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Horners Syndrome On Right In A Dog

by mldvm - July 7, 2026 View Case Report

Good morning,
I am seeing a Bernese Mtn Dog with suspected Horner's Syndrome over right side. Is blinking, nose is moist but the muscles on the top of his head are completely atrophied. He is rubbing that side of his head, which did get better with putting him on Gabapentin.
History of Right Total Hip Replacement due to dysplasia one year ago.
On The Farmer's Dog.
Trauma to area a definite possibility.
History of seizures every 6 weeks that owners continue to monitor, but not on any meds. History of noise sensitivity.

Good body condition in general, remains lame on right rear. Typical straight rear limb conformation in Bernies. Somewhat dull coat with very minimal fine dandruff. Great appetite (no issues with eating, swallowing, etc with the Horners), no change in thirst.

Pulses: mid-depth to deeper, thinner with tone

Thanks Steve!

by naturevet

July 15, 2026

Hi there,

I have noticed Shao Yang disharmony dogs being prone to that temporal muscle atrophy and it corrects when the Shao Yang is addressed. Shao Yang disharmony is a virtual certainty with a history of hip dysplasia, even after surgical correction. Of course, Shao Yang disharmony is also associated with nerve damage. So, it seems we need Minor Bupleurum (Xiao Chai Hu Tang) in some form.

The dull coat, fine dandruff and thin pulse tell us there is an accompanying Yin deficiency, which is common in Shao Yang dogs. In fact, that is what causes the muscle atrophy. The Stomach channel is prone to dryness. When the Shao Yang traps Yang there, it creates dryness in the Stomach, which is then transmitted to the Stomach channel of the head and face. Focal muscular atrophy in the vicinity of the channel results from that Stomach desiccation.

Only XCHT can release trapped Yang, but since XCHT is drying, we can't use it all on its own. We need a Yin tonic - one with a reputation for addressing this issue. I would use Qing Ying Tang and Xiao Chai Hu Tang together. It may take a few weeks, but you should see the top of the head "re-inflate" and hopefully the Horner's reverse. I've certainly seen that myself. For very chronic atrophied muscle, we've used Bu Gan Tang.

Hopefully, this helps you out!

Steve

by mldvm

July 15, 2026

Thanks Steve,
Did have him on Xiao Chai Hu Tang for awhile before and after hip replacement, but owners discontinued prior to the muscle atrophy. Will send home more with the Qing Ying Tang at next recheck next week!

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