Question Details
Renal Dysplasia Patient
by amymatthews - September 29, 2009
Hello again!

I have a 15 month old FS Bernese Mountain Dog with a long term history of PU/PD. She is persistently isosthenuria (1.008-9), occasionally has proteinuria (1+ in that dilute urine), but normal on protein: creatinine ratios (run twice). No azotemia. On abdominal ultrasound, her left kidney is absent and her right kidney has a narrow cortex --> diagnosis of renal agenesis and renal dysplasia. Her tongue tends to be red-pink with a thin clear coat, pulse is slightly rapid. I started her on Rehmannia Six and then switched to REhmannia Eight. She also get acupuncture, primarily targeting KI support. Her values have remained stable, her tongue and pulse have not changed. I know that inflammation is not a hallmark of renal dysplasia, but I wonder if the absence of changes in her values (lab and PE) raises the possibility of anti-inflammatory herbs being useful?

Otherwise, I'm quite happy with how she is doing.

We had one other renal dysplasia patient who regained normal bloodwork after 3 acupuncture treatments and Rehmannia Eight for a few months - the owner (a vet) chose to discontinue treatment at that time, but I was also really pleased with his response (though wish he were still on herbs!).

Thanks as always!
Amy
Replies
by naturevet
September 29, 2009
Hi Amy,

If the pr/cr ratio is less than one, then that is usually my clue that Rehmannia formulas are the main ones to try. If Rehmannia was wrong for the dog, you probably would have seen a worsening of azotemia or appearance of some symptoms (e.g. vomiting). In the absence of those, I would bet the formula could still be beneficial, and would try raising the dose. We've also found that we can use higher protein diets (e.g. raw, Orijen, home-cooked, EVO) and have the Rehmannia be effective in preventing renal hypertension, even as renal blood flow is increased. The increased filtration that results should lower azotemia for you.

That's my take, anyway. If you still don't get anywhere, then I guess trying San Ren Tang or Xiao Chai Hu Tang for a couple of weeks is the next option.

Good luck!

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