I'm seeing a 5 yr M(N) Pit x rescue dog from Mexico. He had a RF leg amputation following HBC before owner got him and since has had 2 episodes of severe hind end pain /weakness. Pain on palpation L6-7. Responded to metacam and cage rest. Didn't do as well with Rimadyl .Both episodes in May/June. Currently doing quite well on metacam but with gait LF elbow abducted, foot twisted medially and medial toes splayed.
X rays done after last episode show severe hip dysplasia with lumbar spondylosis. He is fence aggressive with dogs he doesn't know, but social otherwise, and though he is very outgoing, friendly with people in a "bowl you over" way, owner thinks he is more intense since he's been on the metacam. Has had one histiocytoma that resolved and a couple of episodes in summer of pruritus, mild erythema with small areas of hyperpigmentation . He will lay in the sun for hours. Dislikes cold. Good appetite, doesn't drink a lot. Energy is very high but only in short bursts, then he is wiped out. Pulse is a bit weak for his size, moderate depth and a bit thin, slightly wiry. Tongue is slightly pale pink with a lavender tinge and very thin white coat. Very sensitive to start at BL-18, GB29,30 BL-28. I've acupunctured him a couple of times, but have seen little change in mobility except sensitive points much less tender on palpation. Pulse improved needling BL-18, GB 30 and GB-34.Was very restless both nights after acupuncture. I don't see any Damp issues with him, more Blood deficiency/stasis with the hips likely indicating Ki Jing def I wondered if something like Xiao Chai Hu Tang with Si Wu Tang would be helpful, (or even Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang though he isn't the typical older feeble dog) to maybe enable owner to reduce or eliminate the metacam. Any issues with using the herbs with metacam otherwise? Any thoughts or suggestions you might have would be appreciated. Thanks, Llewanda