Question Details
Lymphoma And IVDD In A Dog
by Kathleen - October 15, 2014    View Case Report
Hi Steve,
I have treated twice a dachshund, M/N, 9 years old with IVDD. X-rays show calcified discs at -L1, L1-L2, and L6-L7. He also has lymphoma. His rDVM initially suggested no Chinese herbs as he is currently on a second go around of chemo - Lomustine orally with prednisone. He got hives with the new chemo drug and they now give Benadryl first and then administer meds with sucrylate. He also vomited initially with the chemo.

When I saw him for the first time last week, I treated him twice, three days apart with acupuncture and cold laser. He responded immediately and the owner has had to restrain him. Since the second treatment, he is now experiencing more proprioceptive deficits but no increased pain. He is on gabapentin for pain and pred for lymphoma.

With his decline, rDVM and owner interested in Chinese herbs.

His lymph nodes are currently normal size. His appetite is usually good but decreased with chemo. Usually not a big drinker but thirst increased on pred.
Pulse: toned, thin - DBL25 more volume.
Tongue: light red with mild lavender.
Sleep: occasionally snores, like to be covered up.
Behavior: used to be a fear biter but much better over time.

Hot points initially: BL20, 19, 26. Today after being palpated by rDVM hot points were: BL21, 17, 24.
I would appreciate your input of where would be a good place to start to support this dog neurologically and with his lymphoma.
thanks,
Kathleen
Replies
by naturevet
October 15, 2014
Hi Kathleen,

I think it's very safe to start with some derivative of Minor Bupleurum, and Six Gentlemen, to address a possible Shao Yang disharmony and secondary Qi deficiency.

Potential signs of Qi deficiency:
- weakness/CP deficits post chemo
- loss of appetite post chem
Potential signs of Shao Yang disharmony with compartmentalization of Yang in upper burner:
- thirst on pred
- red/lavender tongue
Even the chills may relate to a Shao Yang disharmony, if Yang is separating from Blood to some extent. I feel this is a common problem in cancer

From a conventional perspective, Six Gentlemen will counter cachexia from cancer and help to mitigate adverse effects of chemotherapy, without interfering with it. Xiao Chai Hu Tang is an important neural anti-inflammatory which I find useful as a way to start treatment in deep spinal cord trauma

Most importantly, because this is a harmonizing and Qi tonifying strategy, it's unlikely to do any harm here.

Steve
by Kathleen
October 15, 2014
Thanks Steve. I have had a lot of good successes using Xiao Chai Hu Tang in these IVDD dogs, without the lymphoma, so am happy to see the suggestions. I will keep you posted on the results.
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