Question Details
HL Weakness In A Dog
by kathyd - March 8, 2017    View Case Report
Hi,
Bernie is a 14yo NM Pom who recently developed HL ataxia & paresis (dxd with degen myelopathy by rdvm). I recently started seeing him for acupuncture. He is a happy little friendly dog. He is not polydipsic but has significant urinary urgency; he also some nocturnal fecal incontinence. Great appetite. Has a grade 4/6 systolic murmur with a dry hacky cough. Has also recently developed a thumping motion in LH - does not bother dog at all & he doesn't recently even seem to be aware of it. He does have some truncal alopecia (not completely gone, just sparse). No panting, prefers cooler places in house.

His tongue is dark pink, appears slightly swollen. His pulses seem thin & wiry, hard to compress. I could appreciate some heat around BL19. I needled mostly GB points this last time & his pulse did seem to soften a bit but was still hard to compress.

He eats kibble with occasional veggies. I discussed homecooked diet for him.

I am having a hard time coming up with a TCVM diagnosis (I still struggle with this) and would also appreciate some herbal suggestions.

Thanks,
Kathy
Replies
by naturevet
March 10, 2017
Hi Kathy,

If the diagnosis was based upon genetic testing, then it is likely accurate, but it's otherwise a bit old and small a dog to be contemplating this diagnosis. Regardless, the first treatment that comes to mind for his presentation happens to treat DM, so it's a moot point.

Shao Yang disharmonies can produce:
- incontinence
- smooth muscle motility issues
- wiry pulses better with treatment of GB related points
- dark tongue discoloration
- chronic cough
- alopecia
For the latter symptom, we often use Qing Ying Tang, but for everything else here, I'd recommend Xiao Chai Hu Tang. The Shao Yang controls the Dai Mai, and when the Dai Mai is 'buckled' too tightly, Yang cannot descend to the lower burner to control continence.

Hopefully this helps you out. Please let us know how it goes!

Steve
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