I've been seeing this young German Shepherd (now 3 years old, MN, imported from Germany) since he was young for chiropractic care. He's been on raw food since he was a puppy, but can still have a finicky appetite and has always been quite thin. Firey as a puppy, hit his head on a table and had significant chiropractic issues associated with the occiput (pain) for a few months. Near 2 years of age, he was diganosed with mild hip dysplasia. Two months ago, I found subtle signs of a left ACL rupture; the local orthopedist did not recommend surgery at this time as he may be able to recover (we started Ruta to support the ligaments). He's had Lyme disease and improved on doxycycline but had to be switched to enrofloxacin because he lost his appetite on doxy. He's also had itchy skin, saw a dermatologist, suspected atopy; has finally improved recently on hydroxyzyine and a homeopathic approach. I suspect GS vasculitis as his ear tips lose fur during the cold winter months; his nares get irritated in the colder, drier weather as well.
Over the last few months, he's been quieter than usual, though will still play with his (older) house-sibling. He gets physical therapy for the early hip dysplasia, and had some sessions during which he seemed to get exhausted early on. I'm hoping that this is secondary to the stifle pain. His appetite has also gotten more finicky. PLI, TLI, cob/folate, and resting cortisol (for Addison's) were all normal.
His tongue tends to be red-pink with a thin clear coat; his pulse is usually compressible or flat (perhaps I could call this slippery?), occasionally superficial though still not rapid. I suspect immune imbalance given the early signs of vasculitis and atopy, the low body wt and finicky appetite (gi immune system), and maybe even the early ACL (possible ligament degeneration, though this could be secondary to anatomy, ie, hip dysplasia - he is a herding dog). Sorry I'm not better at the TCM diagnoses. I'm wondering if Qing Ying San or Wei Ling San might be good general support for his immune system (gi and skin). His atopy signs worsened when on burdock tea (owner started it), which is an immune stimulant, so I'm a bit cautious!
Thanks as always,
Amy