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GB Sludge

by Lauren Chattigre - September 30, 2009

Hi there. I'm trying to decide between two formulas for a 12yr MN Bichon with severe gallbladder sludge. When I called Brion herbs they recommended Da Chai Hu Tang but in looking at the formula it addresses more qi and blood stagnation with heat, and I was wondering if Wen Dan Tang would be a better choice as it also focuses on damp. Tongue is puffy but otherwise normal (I've had the dog on Xiao Yao San for hepatomegaly and elevated liver enzymes which have improved); pulses are deep, rapid, and slippery, perhaps a bit thin. His right cranial abdomen feels "full" and a bit sensitive.

Other history: well-regulated diabetes, cataracts, mild hypertension, lipoma, alopecia and hyperpigmentation, allergic dermatitis, hip arthritis.

The GB sludge is halfway organized, and concerning for a mucocele, but owners wish to avoid surgery. Thanks!

by naturevet

September 30, 2009

My sense would be to come at this from a Damp Heat perspective as you suggested. For Damp Heat cases with biliary issues, Si Miao San is my top pick. That will produce a general systemic and biliary tract benefit. You can then top that off with any number of Western herbs: Dandelion opens the bile duct up to allow better discharge and is a cholagogue. I'm not sure if the flowers (used in TCM) would have the same benefit as the herb (used in the West). Turmeric (Yu Jin) is also an option. Fringe tree bark (Chionanthus) and/or Celandine are also options. You can source those at most places selling herbal tinctures (e.g. Whole Foods). You should know that Dr. Mona Boudreaux at atthherbs@aol.com can custom make anything you want, and for a much reasonable price than most human herb product vendors.

Good luck!

Steve

by Lauren Chattigre

October 1, 2009

Thanks! I've also got him on Lipotropic Complex from Integrative Therapeutics (has fringe tree, celandine, dandelion, milk thistle, and a few other things).

by Lauren Chattigre

October 1, 2009

By the way, I need a better handle on distinguishing between the three accumulations - dampness, damp turbidity, and phlegm.

(And I will also contact Dr. Boudreaux about this case. Thanks!)

by naturevet

October 2, 2009

Phlegm is just a more congealed form of Damp. Other than that, I consider them so linked as to be essentially the same thing - certainly to have the same causes, and for one (Damp) to morph into the other. Damp turbidity I would interpret as a pseudonym for Damp, but I guess it depends on what author you're reading. At any rate, the difference between the two Damps is certainly probably splitting hairs.

S

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