Holistic Healing for Companion Animals: The Benefits of Homeopathy in Pet Healthcare
Successful treatment of aural hematoma in aged labrador dog by homeopathy: A case report
Chamaraj pujar*., Pallavi bhatambre1 and Prathviraj2.
*PhD Scholar, VCH, Bangaluru., Veterinary officer, Gadag., and Veterinary officer, Raichur.
ABSTRACT
Aural hematoma is a common condition in long, floppy eared dogs, characterized by the accumulation of blood in the external ear, often resulting from severe excessive scratching, head shaking, ear mites, food or environmental allergies and trauma which leads to the rupture of blood vessels between the skin and cartilage of the ear. Surgical treatment options for this condition are typically invasive in age old dogs and risk factors involved in anaesthetic procedures. This report presents the case of a 13-year-old male Labrador treated at Veterinary Clinic, where a diagnosis of aural hematoma was confirmed by clinical examination. Instead of conventional surgical methods, the dog was treated exclusively with homeopathic remedies. The treatment was prescribed included Hamamelis virginiana (30), Arnica montana (30), Bufo rana (30) and Thrombophob ointment for external use. The homeopathic protocol proved effective, restoring the ear’s function without causing any tissue deformities. These findings suggest that homeopathy could be a valuable alternative therapy for managing similar cases and should be further explored in veterinary practice.
Keywords: Aural hematoma, tissue deformities and homeopathy
Introduction
Aural hematoma, also referred to as auricular hematoma, is a condition that commonly affects the external ear in dogs (Evangelista et al., 2012). The condition is characterized by a swelling filled with free-floating blood, varying in size and location, typically found on the concave side of the external ear (Evangelista et al., 2012).
Several predisposing factors contribute to the development of aural hematomas in small animals. Dogs with floppy ears, as well as adult and senior animals, are considered more vulnerable (Rosychuk & Merchant, 1994). Additionally, disorders affecting the auditory system—such as otitis, pain, itching, or acute ear inflammation—often lead to abrupt head shaking, which can trigger hematoma formation (Evangelista et al., 2012; Rodrigues et al., 2016).
Diagnosis of aural hematomas is based on a physical examination. The affected ear typically appears swollen, and palpation reveals a fluid-filled, fluctuating mass in the acute phase, whereas in the chronic stage, the swelling becomes firmer and thicker due to fibrosis.
Case history and Observations
A 13-year-old male Labrador, weighing 36 kg was presented Veterinary Clinic with the complaint of gradually increasing bulge on inner aspect of left ear leading to head tilt at one side, continuous shaking of head, restlessness reduced appetite and also observed ticks, fleas full around the body. Based on history and clinical findings, clinical diagnosis of unilateral left aural hematoma was arrived, and the owner was advised for surgical intervention for faster recovery but owner refused to opt for surgery due to the old age of the patient and anaesthetic risks. Hence, it was planned to manage this condition with alternative therapy – homeopathy medicines.
Fig(1)bulged ear
Fig (2) pressure bandage application
Fig (3) totally recovered hematoma ear
Treatment and discussion
Hamamelis Virginica 30, Arnica montana 30, bufo rana 30, each were prescribed twice daily and whole accumulated fluid was removed aseptically by syringe with 18 gauze needle. Also applied pressure bandage by cutting the cardboard in ear shape and applied for continuous five days. Thrombophob ointment also used for external use. after 2 weeks which revealed complete regression of haematoma in ear noticed. Also observed no recurrence seen after 30 days.
Reddy et al. (1992) have described the treatment of 07 dogs with aural hematoma using H. virginiana, Bufo rana and A. montana in combination with anti-inflammatory doses of corticosteroid and heparin ointment which led to variable duration of recovery period ranging from 7 to 23 days, and recurrence was reported in only 1 case. Valle et al. (2015) have also documented that homeopathic treatment for aural hematoma is extremely effective when well prescribed and administered.
The 28 days recovery period of aural hematoma in the present study was similar to those reported by Reddy et al. (1992) and the patient was exclusively treated with homeopathic medicines and did not demonstrate any deformity of the external ear at the end of the treatment.
Conclusion
The above successful case study proposes that homeopathic treatment should be considered as a viable option along with pressure bandage for five days in cases of aural hematoma. It has yielded important observations such as quick recovery of the patient, cost-benefit for the patient as well as the owner, lower rate or no possibility of relapses, and no side effects.
References
Evangelista, L.S.M., Carvalho, Y.N.T., Branco, M.A.C., Lopes, R.R.F.B., Neto, J.A. and Quessada, A.M. 2012. Estudo retrospectivo do Otohematoma em cães atendidos em um hospital Veterinário. Acta Veterinaria Brasilica : 6(1): 48-51.
Reddy, N.R.J., Tharanath, D.M., Ranganath, L., Umesh, K.G. and Panduranga, G.L. 1992. Homeopathic drug treatment of aural hematomas in dogs. Indian Vet. J. : 69(12):1149-50.
Rodrigues, N.M., Quessada, A.M., Silva, F.L., Silva M.C.E., Costa N.J.M. and Lima, W.C. 2016. Epidemiologia e risco anestésico de cães portadores de otohematoma. Acta Scientiae Veterinariae : 44: 1-6.
Rosychuk, R.A.W. and Merchant, S.R. 1994. Surgery of the Ear. Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract.: 24(5): 953-59.
Valle, A.C.V., Kanaiama, C.Y. and Nader, T. 2015. Tratamento homeopático de otohematoma em cão: Relato de caso. Unimar Ciências: 24(1): 20–26.
