Question Details
Bladder TCC
by Lauren Chattigre - September 18, 2009
Hi Steve. Lauren Chattigre here. I was hoping I could ask you for a little help on a case, as I was thinking of using the Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang you recommended in last year's AHVMA notes for TCC.

Lucy is 11yr old cocker with TCC high-grade malignancy dorsal surface of bladder, and a splenic nodule. Her signs include increased frequency to urinate (o says every 25 minutes during the day but she can hold it at night), small amounts of urine, and she has to stay in position for awhile until it comes out. Her UA's often show blood and bacteria. She also has frequent anal sacculitis with scooting (I expressed a small amount of normal fluid today), and mild odor and wax in both ears. This would make me think of damp toxic heat except for the rest. Her tongue is pale lavender in color (normal coating and slightly puffy, no cracks), and her pulses are deep, weak (R>L), not rapid at all, and slightly wiry with a hint of choppy. She tires easily on walks, has a very stiff back and hips, mild limb muscle atrophy, seeks warmth, is losing her hearing, and moves better after sitting in the sun. She also has a white sebaceous adenoma on one ear. She's hypothyroid on soloxine. Also on rimadyl. Separation anxiety manifested by barking; otherwise very sweet and friendly and easy-going. Dreaming behavior during sleep.

Which formula(s) would be appropriate? Thanks!
Replies
by naturevet
September 18, 2009
Hi Lauren,

The combination of Blood stasis symptoms and signs, plus a preference for warmth, is a perfect case to try Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang. If you like, you can add 12 to 15 g of Hua Shi to guide the formula to the bladder.

If necessary, you can also consider use of antibiotics, but we've seen a significant improvement of the dysuria with just SFZYT alone.

I'd give it a try.

Another option might be Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, but see how this works first.

Good luck,

Steve
by Lauren Chattigre
September 19, 2009
Thanks...I'll give it a try. The owner also wants to try something called Ai-Shin (www.bioherbalai.com) - on VIN there was a post using this product for TCC with 75% reduction of tumor size. Ingredients are hedyotis, scute, corydalis, dioscorea, vaccoria, persica, angelica, bupleurum, salvia, dipsacus, citrus seed, melia, atractylodis, red peony, hornet's nest, ganoderma, and astragalus. Potential benefit or should I tell him not to use it?
by naturevet
September 19, 2009
It's not specific to this animal's presentation, so I wouldn't expect it to work as well. I'm always a fan of trying one approach at a time, or adding things in one at a time, so you can see what's truly helpful and what is just complicating matters.

Good luck, whatever you try.

Steve
by Lauren Chattigre
September 20, 2009
Thanks...I'll try the SFZYT first by iteself.
by Lauren Chattigre
December 8, 2009
Hi Steve. Just wondering what to do next. Lucy still has pollakiuria, just as frequently, no change. They haven't repeated an ultrasound and their regular vet is talking about euthanasia. Recently the owner noticed some blood spots on the bed where she sleeps with them also. Her tongue today was pretty normal, just slightly pale lavender, and her pulses were difficult to palpate but did not seem thin or choppy anymore though still deep and a bit weak. She weighs 20 pounds and I've been giving her 500mg (1 cap) BID of the Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang since our last email. Do I just need to increase the dose, or add something else now? Thanks!
by naturevet
December 8, 2009
Hi Lauren,

I think the next option was Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang. If the animal's quality of life is not terrible, and it is still enjoying its meals, time with its owner and walks, there's no reason yet to resort to euthanasia...

Steve
Reply to this question.
You must be logged in to reply