Hi Holly,
When you have a question about this dog, just use the forum. I appreciate the case updates, but because not everyone with an update has a question, the forum is separate. This question and replies are linked to your case, however. If you click 'view case report' at the top of the blue section, above, it will take you to the associated case.
I'll go there now to read your update. To add more info to this thread in future, just either (1) find this case among your personal cases, and then click 'read question and replies' at the top of the page; OR (2) find this thread in My Questions above and add to it.
Regarding that aggravation, a Shao Yang disharmony can certainly create colitis. So it is a differential here. If things are getting balmy where you are, try adding in the Si Miao San first (without stopping the other formulas). If he improves, great, then you know the direction you're heading in. The reliance on a small amount of carbs to maintain weight is a feature of some Damp dogs.
If the SMS doesn't help, consider Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang to help cool the GI and calm the dog for a few weeks. Continue YGJ at the same time. After that,once the colitis and behaviour issues have calmed down, a return to the XCHT and Yi Guan Jian may work better to completely resolve skin issues.
Note that if the YGJ doesn't really stop the colitis from coming back (which was a big reason for using it, then maybe switch Blood tonics to Si Wu Tang, which may help more with the skin at least.
If the SMS doesn't help and it's still quite cool and dry, then it is a microflora disruption that is perpetuating the problem. CHJLGMLT will help wtih that. It likely just won't go away on its own on a low carb diet. To remedy this:
(1) Try adding in a probiotic. Lactobacillus of some type is my top choice. I would give a LOT at first; and (2), consider something like sweet potatoes as a well-tolerated carbohydrate source that can help the dog maintain its weight while also supporting Lactobacillus. Lactobacillus has immune suppressing activity that helps control systemic hypersensitivities, but is 100% reliant on fermentable carbohydrates for it to thrive in the GI and help balance the immune system.
Hope all that helps! Remember, for more questions, use the forum. I'm glad you saw success thus far. Thanks for updating the case, too!
Steve