The owner presented last week to see if acupuncture and herbs could decrease his need for prednisone. Tyson was active and friendly on initial exam. There was severe atrophy of the temporalis and masseter muscles. His tongue was pale with a red tip. His pulse was weak and rapid. His owner said that appetite was good and at this point he was eating canned Z/D. His stools were soft. His water consumption had increased but she had not noticed any concurrent increase in urination. She also said that since he had become sick, he had started snoring when he slept. Needling of SP 6 made the pulse stronger, but irregular.
Acupuncture treatment was aimed at Dissipating Heat and Strengthening the Spleen. Yi Guan Jian was sent home.
I haven't seen him back yet, but wanted to see if this formula makes sense. While there are signs of Dampness, pulse and tongue didn't evidence Dampness and overall he did not feel so much Damp as very Hot and Yin Deficient. The owner indicated that his weight loss had continued despite a strong appetite.
Just interested in your thoughts. Thanks, Deirdre