Question Details
Separation Anxiety, Noise Phobia
by CVWDVM - June 4, 2009
HI Steve,
I was wondering about the best formula for this individual. Siegy ("Ziggy") is a 6 yr old F/S mix (lab, rottie??) with progressive noise phobia of ~1.5yr duration and recent onset of moderate separation anxiety. She has had lick lesions (some progressing to granulomas) on the limbs in various locations for the past 2 yrs. Each lesion subsequently heals completely once she starts licking at a different location.
Tongue: reddish purple, impression of being dry
Pulse: superficial, rapid, thin for her size
Coat is course, but no dander or alopeica.
Diet - 25% grain-free, high protein dry kibble, 25% veggies, 50% raw. She has had this diet for the past 1-2 years.
Stool - normal, no soft stool (no other damp signs at this time)
Personality: Siegy is generally a relaxed, happy individual except for the noise phobia. Acepromazine, fluoxetine, rescue remedy, homeopathy have not helped. Thunder, fireworks, trucks passing the house, sometimes even lawn mowers can set off an episode of anxiety.
Prior hx - three to four years ago, she had recurrent otitis, occassional dermatitis, diagnosed as food allergy. Ultimately resolved with switch to current diet. No otitis or dermatitis in past ~2 years.
My assessment is blood deficiency, likely from previous spleen deficiency. Could the red tongue and rapid pulse (heat signs)result from "friction" from not enough blood? I'm assuming the onset of separation anxiety indicates the blood deficiency is getting worse. But why? Diet seems better than what most dogs eat. Other thoughts on dx and pathophysiology?
Which blood tonic to start with?
THANK YOU!!
Replies
by naturevet
June 4, 2009
Hi there,

The tongue certainly indicates Heat, and possibly Stasis, depending on how purple it is. Inflammation secondary to diet in the past is a hallmark of Damp Heat. Spleen deficiency is the ultimate source of Damp, but unless the animal is looking deficient, we probably shouldn't start there. This dog seems to have residual Heat even after the diet change. Perhaps there is still something in there that bothers the dog.

Anyway, I'm thinking there is a residual Heart Fire creating the agitation. This is suggested by the lick granulomas. Itch is a sign of Heart pathology, according to the classics. It explains why agitated animals express their agitation by chewing on themselves. Lick granulomas also have a degree of Blood Stasis associated with them.

Lastly, in figuring out what to do, we can get some guidance from the pulse. A superficial pulse implies a bitter or bland formula that pulls the blood inward (in very real terms). So I'm thinking of formulas like Si Miao San, Long Dan Xie Gan Tang or even Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang. Given the previous dietary history, the dog's history, and the always admirable goal of 'first do no harm', we should probably start with Si Miao San. If we're on the right track, you'll start to see some positive changes.

We should probably add some Dang Gui to the formula, however. Whether from Spleen deficiency or persistent Heat, there appears to be a Blood or Yin deficiency on top of everything else, creating the coat dryness and aggravating the Shen disturbance. Blood is one of the things that anchors the Heart Shen and calms the spirit.

Last but not least, to hedge your bets now that it's thunderstorm season, I'd dispense some Kava. It's an excellent anxiolytic and quite dependable. I would suggest 0.2 ml per 5 lbs given as a single dose (in something sweet or creamy to hide the bitter taste). You could start with twice a day, and taper to once daily as needed as the SMS plus DG slowly kicks in.

Hope that helps!

Steve

by CVWDVM
June 28, 2009
Update for Siegy and request for more input:
We started SMS and Dang Gui. We also started Kava Kava. Due to the bitter taste of the liquid, the owner obtained capsules and is giving 200mg twice a day.
Unfortunately, Siegy seems worse! He now seems anxious most of the time, to the point where it is difficult to take him on walks. The owner thinks the herbs have made him worse. Any comments?
Thank you!
Courtney
by naturevet
June 28, 2009
Hi Courtney

To see if the herbs are aggravating the situation, stop them for a day or two. If the dog is suddenly a lot better, then we know they're aggravating.

In the vent of an aggravation, it's hugely important to see the dog again to check the pulses, points and tongue to see how they have changed. If SMS is aggravating, then it can only be because either the formula is too drying or too cooling. So you'd evaluate signs and symptoms to try to identify which it is. Any chance you can get the dog back in?

If not, then we have to hazard a guess. I'd say given the original findings, you commit to a Yin tonic that is calming. A good option would be Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan. You may want to look that one up.

Hang in there. If you follow the advice above, you should get it figured out.

Steve
Reply to this question.
You must be logged in to reply