My own 12-year old dog Cooper was diagnosed with a gall bladder mucocele last year (the case is in the database) - that was his second flare up (initial one was in March 2014 and responded well to Si Miao San and Ursodiol etc.). i got his second flare-up in October quickly under control and Cooper has done very well with the treatments and his liver values are normal again. I currently have him on Ursodiol every other day, SLF Forte (Milk Thistle etc. supplement), Xiao Chai Hu Tang (low dose) and taurine. He is still tender at BL 18-20, but he hates acupuncture, so I haven't done it in the last 2 months. I am not sure were to go from here. I wonder if I should keep him on the Xiao Chai Hu Tang, because of the Shu points sensitivities. I watched your talk on Hepatic Disease on CIVT and I am worried that things will change with the seasons (his two episodes were in spring and fall). I assume gall bladder issues are more of an epithelial problem and worsening of signs would be potentially in summer/fall - am I understanding this correctly? Also, what do you think about adding SAM-e and phasing out the ursodiol (it has gotten very expensive)? And what about using Si Miao San "prophylactically" in the summer/fall, or would I only use it if I see elevations on blood work/symptoms?
Basically, I am asking for advise on how to prevent future mucocele episodes. I am worried about taking Cooper off supplements/herbs and I am not sure which to continue long-term or how to adjust his supplements with the seasons.
Thanks for your input.
Cornelia