Claudio Martins Real, Homeopathy Veterinary Doctor - Left a Legacy of Ethics, Professionalism, and Research, Passes at the Age of 99

Claudio Martins Real “My father decided to study veterinary medicine. He sat for the entrance exam in 1944 and took first place. After his first year of studies, he decided that he also wanted to be a doctor and, in 1945, took the entrance exam to become a medical doctor and was also allowed entrance based on his first place performance. “Despite being a diligent student, the studies were very demanding and so he abandoned the idea of becoming a medical doctor and continued in his pursuit of his veterinary degree which he received in 1948 with academic honors—grades above 90, from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS; Porto Alegre, Brazil; At that time it was called the School of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine). In 1949, due to his dedication and stellar academic career, he joined his alma mater as Professor of Clinical Medicine and Clinical Reproduction, which came to an end in 1981 with his retirement after 33 years of teaching and service.”–Dr vet. med. Mario Renck Real (a son of the deceased via email communication July 21, 2025). Claudio Martins Real, born in Capão do Leão (Rio Grande do Sul) on February 11, 1926, grew up on a rural farm which served as his inspiration to become a caretaker of animals. This man, Brazil's doyen of homeopathy veterinary science, was a much loved and respected professor for over thirty years at his alma mater and, upon his retirement, founder of the Grupo Real (Real Group) which issued the following statement: [1] “Throughout his life, he received numerous academic honors, was the patron saint of several graduating classes, and represented Brazil at international conferences, always with the purpose of advancing knowledge and transforming lives. His career was marked by a love of teaching, research, and animal health. Professor Claudio Martins Real leaves a legacy of ethics, dedication, and pioneering spirit that will continue to inspire generations of professionals and scholars. More than a brilliant scientist, he was a man of faith. A practicing Catholic and Vincentian since the age of 13, he lived his spirituality with a deep Christian commitment. He always sought to help those most in need and he lived charity as a principle of life—values that he transmitted with humility and generosity to all those around him.” [2] Real crossed the threshold on June 28, 2025. As mentioned, Dr. Real was employed by his alma mater for many years and in numerous capacities—as a Free Docent of Clinical Medicine and Pathology of Domestic Animals, Emeritus Professor of Pathology and Clinical Medicine of Domestic Animals, UFRGS (1950–1982), an elected Chairman of the Department of Medicine of the Veterinary Faculty of UFRGS (1969–1979), Coordinator of the Graduate Program in Veterinary Medicine, UFRGS (1975–1982), Titular Professor of Clinical Medicine, Course of Veterinary, Campo Grande MS (UFMS) (1982–1995), and member of the Central Research Committee of UFMS (1985–1992). He published thirty original papers, including works on homeopathy and countless others. He was a popular, dynamic speaker frequently giving talks locally and internationally. In addition to these aforementioned activities, Dr. Real in 1993, founded the Brasil Association of Homeopathic Veterinarian Doctors (ABMVH). Other past administrative roles which he played included an involvement with several organizations, that is, Homeopathic League of Rio Grande do Sul, Centre Homeopatique de France and the International Association of Veterinary Homeopathy (IAVH), etc. He received numerous titles and awards including the “Great Cross of Merit Veterinary Brasileiro” awarded by the Brazilian Society of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. Previous to that, he received an honorific title from the Brazil Association of Homeopathic Veterinarian Doctors (ABMVH) in 2000. [3] The Federal Council of Veterinary Medicine (CFMV) expressed its deepest condolences on the passing of Professor Claudio Martins Real: “…as a leading figure in Brazilian veterinary medicine, Professor Claudio Real built a career marked by innovation, commitment to teaching, and dedication to animal health. He was one of the greatest names in veterinary science in the country, making invaluable contributions to the profession, especially with the creation of the concept of Population Homeopathy, which revolutionized livestock care and propelled his work internationally. He distinguished himself from a young age, becoming the youngest Full Professor in Brazil at the age of 24. He served as a professor at institutions such as UFRGS and the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), and founded the Grupo Real, where he continued to innovate with dedication to research and the development of solutions for veterinary medicine. Throughout his life, he was honored by numerous institutions, recognized as a class [top-notch] speaker and a representative of Brazil at scientific conferences. His ethical, generous, and pioneering work inspires and will continue to inspire generations of professionals…” [4] It could be said that his greatest legacy was his research into the reasons why large numbers of cattle were dying in the central south region of Brazil. In the 1980s and 90s a massive adult cow mortality outbreak occurred in Brazil's Central-West region. Estimates from that period point to the death of more than 400,000 adult cows. The etiology of these deaths was unknown, although suspicions of clinical botulism existed. By this time, Dr. Real had already retired from his position at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul and had passed a new public exam at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (a state in Brazil) in order to practice veterinary medicine in that state. Cows were dying in less than 48 hours—they would lie down and not get up. A comprehensive etiological study was conducted in the herds in an attempt to uncover the cause. After a period of intense activities including farm visits, blood tests, autopsies, etc., it was found that the cows were experiencing a profound systemic mineral imbalance caused by the presence of oxalic acid in the pastures which caused a chronic calcium deficit condition. His son, Mario, offered this explanation: “Oxalic acid combines with calcium in the leaf tissue and ‘stabilizes’ in the form of ‘calcium oxalate’, a stable compound with a double covalent bond, difficult to ‘break’ by ruminal bacteria. Thus, over time, a “calcium deficit” was established and from there came cases of sudden or very rapid death, due to the imbalance between cations and anions, which produced heart problems. At the same time, other mineral deficiencies also occurred, which exacerbated the problems. “The revelation of the ‘Etiology of Cow Mortality’ was presented, for the entire country, during a solemn meeting at the South Mato Grosso Society of Veterinary Medicine (SOMVET) in 1989.”–Dr vet. med. Mario Renck Real (email communication July 21, 2025). Initially, Dr. Real did not use homeopathy in his therapeutic approach to deal with the situation. Mario continues: “At first, no, [homeopathy was not used] because the most difficult and important aspect was in understanding the entire etiopathogenesis of the deaths. However, once the core of the issue was revealed—chronic calcium deficit caused by the harmful physiological effects of African grasses [almost all of the Brachiaria spp . genus, originating from the African continent] introduced into the country, the possibility of mitigating the harmful effect was assessed through homeopathic stimuli, aiming to improve the absorption of minerals by livestock. “To this end, we decided to use mineral supplements as vehicles for homeopathic drugs.” During this period (1989–1991), we conducted a long-term experiment with a herd of 600 cows, which were divided into three groups of 200 cows. These cows were all barren (not pregnant) and grazed in adjacent pastures with bulls during the breeding season. Each group received different mineral formulas, with group three receiving the homeopathic medicines incorporated into the supplement. Next came the maternity period with calving. On weaning day, the cows in all three groups were re-examined to determine whether they were pregnant or not. At weaning, the calves were weighed group by group. The cows were also weighed. Blood parameters (Ca, P, and alkaline phosphatase) were performed on 10 cows from each group. Bone biopsies were taken before and after (from the same cows) for bone histology—which found that the cows had fibrous osteodystrophy (100% of them). The final results showed a very large advantage for batch 3 (which received homeopathic medicines included in their mineral supplement). “From these results, we begin a new era in the History of Brazilian Veterinary Homeopathy.” “Dr. Real, schooled in classical homeopathy but open to other methods, began researching and selecting homeopathic remedies to include as combinations in his feed products which he called “Real H Animal Nutrition.” He termed his approach “Population Homeopathy” which viewed the flock or herd as a single individual. An aspect of that was his conclusion that the population of animals was under a state of permanent stress. This aspect he included in his search for the remedy epidemicus or, in this case, remedies epidemicus. He developed two other product lines, “CMR Health” which consist soley of homeopathic remedies and “Homeopet Line” was developed later and is a line of homeopathic combination products designed for pet care.” On his 90th birthday he was feted in an event held on September 3, 2015. This celebration was attended by many of his students and colleagues who made many speeches. The list of awards and honors is much too long and cannot be included here but the text of the entire speech can be accessed at < https://articulistadahora.blogspot.com/2015/09/ufrgs-realizou-no-dia-3-desetembro.html > [a number of YouTube video selections of Dr. Real can be accessed]; however, the presenters ended their laudatory remarks as follows: “All titles, honors, and honors are deeply deserved, but one achievement is unprecedented for Brazilian veterinary medicine and qualifies him as a man of great knowledge. He is a great connoisseur, scholar, and promoter of Veterinary Homeopathy, recognized in Brazil and worldwide as a ‘Precursor of Brazilian Veterinary Homeopathy’, which allows him to enthusiastically never refuse an invitation or call to give lectures and courses on this subject.” This title was awarded to him by the Brazilian Association of Homeopathic Veterinarians (ABMVH) in 2000. “In this field of expertise, he has been an entrepreneur and co-owner of Real & Cia Ltda., in Campo Grande, since 1985, and co-owner and Technical Manager of CMR Laboratórios Homeopáticos Veterinários Ltda., in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, since 2009. Therefore, at only 89 years of age, Professor Cláudio Martins Real remains dynamic, productive, and with an impeccable character and love for the profession he embraced: Veterinary Medicine, which he built at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), where his two sons, Mário and Marcelo, also graduated. “Therefore, Professor Cláudio, we are here to toast YOUR life. May you live many more years of health, peace, and love, surrounded by the determination of a young man with a bright soul, a wide smile, and a hearty laugh, so characteristic of you. “Let us continue our journey with God's blessing. “Carry the emotion of this moment with you. Carry us in your heart.” “CONGRATULATIONS.”–Dr. Carlos Alexandre Netto and Dr. Sandra Marques. Let his son, Mario Renck, end this brief tribute to one of Brazil's most important figures in homeopathy: “My father was a great man, a teacher to generations of veterinarians from Brazil, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, and so on. Many people benefited from his knowledge. He was also a practicing Catholic, fervent, and extremely charitable. He lived his Christianity without reservation. Everything in his life was intense. He belonged to the Vincentian Conferences (Society of Saint Vincent de Paul) from the age of 13. He is an example for generations. He practiced homeopathy in veterinary medicine like few others… A holy man.” Notes: [1] “Real” could be considered a play on words as it can refer to his name or symbolize “truth” or “regal.” In 1985, Dr. Real opened a retail store selling veterinary products which evolved into a small mineral supplement factory for, in particular, the bovine population. Developed out of his entrepreneurial leanings, the Grupo REAL (Royal Group) was officially founded as a corporation in 1993 in the city of Ribas do Rio Pardo (Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil). Currently, Grupo REAL has headquarters in Campo Grande, an industrial unit in Cuiabá, and distribution centers in Ji-Paraná (RO) and Hortolândia (SP). Additionally, the company exports products to Paraguay, Bolivia, and Guatemala. His wife, Maria de Lourdes Renck Real, then later sons, helped him lay the foundation for the company allowing him the freedom to enthusiastically continue his research and to develop innovative solutions for animal health. A year after opening his first store, Dr. Real began deepening his study behind the reasons for such a high mortality of adult cattle, which at the time was decimating thousands of animals in southern Brazil. While he realized that good nutrition is essential for cattle health, his research led him to use homeopathy and to create the concept of “population homeopathy.” This concept is simply understood as the administration of remedies to animals in a blanket fashion as opposed to single remedy homeopathy. He thus became a pioneer in the practice of bovine homeopathy in the country and his results provided further impetus to the spread of not just veterinary homeopathy but to homeopathy in general in that country of over 200 million persons. The company is more than a group of branded retail veterinary products as it attempts to be a unified voice representing innovation, quality, and a commitment to improved results for animal health. Dr. Real was, up until the time of his passing, the principal author of the company's blog which shares inspiring stories, market insights, and current developments in the field of veterinary science. Posts reflect the essence of the company's brands and their dedication to creating solutions which connect and benefit people. [2] Vincentian refers to a member of the Congregation of the Mission (CM), a Catholic organization founded at the priory of St. Lazare in Paris by Saint Vincent de Paul in order to preach to the rural poor and train candidates for the priesthood. Vincent, was a diocesan priest, who formed a community of men devoted to serving the poor in Jesus Christ. Diocesan priests serve primarily in parishes or specific geographical areas but Vincentian Catholics perform various charitable works throughout all of society including parishes. [3] Dr. Real's knowledge about homeopathy was instilled in him by his father when he was a young man. In 1965, in Porto Alegre (Rio Grande do Sul) when still a professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Dr. Real made the first diagnosis of myasthenia gravis in dogs. The discovery and diagnosis was published in a journal in the “Preliminary Note” section which served to communicate this to the entire scientific community. The solution which Professor Real devised, was based on classical homeopathy principles. Upon repertorization and materia medica study, the simillium pointed to Curare . It was administered and since then, many cases have been cured with this important remedy. In fact, Real and his associates found Curare 30CH to be indicated in a 25-year-old young man, who in childhood was affected by myasthenia gravis. The patient is well even to this day. For a more detailed accounting and a materia medica of Curare , see “ Curare and Its Veterinary Use in Myasthenia Gravis” (Claudio Martins Real, hpathy.com–May 5, 2011). [4] September in Brazil is veterinarians month with the 9th being Veterinarian's Day (April 26 is World Veterinary Day). This commemorates the date when then President, Getúlio Vargas, signed a decree, in 1933, serving to regulate the practice of veterinarian medicine in that country. There have been many well-deserved tributes to professionals who played a fundamental role in the fields of animal health, food production, disease control, and more. Some years ago on this special day, a video published by the Federal Council of Veterinary Medicine (CFMV) featured a lengthy discourse by Dr. Real. On his 90th birthday he was feted in an event held on September 3, 2015. This event was attended by many of his students and colleagues with multiple speeches being made. It can be accessed at < https://articulistadahora.blogspot.com/2015/09/ufrgs-realizou-no-dia-3-desetembro.html > I wish to acknowledge the assistance which I received from Dr. vet med Mario Renck Real in preparing this tribute. Publication History Article published online: 29 June 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Private Limited A-13A, Graphix Tower 1, 6th floor, Sector 62, Noida 201309, Uttar Pradesh, India