Question Details
Pancreatitis
by Lauren Chattigre - October 13, 2009
Her history actually has a lot more than just pancreatitis but that's her most recent concern (with likely IBD and food allergies). Chloe is a 12yr FS MinPin who's had several bouts of pancreatitis this year = sudden onset continuous diarrhea (primarily brown liquid with occasional mucus and blood, foul odor, sometimes frequent and non-productive straining)and borgorygmus, followed the next day by vomiting (liquidy undigested food with light yellow-green hue). Stool has also been orange, then yellow; after pepcid and flagyl, and a low-fat hypoallergenic diet, yellow soft stool is finally normalizing. o says stool is currently 85% normal (still a little yellow and soft). Tongue today was pale lavender with little to no coating and small cracks; pulses thin, weak (worse R) and slightly wiry on L. Sensitive to palpation from BL18-21 and LR13-14. I'm wondering if we can tie her pancreatitis into her prior history:

Lymphoblastic lymphoma (in remission) that started with rectal prolapse (very dark red-purple tissue) lymphocytosis and enlarged lymph nodes, liver fibrosis/cirrhosis after chemo toxicosis, inspissated bile in GB, splenomegaly with benign nodules, thickened small intestine with enlarged mesenteric LNs (hyperplasia), several small lipomas, small flakes dander, hindlimb tremoring when excited, and prior Sx for LH CCL ds.

I thought of Xiao Yao San but her story seems more complex. I'm seeing evidence of LR qi stagnation with rebellious ST qi, blood deficiency, SP/ST qi deficiency, damp, phlegm (lipomas), blood stagnation (nodules, though pulses not choppy). No rectal prolapse for several months (since remission of LSA). Her tongue and pulses improved greatly after acupuncture/pressure at GV20, BL17, BL18, BL20, GB30, GB34, ST36, ST39, SP6, and LI10.

What herbal formula would you recommend to prevent future occurrences of her pancreatitis that may also help prevent recurrence of her cancer and also support her liver? (A tall order, I know.) Thanks!
Replies
by Lauren Chattigre
October 13, 2009
Also, I wondered about having the o keep Tong Xie Yao Fang (p.149 of Bensky) on hand for any acute episodes (?). Thanks!
by naturevet
October 13, 2009
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang has many similar features to Xiao Yao San. It nourishes Liver Blood, and harmonizes the Liver and Spleen. It also helps in some of these specific complaints. I've seen it help dogs with terminal lymphoma rally, so there's an effect there; it's a major cirrhosis remedy; and it can slow bowel transit time to reduce prolapse and incontinence. It is quite an invigorating formula, to help with the weak legs.

So it seems generally appropriate and is not a bad place to start.

If the dog is really chilly, then Wei Ling Tang is an option.

Good luck,

Steve

P.S. TXYF is a good option if the bouts of diarrhea are very painful and marked by spasm and bloat.
by Lauren Chattigre
October 14, 2009
Thanks so much! I will start with the BZYQT.
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