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Spondylosis In Dane

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Hi Steve,

Yes, I am desparate for this one as well.

I have been treating 12 years old MC Great Dane for hind limb weakness for the past couple of months. Spondylosis of spine on rads.

He responded some to the acupuncture, as well as herbal remedy. Now his problem is getting worse with a new problem; the diarrhea.

His tongue is pale, and his pulse is soft (used to be wiry or deep, depending on the position of his body), and his knockling of hind limbs are worse than ever. His ears were cool and his toes were normal (used to be cool on both). He used to drink a ton of water, but it got better now. He had sensitivities along shu points.

He developed diarrhea as diet was changed to higher quality canned, cooling food (the gradual change completed three weeks ago). I also recall that the dosage of Jin suo Gu Jing was increased around that time.

I stopped the previous herbal formulas (Di Gu Pi, Jin Suo Gu Jing, Suo Quan Wan) and switched to Bu Zong Yi Qi, that made the diarrhea worse.

I am dispensing Metronidazole and recommended to give him live cultured yogurt along with hamburger and rice that the client has been giving.

I am not sure if I can get accurate pulse change using BL-40 on this patient.

He has a good appetite, and his diarrhea seems to be small bowel origin...Is this still a kind of SP Qi Deficiency?

Thanks for your help!

Rieko

by naturevet

June 3, 2009

Hi Rieko,

If the metronidazole works, you have confirmation of Damp Heat. These animals will often do worse on tonics (e.g. BZYQT) and processed (e.g. canned) diets. All processing adds heat, even when cool ingredients are used.

If the animal is confirmed as having Damp Heat and the pulse is weak and superficial (for that is how I interpret 'soft'; is that correct for you, too?), then Yi Yi Ren Tang is my top choice. It tonifies the Spleen and Kidney; drains Damp; clears Heat secondary to Damp; and is a good musculoskeletal formula. Other options that act more on the Tai Yang and stop Damp Heat diarrhea include San Ren Tang and Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San. Often the pulse of the animal that benefits is a little deep, wiry or slippery, and eases with sedation of BL 40.

So those are my top picks right now. In addition, you can try Shen Ling Bai Zhu San. Often the animals that benefit can have quite strong Damp Heat signs, but it is not as reliable as SRT and HXZQS.

You sure get some tough cases. I hope this advice makes your day a little easier.

Steve

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