Homeopathic Arnica: Postoperative pain relief in female dogs

Homeopathic Arnica montana is shown to be effective in pain relief when used post-operatively in female dogs. 

Ovariohysterectomy (OH) (spaying) is one of the most frequent elective surgical procedures in routine veterinary practice. 

A new study evaluates pain relief with homeopathic Arnica during the postoperative period after elective OH on female dogs. Thirty healthy female dogs who had undergone the surgical procedure were randomly divided into three groups of 10. One group received Arnica montana 30cH; another hydroalcoholic solution; and the third saline solution under blinded conditions.

Arnica presented a more significant analgesic effect than the control groups. This study is one of a limited number that look at the action and effects of homeopathic medicines on animals. This is particularly important as the effectiveness is unlikely to be due to the ‘placebo effect’.