Unfortunately, veterinarians are seeing many pets, especially dogs, with various forms of heart disease. The commonly used drugs are digitalis, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and diuretics. These medications bring with them a long list of unpleasant side effects. Wouldn't it be nice to have an alternative naturally derived substance that can provide cardiac support without the toxic effects? Hawthorn may be the answer for many. Hawthorn (Crataegus oxycantha) is a herb with a long history of use as a cardiac tonic. Modern research is verifying its actions and safety.

Hawthorn is a common European shrub with thorny branches and white flowers. It produces berries that have been used in jelly and tea. Researchers have identified many healthful substances in the berries, leaves and flowers. One group of compounds that has been identified is a number of flavonoids. These pigment substances make the heart a more efficient pump. Flavonoids accomplish this by several mechanisms. They increase blood supply to the heart muscle and decrease blood vessel resistance thereby reducing the heart's workload. The end result is better oxygenation of the heart tissue and the rest of the body, as well. Some of the flavonoids work like digitalis to stabilize the heart's rhythm. Hawthorn can also have a calming effect on the nervous system which can also improve cardiac function. Some flavonoids work like calcium channel blockers to regulate intracellular calcium levels.

Another group of compounds that has been found in high levels in Hawthorn is called oligomeric proanthocyanadins (or OPC's for short). OPC's have potent anti - oxidant activity and are probably responsible for the fact that in people if a heart attack does occur, the damage to the heart muscle is much less in those who use hawthorne. Hawthorn berries are also high in B - vitamins and other important nutrients.

Here is a summary of Hawthorn's actions on the heart and circulatory system:

1) Dilates the blood vessels, especially the coronary vessels, reducing peripheral resistance to blood flow thereby increasing circulation to tissues.
2) Hawthorne contains substances that protect heart cells. Medical studies have established that when hawthorne is present the heart muscle can survive on less blood and oxygen.
3) The flavonoids in Hawthorn work to increase oxygen utilization by the heart.

There are some other factors to bear in mind. Hawthorn's action is not immediate. It usually develops slowly. It may increase the action of digitalis. It is not going to cure heart disease. How do I recommend it be used? I generally recommend a product that contains a mixture of berries, leaves and flowers. If a pet has been diagnosed with heart disease but is not showing symptoms or has early signs of heart failure and is not on medication, you can try a course of Hawthorn (4-6 weeks) and see if there is any response. If a pet is already in moderate to severe heart failure or is on conventional medications, consult with a knowledgeable practitioner before starting Hawthorn. In any of the above situations, I recommend working with a holistic practitioner to determine whether the condition is curable before resigning oneself to symptomatic treatment only.

Russell Swift, DVM is a holistic veterinarian with a housecall practice spanning most of Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. For more information on natural pet care including nutrition, herbs and homeopathy, call Dr. Swift at 877-BE WELL 2.