Question Details
Hip Dysplasia
by cchcs21 - December 8, 2009
Happy Holidays!

I have a client who has managed her 9 year old F/S Bermese Mt Dog with hip dysplasia with diet and supplement so far. However, recently she has become more painful. She does respond to metacam nicely but owner is willing to try Chinese Herbal route instead.

So here is her TCM Consult info:

lavendar tongue. rapid pulse

She prefers to lie on cold hard surfaces. Her hips are painful to the touch and the pain lessens with movement.

She eats well and has normal stool/urine habits. Her diet is Nature's Variety dry and canned. Raw food as treats.

Her supplements:
glucosamine/shondroitin/MSM
Standard Process- Musculoskeletal Support
Recently, just started metacam and she is moving more comfortably and resting more comfortably.

Her personality is "worry wart" - she jumps at every little sound. She never rests in one spot too long, as she goes to see what is going on elsewhere. She does respond to Peace and Calming Essential Oils for her anziety.
She is up at night frequently as she is a light sleeper.

Suggestions?
Thanks!
Sandy
Replies
by naturevet
December 8, 2009
Hi Sandy,

I see three main options for you. First off, the only thing that will likely work is something that deals with Stasis, since the dog is better with movement and better with NSAIDs.

As for whether the dog is hot or cold, sometimes dogs seek out lying on hard surfaces just for the extra pressure (Yang) they exert on circulation. If that was the case, and the dog was otherwise chilly (liked the sun occasionally) or neutral, then Xiao Huo Luo Dan is a good choice. If definitely the dog is hot and shows it in other ways (never seeks any heat whatsoever, increased appetite and thirst), then Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin is an option. Lastly, Xiao Chai Hu Tang (with Qin Jiao added for maximum benefits) has a strong affinity for the hip region, is moving, yet cools the upper burner.

How I usually sort this out is with the response to GB channel points. In your case, if you don't do acupuncture, then there may be some trial and error here to let the owner know about. You can certainly massage just inferior (ventral) and cranial (anterior) to the fibular head, however, and if you're lucky enough to feel the pulse moderate, then XCHT is the best choice.

Hope that helps!

Steve
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