2011-08-15 12:49:41 -

If an older dog is limping more often, the most likely cause is osteoarthritis. Such agonizing joint disease can cause limited scope of movement or even joint destruction. Pain reducing and anti-inflammatory drugs such as Carprofen provide relief. However, a recent study sheds light on a natural pharmaceutical alternative that is better tolerated, longer lasting, and just as good as its conventional counterparts.

For decades, some homeopathic combination medications have not only proved effective, they can also keep up with conventional medication.

This is documented by a growing number of scientific works in human and veterinary medicine. In February 2011, the prestigious “Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association” released a research study conducted in Germany, which caused sensation amongst dog

owners.

At twelve veterinary clinics, 62 dogs with diagnosed osteoarthritis were treated either conventionally or with a natural alternative, a homeopathically manufactured combination medication. During the active treatment phase of 56 days, compounds in both test groups proved to be on a par. Both, veterinarians and dog owners stated that their animals had decreased lameness, stiffness of movement, and pain caused by touch.

Throughout the entire comparison (day 1, 28 and 56), a significant improvement in both test groups could be seen (p<0.05). The homeopathic remedy, however, sustained a longer-lasting effect in the subsequent wash-out phase of 14 days. Furthermore, no negative side effects were observed with the natural remedy, while in the Carprofen group one case of increased thirst and urination, one of intestinal inflammation (enteritis), and one of lethargy occurred.

The study was aimed to compare the efficacy of a homeopathic combination medication with standard drugs. Long-term observation was undertaken via a multi-center cohort study at 12 veterinary clinics between October 2005 and July 2006. All 62 participating pets were privately owned.
Supported by Heel, the study was designed and conducted in conformity with the guidelines of Good Clinical Practice.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disease, during which cartilage decomposes and bone material builds up. Up to 20 per cent of all dogs suffer from this painful disease, mostly caused by injuries, overburdening or improper burdening of the joints. Immune related inflammations such as rheumatism or borreliosis are other, less frequent causes. Medication can help ease the dog’s pain and slow the progression of the disease.

Heel is a pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and distributes medications based on natural substances.

Being the global leader in homeopathic combination preparations, the company is also a pioneer in the field of scientific research in natural healthcare. In cooperation with academic institutions, Heel actively fosters the concept of Integrative Medicine and is striving to build the bridge between homeopathy and conventional medicine to improve patient care and health.


The ‘Biologische Heilmittel Heel GmbH’ with its corporate headquarters located in Baden-Baden/Germany and a staff of 1,300, achieved an annual turnover of 184 million Euros in 2010 – more than 70 percent of it outside of Germany. Heel medications are available through subsidiaries and distribution partners in over 50 countries around the world. www.heel.com : cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww ..

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Press contact:Biologische Heilmittel Heel GmbHMatthias

ReinigHead of Corporate CommunicationsPhone: +49 7221 501-276Fax:
+49 7221 501-480E-mail: reinig.matthias@heel.de : mailto:reinig.matthias@heel.de Internet:
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contact:oha communicationOliver Frederik HahrDirector

of Consulting and Public RelationsPhone: +49 711 5088 6582-1Fax:
+49 711 5088 6582-9E-mail: oliver.hahr@oha-communication.com : mailto:oliver.hahr@oha-communication.com Internet:
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