Sunshine is a very quiet, aloof GSD but calm and sweet once she knows you. I think she is Metal. She does come from a hoarding situation in the NE.
Initially presented for some hindlimb weakness due to mild OA in hips.
TCM dx at the time was bony bi due to kidney yin def as well as some damp signs : loose stools on occasion, decreased appetite (tongue was lavender, pulses: slippery and deep, prefers cool, appetite ok, thirst increased.
Doing well with AP and Hindquarter weakness (JT)
About 2 months ago: o noted wheezing (no coughing) and reduced stamina and fever. Rads showed diffuse bronchointerstitial pattern. Long story short, fecal negative, dewormed with Pancaur in case lungworm, fungal considered but rads not typical, not sick enough and no travel history (but still possible) , started doxy (appetite decreased): no significant response. In meantime, blood work showed persistent significant eosinophilia and basophilia with mod increase in WBC. ACTH normal although baseline cortisol low at 1.1
As we d/c doxy since was not improving clinical signs and causing decreased appetite, her WBC normalized, but eosinohilia persists (marked elevation). Abd u/s revealed splenomegaly: FNA of spleen normal
We are concluding PIE from a traditional perspective.
We are not excited about simply adding cyclosporine.
TCM currently: Her energy is improving daily, becoming more engaged with family again, appetite is better but stamina is still reduced.
I think she has underlying kidney yin def which developed into wei/lung qi def and invasion of external pathogens due to Shao Yang disharmony.
I would like advice on herb combination to start that may address the above as well as specific effect to reduce the eosinohilia and perhaps mimic the effects of pred (theoretically pred would "cure" the eosinohilia according to internal medicine gurus) while supporting her immune system. She is getting better, but needs some additional help.
A very sweet dog (and I am not a fan of German Shepards).
Thanks so much
Hannah