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Meningioma

by Heather1 - October 11, 2009

Abby Jo, FS bischon mix, DOB 7/1994

History:

5/08 diagnosed meningioma (generally benign) via MRI, symptoms of trembling, spontaneous yelping and seizures

7/08 radiation treatment at CSU

Current medications: KBr, prednisone (2.5 mg BID), selegiline (Anipryl)

9/09 repeat MRI...tumor unchanged, cystic portion is slightly larger with 2 areas of chronic hemorrhage

Diagnosed with cognitive dysfunction

Herbal treatment:

11/08 Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang prescribed based on tongue and pulse and upper body symptoms, dry skin, and anxiety...Qi and Blood Stasis with Blood Deficiency

6/09 Formula changed to Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang because of red tongue, agitation, restlessness, stumbling and twitching...Wind invasion

Currently, Abby Jo has developed "sundowning" symptoms of restlessness and pacing between 5pm and 9 pm. Kidney, Pericardium and Triple Burner imbalance.

Melatonin was added last week.

T: dark pink, no coating, slightly thick and flabby

P: good rhythm, slightly fast, deep to medium position, slightly tight and thin, bounding but mildy weak

Abby Jo has become more sensitive to the cold weather...shivering and seeming chilled while resting.

I was researching in the book,"Manual of Natural Veterinary Medicine," and came across Ren Shen Yang Ying Tang with Rou Gui to support early Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency...would explain her sensitivity to cold.

I feel like she needs a tonifying formula...Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang?

Any other suggestions? Thanks for reading...Heather

by naturevet

October 11, 2009

Hi Heather,

I'm wondering about Kidney Yin deficiency, which can show up as a false Heat in the evenings. It's not uncommon for the Kidneys to become deficient if the Triple Burner (the main conduit by which their Qi is strengthened) is obstructed. If the dog showed some improvement when you switched to CHJLGMLT, then this suggests the TB is obstructed, resulting in a bouncing of Yang up into the upper burner, creating the seizures. In that event, concomitant use of a Kidney formula may help further stabilize the dog. Given the combined symptoms of Yin and Yang deficiency, I'd start with something easy, safe and basic like Rehmannia Eight and see if the dog experiences added stability. If it does, but not all the way, then we can examine the residual symptoms to see whether the dog needs more Yin or more Yang.

Hope that isn't too confusing an explanation. All the best,

Steve

by Heather1

October 12, 2009

Abby Jo has not improved on the CHJLGMLT. In fact, throughout the summer, her symptoms (trembling, stumbling, cognitive dysfunction, restlessness) have gradually become worse.

I like the idea of a Yin and Yang tonic. I originally was considering Zuo Gui Wan, but because of her sensitivity to cold and lack of response to pred (Yin tonic) I steered away from it.

Thanks for your help on this one.

by naturevet

October 12, 2009

Another idea or two:

If the animal comes across as very Qi deficient (e.g. you tonify BL 20 and the pulse really improves), then Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang can be really helpful. It's a blood mover and Qi tonic.

If BWDHW helps, we've sometimes added Long Gu to better descend Yang and calm the spirit.

Also consider Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin, if a Kidney tonifying approach helps.

Good luck! Tough case.

Steve

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