucose and TP in dogs.

Effectiveness of the homeopathic preparation Zeel compared with carprofen in dogs with osteoarthritis.

The authors compared the symptomatic effectiveness of a complex homeopathic preparation Zeel (1-3 tablets orally per day depending on body weight) to carprofen (4 mg/kg body weight) in dogs (n=68) aged >1 yr diagnosed with osteoarthritis in a multicenter, prospective, observational open-label cohort study in 12 German veterinary clinics. The active treatment period was 56 days. Symptomatic effectiveness, lameness, stiffness of movements, and pain on palpation were evaluated by treating veterinarians and owners. Clinical signs of osteoarthritis improved significantly (P<0.05) at all time points (days 1, 28, and 56) with both therapies. At the end of the treatment period, effectiveness was comparable in both groups. Both treatment regimens were well tolerated with only three treatment-related adverse events, all in the carprofen group.

Clinical resolution of nasal aspergillosis following therapy with a homeopathic remedy in a dog.

A 6 yr old, male, neutered Weimaraner was treated homeopathically for nasal aspergillosis after failing to respond to two treatments of topical (intranasal) clotrimazole and oral amoxicillin trihydrate/clavulanate potassium. Computed tomography, rhinoscopy, fungal culture, and cytology previously confirmed the diagnosis. At presentation for homeopathic treatment, the dog had aggressive left-sided sinusitis and rhinitis with destruction of nasal turbinates and severe bouts of epistaxis. Erosion and depigmentation of the nasal planum were evident. After two treatments with homeopathic aurum metallicum, resolution of clinical signs occurred and clearance of the aspergillosis organisms was documented by computed tomographic scan, rhinoscopy, and histopathology. Homeopathic aurum metallicum may be beneficial in treating cases of canine nasal aspergillosis.

Homeopathic prescribing for chronic conditions in feline and canine veterinary practice.

INTRODUCTION: The peer-review literature contains no controlled clinical research of homeopathy in cats and very little in dogs. MAIN OBJECTIVE: To collect clinical outcomes data systematically from individualised homeopathic treatment of cats and dogs that would help to inform controlled research in feline and canine homeopathy. METHODS: Twenty-one homeopathic veterinary surgeons recorded data systematically from consecutive feline and canine patients over a 12-month period. Records included: date; patient and owner identity (anonymised); medical problem treated; whether new or follow-up (FU) appointment; chronic or acute condition; owner-assessed clinical outcome (7-point scale, range -3 to +3) compared with first appointment. RESULTS: Data from 400 cats comprised a total of 372 individual chronic problems, of which 270 had FU assessment. Data from 1504 dogs comprised a total of 1408 individual chronic problems, of which 1070 had FU assessment. In both species, 22% of FUs in chronic cases received conventional medicines concurrently. In cats, 117 different chronic medical conditions in total were treated with homeopathy. Five of those conditions included ≥20 cases, in which owner-reported outcomes (in decreasing rank order of frequency) were: dermatitis (69.6% patients with +2 or +3 outcome, 0% patients with -2 or -3 outcome); renal failure (57.1%, 14.3%); overgrooming (57.1%, 7.2%); arthritis (80.0%, 0%); hyperthyroidism (66.7%, 0%). In dogs, of 301 different chronic medical conditions treated in total, those most commonly recorded (≥20 cases) were: dermatitis (66.2% with +2 or +3 outcome, 5.4% with -2 or -3 outcome); arthritis (80.2%, 0.8%); pyoderma (75.8%, 0%); colitis (85.2%, 0%); fear (31.6%, 0%); epilepsy (63.6%, 4.5%); otitis externa (72.7%, 0%); diarrhoea (68.2%, 0%); urinary incontinence (73.7%, 0%); aggression (57.1%, 0%); spondylosis (81.0%, 0%); lymphoma (40.0%, 6.7%). CONCLUSIONS: A programme of controlled research in veterinary homeopathy for these feline and canine conditions is clearly indicated.

[Effects of a homeopathic medication on clinical signs of canine atopic dermatitis]. / Wirkung eines homöopathischen Arzneimittels auf die klinische Symptomatik von Hunden mit atopischer Dermatitis.

OBJECTIVE: A commercially available medication containing homeopathic ingredients showed first signs of success in atopic dermatitis in dogs. The aim of this case series was to evaluate the effect of the preparation in a larger number of dogs with atopic dermatitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten atopic dogs received the oral homoeopathic combination preparation daily for 3 weeks according to the manufacturer's specifications. The diagnosis of atopic dermatitis was made previously by medical history, clinical examination and exclusion of differential diagnoses. Skin infections with bacteria and yeasts were excluded by clinical examination and cytological evaluation of impression smears. In food-allergic dogs, an elimination diet was fed at least 2 months prior and during the entire study period. Patients with suspected or confirmed flea allergy received flea control for at least 1 month prior to and during the study. The clinical signs were evaluated before and after therapy using a validated Pruritus Visual Analogue Acale (PVAS) and the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Lesion Index (CADLI). The coat quality was assessed by the owners. Possible adverse effects were recorded at the recheck. RESULTS: There were no significant changes in the lesion score (Wilcoxon test, p = 1.0), pruritus score (paired t test, p = 0.34) and coat quality (paired t test, p = 0.34) over the duration of treatment. Only one patient showed a slight improvement in itching and coat quality. No side effects were observed. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this case series, the tested homoeopathic preparation did not show a positive effect on the clinical signs of canine atopic dermatitis.

Pilot study of the effect of individualised homeopathy on the pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis in dogs.

Twenty dogs with confirmed atopic dermatitis were treated with homeopathy. In the first phase of this pilot study, all of the dogs were treated by a veterinary homeopath with individualised remedies prescribed on the basis of the dog's cutaneous signs and constitutional characteristics. The response to treatment was assessed by scoring the severity of pruritus from 0 to 10 on a validated scale. The dogs were evaluated at monthly intervals for at least two months. In 15 cases, the owners reported no improvement following homeopathic treatment. In the other five cases, the owners believed that the homeopathic treatment was associated with a substantial improvement, and reported reductions in pruritus scores ranging from 64 to 100 per cent. These five dogs were selected for the second phase of the study, in which homeopathic remedies were tested against placebos in a randomised and blinded trial. In one of these dogs, atopic dermatitis resolved completely and so this dog could not participate in phase 2; another dog was euthanased because of status epilepticus before phase 2 could be started. In the remaining three cases, the owners correctly distinguished between the placebo and homeopathic remedies, and reported reductions in the pruritus score of 0, 0.2 and 0.8 following placebo treatment and 4.3, 2.4 and 3.0, respectively, following the remedy.

A double-blind placebo-controlled study into the efficacy of a homeopathic remedy for fear of firework noises in the dog (Canis familiaris).

Seventy-five dogs that showed a fear response to fireworks participated in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the efficacy of a homeopathic remedy for the alleviation of their behavioural signs. Dogs were randomly assigned to one of two treatments; the homeopathic treatment or the placebo treatment. At the baseline assessments the owners identified the behavioural signs of fear that their dogs normally displayed in response to fireworks, rated their frequency and intensity, and assessed the global severity of their dog's responses. These measures were repeated at the final assessment and owners also completed weekly diaries for the length of the trial. There were significant improvements in the owners' rating of 14/15 behavioural signs of fear in the placebo treatment group and all 15 behavioural signs in the homeopathic treatment group. Both treatment groups also showed significant improvement in the owners' rating of the global severity of their dog's responses. However, there was no significant difference in the response seen between the two treatment groups.

Homeopatia em trombocitopenia canina: relato de caso / Homeopathy in canine thrombocytopenia: case report

Hemoparasitoses constituem-se de enfermidades cosmopolitas que são causadas por parasitos intracelulares obrigatórios de células sanguínea. Os mais frequentemente encontrados nos cães são a babesiose, erliquiose e anaplasmose. O tratamento consiste no uso de antibiótico do grupo das tetraciclinas, sendo a doxiciclina o medicamento mais indicado. O objetivo deste relato de caso é descrever o tratamento homeopático em um cão da raça shih-tzu, senil (8 anos de idade), cardiopata com trombocitopenia discreta secundário a hemoparasitose ­ ehrlichiose. O medicamento homeopático repertorizado foi Phosphorus 30 cH 3 glóbulos 2x ao dia por 3 dias. Foi administrado também a Calcarea Carbonica 6 cH 3 glóbulos 2x ao dia por 7 dias. Tal sucesso terapêutico foi atingido em 3 dias de tratamento, com melhora laboratorial da trombocitopenia e do quadro de dispnéia. Este estudo contribui com pesquisas existentes a caráter de novos tratamentos para a ehrlichiose canina.

Hemoparasitoses are cosmopolitan diseases that are caused by obligate intracellular parasites of blood cells. The most frequently found in dogs are babesiosis, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis. Treatment consists of the use of antibiotics from the tetracycline group, with doxycycline being the most indicated medication. The objective of this case report is to describe the homeopathic treatment in a dog of the shih-tzu breed, senile (8 years old), heart disease with mild thrombocytopenia secondary to hemoparasitosis - ehrlichiosis. The repertorized homeopathic medicine was Phosphorus 30 cH 3 globules 2x a day for 3 days. Calcarea Carbonica 6 cH 3 globules was also administered twice a day for 7 days. Such therapeutic success was achieved in 3 days of treatment, with laboratory improvement of thrombocytopenia and dyspnea. This study contributes to existing research on new treatments for canine ehrlichiosis.

The effects of a low dose of cabergoline on induction of estrus and pregnancy rates in anestrous bitches.

This is the first report of successful induction of normal estrus and ovulation in breeder bitches with as a low dose as 0.6 microg/kg/day of cabergoline formulation marketed for use in women. Sixty-one pure breed bitches from various breeds were used in the study at their already determined periods of anestrus. Twenty-four dogs formed the control group, while 37 bitches were administered with two different doses of cabergoline (recommended dose group, n=10, 5 microg/kg/day and low dose group, n=27, 0.6 microg/kg/day). Induced estrus rates and mean treatment and proestrus durations of dogs in these two dose groups were compared. At the second phase of the study, the effects of 500 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administered on days 1 and 3 of estrus induced by the low dose of cabergoline, on the duration of behavioral estrus, ovulation rates, pregnancy rates and the number of offspring were investigated. For this purpose, the dogs with signs of proestrus (22/27) following the treatment in the low dose group were assigned into two subgroups. Five hundred IU of hCG (Pregnyl, Organon, Turkey) was intramuscularly administered to eight of these dogs [low dose (hCG+) group] on days 1 and 3 of estrus. The remaining 14 dogs were not treated with hCG [low dose (hCG-) group]. An aqueous solution of cabergoline (Dostinex, Pharmacia, Italy) was orally administered until 2 day after the onset of proestrus or for a maximum of 42 days. Blood samples were taken daily from all treatment and 11 control bitches during the first five days of behavioral estrus to measure progesterone concentrations. In the recommended dose and low dose groups, estrus was induced between days 8-45 and 4-48 (mean: 23.63+/-14.33 and 24.41+/-14.31 days), in the ratio of 80.0 and 81.5%, respectively (p>0.05). In both dose groups, post-treatment interestrous intervals were significantly shorter than both those of the control group and their own pre-treatment interestrous intervals (p<0.05). Ovulation rates, pregnancy rates and mean number of offspring delivered by the dogs in the recommended dose, low dose (hCG-), low dose (hCG+) and control groups were found to be similar (p>0.05). However, the mean duration of behavioral estrus of the dogs in the low dose (hCG+) group was found to be significantly longer compared to dogs in all other groups (p<0.05). In both dose groups, no correlation could be found between the anestrus stages and treatment durations (p>0.05). Shortly, it has been concluded from the study that (1) normal and fertile estrus can be induced more economically in bitches during different stages of anestrus using as a low dose of 0.6 microg/kg of cabergoline formulation marketed for use in women, and that (2) hCG injections on days 1 and 3 of the estrus induced by this method has no positive effects on the ovulation rates, pregnancy rates and the number of offspring per pregnancy.