Scout is a 16 MO M Min Schnauzer with congenital microphthalmia OS w/ vitreal degeneration of the lens and L7 transitional vertebra partially fused to ilium on R, so L/S stenosis. I first saw him in March, his owner was concerned with odd behaviors that began 1.5 months following a rabies vaccine and the MRI and meds for life approach from her local vet. At that time, we have compulsive tail-chasing spinning, both directions, can last several minutes. He’s restless, strains to defecate w/ right leg up (d/t the stenosis I presume). T is normal, wet; P is deep, wiry, not compressible. I think TBO – subepileptic neuropathic disorder, psychosis w/ a genetic connection (which is reported in terriers) – repetition, OCD, autism. Perhaps vaccine induced, need to internalize Yang. I give him the rabies tautode and start CHJLGMLT and raw diet.
In June, spinning improved substantially, now an occasional slow circle, easily distracted to stop, still lots of nervous energy. T is rosy w/ mild lav center; P is mid, wiry. I switch him to XCHT and CBD oil. The day he runs out of XCHT (early August), he is way overstimulated or terrorized going through a car wash and has his first seizure, grand mal, the next day ~6am, then again 2 days later at same time. Causal or coincidence? His spinning has ramped up again. Bloodwork in August is unremarkable, T3 is low, Mg low normal. He is very unsettled on exam, panting, can’t focus. T is rosy, redder under; P is deep, wiry. I started him on TMGTY on 8/8. He proceeded to have seizures on 8/11, 13, 20, 27, 9/2, 3, all but one between 2:45-6:30am.
I see him September 4th. T is rosy red, P is deep, full, wiry; his torso feels warm. At that time, I transition him to XCHT, adding to it Tian Ma (20g), Gui Zhi (12), and Bai Shao (15), also QYT. His owner thinks this combination is helpful, but still has seizures 9/12, 14, 3 while the owner is out of town for a week (9/17-24), 9/26, 10/4, 6, 7, and 15. They may occur earlier now, as early as 12:30am, always only in the 12:30-6am time period. I let the QYT run out to see how he does on the modified XCHT alone. Honestly, I just don’t know if I am making any headway here! Below is a summary of the signs from his owner. What are your thoughts of this disorder and how to help this guy live a more comfortable life? I watched your recent CIVT talk on behavioral issues and think his Po is strongest, meaning LV is lacking? Liver Yin Def, Empty Heat? Can that account for the autistic behaviors and seizure disorder - along w/ TBO?
-Spinning and trying to bite at rump/tail area
-Scratching his shoulder with his back legs, a lot. Especially if he appears nervous.
-Hard head and full body shakes throughout the day, like shaking off water, almost always when fastened to go outside and as he comes back in and other random times. It appears to me a coping mechanism to shake off excessive energy
-Yapping/snapping during seizures currently (at first, just paddling)
-Restless. Circles, lies down for a few minutes, gets up smells floor and moves then starts over. May repeat 5 or more times before he settles.
-Barks at everything in the yard, dogs, people, nothing.
-Will stand for hours outside just observing. Sometimes he lays but mostly stands. He loves to be outdoors. Loves snow. Not a fan of rain.
-He doesn’t want to be held except in the car. Won’t sit on your lap
-Recently started begging and grabbing for people’s food even if he just finished eating.
-Extremely hyper when people visit home. If you ignore him for a few minutes, he will finally settle.
-He startles at some noises…the vertical blinds rattling really bug him. He gets anxious and will yip and grab something and shake it or try and chew on inappropriate things: shoes, pillows, recliner leg rest, etc. It doesn’t last long but he freaks out. He normally doesn’t chew or bother anything except when noises set him off. But fireworks don’t bother him.
-If his toys are picked up and put in his bed, he will dump them out. if toys are stacked and lined up against the wall he doesn’t touch them.
-if pills are added to his meal he will finish his meal, lick the pill clean, and line up the pills beside his bowl
That’s the skinny, thanks as always for enlightening us!
Franchesca