Question Details
Chronic Cough- Canine. Multi Probs
by patriciashuen - March 15, 2010
I have a oldish adult female spayed shih tzu

street stray that was rescued 2 years ago

2 years ago was very sick with liver ds. jaundice, sky high liver enzymes

got better with supportive treatment

now has
1. on going mild heart mumur
2. dry eyes, a few bouts on conjuncitivis
3. spey dental done by me over a year ago
4. on going mildly elevated liver enzymes- on long term liver protectants ( s-adenosyl, silymarin)
5. NEW problem. been coughing for MONTHS. tried the usual meds. o declined further work up- rads, tracheal wash for cytology and culture/ sen

on long term fortekor, theophylline, steroid puffers/ inhalers, eye meds
owner wants more/new meds for coughing. I pinched acupuncture. just had 1st sess- LU points, immune boosting points

TCM
app ok. no c/s/v/d. feces n. no preference for hot/ cold
a very gentle and soft dog. just sits there.
sl heavy/ fat dog
good coat and skin- thinking LU here
warm ears and feet - normal. not hot or cool
tongue
sl pale the entire thing, normal n size
pulse- not wiry. moderate, not deep or shallow

If I am going to give oral TCM meds- mainly to help with the coughing. what do you suggest?
Replies
by naturevet
March 15, 2010
Hi Patricia,

Without hesitation, I'd recommend Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang. It's allowed us to get several dogs off cyclosporine eye drops; addresses cough and pulmonary congestion; fits the wiry pulse and pale tongue; and reduces liver enzyme elevations. It's the first thing I'd do, and may take care of the whole gamut of symptoms.

Good luck!

Steve
by patriciashuen
March 15, 2010
Thanks Steve for your prompt reply. I order my herbs from Barbera in Sydney.
I am wondering what do you recommend as a starter pack for a 2.5 vet clinic based in Hong Kong where it's very damp and hot.
by naturevet
March 16, 2010
I'd be definitely looking at some Damp Heat herbs - Si Miao San and San Ren Tang. HK vets generally order three times more SMS than the following, which are the next most commonly used formulas: Xiao Yao San, Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang, Xiao Chai Hu Tang.

Those formulas, in turn, are used about twice as often as:
Liu Jun Zi Tang, Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, Dang Gui Shao Yao San, Qing Ying Tang, Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang, and Wei Ling Tang.

So those are the top formulas. There is an equal list of formulas used slightly less often, but if you're looking for a starter pack, that should be a good list to pass along to Barbara.

Good luck!

Steve
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