Have a 11yo Malamute M(N) presented 3w ago, 1w post Sx for perianal adenocarcinoma with a nonfunctional uncharacterized adrenal mass found on staging that is thought to be a possible met? He had paraneoplastic hypercalcemia that normalized by day 5 post sx. He is a fussy dog and o worried about supplement fatigue/food adversion.
Dog presented to be sl cold, deficient with feeble deep, poss toned pulse and active BL17-18 and GB29. Underside tongue had some obv vasculization. Lavender on top. Pulse improved w needling above.
Hx was ltd and been well dog. Had been fed mix home prep natural + weight loss kibble. He lost 8kg unexplained prior to tumour detection earlier this year. He is BCS 6/9. so was markedly obese previous by deduction.
O interested in general support and to hear me out re: C or AM and was scheduled to go back to primary vet to discuss chemo at 3w mark.
I sent him home with BZYQT as he seemed Qi deficient and allopathically post surgery. I also sent him home w WLT in case. O phoned and advised diarrhoea from BZYQT ? so advised swap to WLT and presumed there was a latent damp tendency manifesting.
I rechecked him today he has gained 500g, he is reportedly brighter. BCS 6/9. I also sent him home w a vitamin A/D/C micronutrient mix, probiotics, Ge Xie Zhu Yu Tang and Mushroom 7 (Bioceuticals australia) to check palatability as he is a fussy dog. I also advised start creeping fish oil for cachexia. Adv stop all high CHO food immediately.
O reports herbs in food a little hit and miss, tolerated WLT the best. Loves probiotics and micronutrient mix (Wellbeing essentials).
His pulse is deep, thin, feeble, but definitely a slippery edge to it now. He was active at KI3, BL23-24. Tongue was pale and lavender underside. The WLT hasnt made him appear hot in O opinion. Needled points perhaps pulse came out a little.
Ass is spleen qi def, probably damp, kidney deficiency?
I have sent the dog home on Wei Ling Tang and 50/50% Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang/ Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang (I was going to do straight XFZYT but didnt have enough in dispensary). I had wanted GXZYT but didnt feel it fit metaphorically yet.
I anticipate he may change again in next month of high CHO diet. I have elected to go for a metaphoric and biochemical mix of WLT/ZYT based herbs. It is a friday afternoon so dont know if best idea. I have held off adding Curcuma yet as want to see how energetics go on this formula.
Now this gets me to my question; what prognosis do others think this may afford. I have adv client 12 mo would be amazing. Local boarded oncologists said 3-6mo w chemo.
Does anyone have insights into how these patients can fair, Steve and Erin particularly interested to hear. O would consider metronomic chemo and an integrative approach, but cant afford radiation. Let me know if you have seen patients do better w chemo + herbs than herbs along.
Next month if fussyness gone, will add Coriolus/Reishi/Curcuma/perhaps San Leng. As an aside, what are the energetics of San Leng. I tasted it, seems sweet/bland, so suspect it is warming?
Thanks in advance,
Matt