Case Studies

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Kiara, a 17 year old female neutered Burmese cat, suffered from osteoarthritis and chronic pain, she struggled to move around her home, was on occasion noticeably wobbly on her hind legs and could not go up the stairs anymore. She had also been diagnosed with chronic renal disease so her primary veterinary surgeon avoided the use of NSAID and had trialled her on tramadol, but this had not helped her. 

Kiara was seen by our pain clinic and was started on acupuncture and laser therapy. This was initially performed weekly but after four sessions we extended this to every other week. Kiara is generally a little grumpy at the vets but she was always good for her treatment and sat calmly in her carrier for her sessions.Her owner noticed after a couple of acupuncture and laser treatments that she was brighter and moving around her home better, she was even jumping over the stair gate that her owner had used to prevent her from going up and down the stairs. We had also introduced Kiara onto a daily capsule containing Reishi, Devil’s claw, Boswellia and Turmeric which her owner sprinkled onto her food. 

It is now six months since Kiara fist came to see us and we are now treating her with acupuncture and laser therapy monthly along with continued use of her capsule supplement. She is moving around her house much more freely; her owner is very happy with her progress and she is certainly less grumpy when seen for her general vet visits.

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Luna, an eight year old rescue Great Dane, was suddenly unable to lie down one morning. The local vet took emergency X-rays, that revealed she had severe spondylosis and spondylitis in several places along her spine. Luna began rehabilitation exercises including physiotherapy and underwater treadmill, which helped build her strength. Unfortunately she became incontinent, at times the urine would just stream out of her, to her great discomfort and embarrassment. Her owner felt somewhat desperate, with little hope for what could be done.

It was recommended that regular acupressure might help, but the owner was concerned that she might do harm, as she knew nothing about acupuncture or acupressure, and worried that if she pressed on the wrong spot, it might make things worse. It was suggested she start with Bladder 23 and Kidney 3 points that are easy to find. Descriptions and diagrams were provided, and the owner started putting some pressure on Luna’s Kidney 3 spots, at first very tentatively, and discovered it seemed to help. That gave her the courage to try Bladder 23. To the owner’s astonishment, Luna’s urinary incontinence became less, and then actually stopped. Every now and then, when Luna twists her spine or over-exerts herself, she wets her bed again, but the owner applies pressure on the Kidney 3 and Bladder 23 points, and she regains control of her bladder. The owner is greatly relieved and commented that it’s so effective, it’s almost too good to be true.

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Coco is a five year old female spayed Yorkshire Terrier, who became paralyzed after jumping/falling off the sofa. She was weak with difficulty walking using the left front and back legs. She went to her local veterinarian who diagnosed her with Intervertebral Disc Disease and prescribed treatment. Coco was gradually improving until she jumped off the sofa a second time and was subsequently unable to walk and could not feel pain in her hind legs, indicating more severe spinal cord damage. Coco presented for acupuncture to see whether that would help.

After only two biweekly treatments using electroacupuncture, Coco was able to feel pain in her feet again and was able to walk unassisted. The owners were diligent at home keeping Coco confined and preventing her from getting on or off the furniture.  In fact, she was moving so well, she was not able to hold still enough for electroacupuncture anymore. Treatments changed to dry needle acupuncture combined with photo biomodulation (cold laser) treatments alternating biweekly. Two weeks later you would never know anything had happened to Coco, she is playing and walking normally, and will be working on her luxating patellas in her knees next.

Acupuncture is an extremely effective treatment modality for pain, neurological problems, as well as gastrointestinal, liver, skin and behavior concerns.

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Hendrix is a three year old, male neutered Groodle. Nine months ago, Hendrix became painful and pruritic in both ears.  His conventional vet diagnosed Malassezia otitis externa bilaterally and prescribed topical ear medication and a tapering dose of oral steroids.  Clinical signs seemed to resolve, however three weeks later, after going swimming in the lake, Hendrix became acutely painful and pruritic in both ears again. 

Hendrix’s owner sought integrative advice.  He had suffered chronic skin and ear infections since he was young, and his owner was interested in addressing the underlying causes of these problems.  Hendrix was treated with acupuncture weekly, with a goal of treating the acute disease in his ears, but also to address the causes underlying his chronic skin disease (i.e. Damp Heat).  To relieve Wind, drain Damp and clear Heat, local points on the Gall Bladder, Triple Heater and Small Intestine meridians which encircle, enter and exit the ear canal were treated, and some distal Spleen points.  A topical ear medication was also prescribed, to be applied by the owner daily.  A diet change was also recommended, avoiding kibble which is high in simple carbohydrates, which maintains the underlying conditions for skin disease.  It was recommended to change to a natural, grain free, balanced diet, containing high quality animal meat, oily fish, organ meat and cooked, sweet root vegetables to support the Spleen.  After his first acupuncture treatment, his ears were less painful and pruritic.  After several weeks of treatment, clinical signs completely resolved, confirmed in cytology.  Nine months since acupuncture and diet therapy commenced, there has been no further pathology, and Hendrix continues to enjoy swimming. 

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‘Luci Lectric’ (‘Locki’) is a 16yo warmblood mare. She is a competition horse and was recently diagnosed with severe bilateral acute coffin joint arthritis. 

Treatment:

• Conventional: intraarticular injection of dexamethasone and hyaluronic acid 3 weeks prior to first hirudotherapy session.
• Hirudopuncture: application of one leech on the acupuncture points Pericardium 9 and Triple Heater 1 bilaterally.
• Acupuncture (same session): Four Gates (Liver 3 + Large Intestine 4 bilaterally), Bladder 11 (Influential point for the bones) bilaterally, Spleen 21 bilaterally, Spleen 6, Stomach 36, Bladder 23.
• TCVM herbs: Juan Bi Tang (Selected Formulas) containing: notopterygium, turmeric, tangkuei, red peony, siler, astragalus, prepared licorice, fresh ginger.
• Western herbs: sweet clover (melilotus).
• Orthopedic shoeing.

After 4 weeks on a training regimen starting with 10 minutes walking BID and adding 2 minutes every week, Locki was re-examined and received another leech treatment using the same points. As she was sound in walk and trot she was allowed to be walked for 30 minutes BID for another two weeks. After that the walking time was increased up to 45 minutes BID for another two weeks and then to 60 minutes BID. Also a few minutes of trotting on soft ground was added. Eight weeks after the initial hirudotherapy session Locky had her final lameness exam which was all clear, so she was allowed to gradually return to normal training and going out on the pasture.

From that point on Locki received regular leech treatments twice a year in spring and autumn as a preventative measure using one leech on Pericardium 9 bilaterally. The TCVM herbs were discontinued. She stayed on melilotus and a hyaluronic supplement. She continued her career as a sport horse without any further episodes of lameness until she was retired at the age of 21.

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History

Rowan is a handsome 12-year-old, neutered, 37lb. Irish terrier. He presented in August of 2022 with suspected spinal arthritis, secondary muscle weakness in his rears, and a history of a sensitive stomach (vomiting). He was eating an ultra-processed dry/kibble food diet high in carbohydrates. Rowan also began to show symptoms of laryngeal paralysis: hoarse barking, spitting up phlegm, and coughing/gagging, especially after getting up from lying down.

We recommended feeding Rowan a balanced, fresh, raw diet and well-sourced probiotics to better support his nutritional health. We also suggested Rowan receive regular acupuncture/aquapuncture treatments and to incorporate supplements to help his arthritis and laryngeal paralysis.

Treatment Goals

• To relieve pain and inflammation stemming from arthritis
• To relieve coughing, gagging, and other symptoms relating to laryngeal paralysis 
• To introduce a species appropriate diet and well-sourced supplements 

Treatment:

• Acupuncture 
• Aquapuncture
• Discontinue dry/kibble food and transition over to a commercially prepared, balanced, fresh, frozen/raw diet
• Supplements:
• Probiotics to support gut health
• Arnica to reduce pain and inflammation 
• Western herbs and Astaxanthin for anti-inflammation, free radical scavenging, and supporting muscle growth

Discussion

Both arthritis and muscle weakness seem to be accepted as normal conditions for older dogs. Instead of accepting that in Rowan’s case, his owners wanted to do more than simply manage the pain that comes with the onset of such diagnoses. In order to decrease systemic inflammation and improve circulation it was necessary to alter his diet to provide him with better tools to help improve and even resolve some of his issues. 

Acupuncture has been developed over thousands of years and can be incorporated in treatment plans to improve and/or resolve almost all medical conditions, including the arthritis, neuromuscular and intestinal conditions Rowan currently had. There are different methods used to employ acupuncture.  In Rowan’s case, in addition to dry needling, we regularly performed aquapuncture with Vitamin B12. Aquapuncture, the injection of liquid substances into acupuncture points to stimulate them instead of needles, has been clinically successful in treating laryngeal paralysis. Laryngeal paralysis can be secondary to neuromuscular degeneration in the larynx making it difficult for the larynx to open & close completely and also to clear saliva/fluid that builds up around the larynx when sleeping. 

We have found that even after just one or two acupuncture treatments many older animals with this condition have a noticeable decrease in their coughing and breathing noise. The treatment frequency at first is at least once a week and typically for a 6 to 12 week duration. After resolution of signs stabilizes, the interval between treatments is increased.  Sometimes treatment intervals can span several months before signs resurface. 

Rowan’s Acupuncture Dry Needle Points

• Governing Vessel (GV) 20, also known as the “permission point”, is located on the highest place of the head where all of the yang meridians meet. 
• Similar points include GV12 and GV14. These points are for neck and upper back pain and stiffness. They are often combined with GV20. 
• Bladder (BL) 40 is useful for all lumbar related issues, such as acute lower back pain.
• BL30 serves as a local point for low back, sacrum, tailbone, and hip pain.
• BL10 is used to relieve stiffness and increase range of motion.
• BL23 is an important energetic point and maximizes Kidney Jing. This is a useful point for Rowan as Kidney Jing is naturally depleted in older animals. 
• Kidney (K) 3 and BL60 are often used in combination and are referred to as the “aspirin point”. These points are useful for pain in the back end and overall inflammation. 
• Gallbladder (GB) 30 helps relieve pain as well as atrophy of the lower back, hip, hind end, and limbs.
• GB2 is used to influence symptoms relating to ear and hearing issues. It also serves as a vestibular point for balance.
• Hip Triangle - local points for arthritis
• HJJx4 Lumbosacral (LS) - local points for circulation and arthritis in the LS spine
• Bai Hui LS (BH) - commonly used for locomotor activity, circulation, inflammation and rear limb weakness
• Located in between BL 35 and BL 27 on the midline
• Interdigital points rears 

Rowan’s Aquapuncture (Vitamin B12) Points

• Equidistant Laryngeal Points (x 6)

Outcome

Rowan’s coughing episodes diminished after only one treatment, after the 3rd treatment his owner reported his mobility had significantly improved and his coughing was rare (1-2 times per week).  The owner comments that the acupuncture was a terrific therapy for Rowan and has improved his quality of life, comfort and overall well being. She is very grateful that he has been responding so well to his acupuncture treatments!

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Juniper

History

Juniper is an 11-year-old, spayed, shorthair, 10lb gray cat. She presented in 2022 with cerebellar hypoplasia and attendant ataxic/stilted jerky movements, borderline thyroid, constipation, potbelly, dry haircoat and suspected spinal arthritis. Juniper had been slowing down at home for about 2.5 years. She didn’t run or jump anymore and would fall over frequently. Juniper was on an ultra-processed dry/kibble food diet.
We discussed transitioning Juniper to a balanced, fresh raw diet with a combination of well-sourced supplements that support her overall health. We also recommended regular acupuncture treatments for her cerebellar hypoplasia, neurologic function, arthritis, and constipation symptoms.

Treatment Goals:

• To improve fine motor skills, hormone regulation and cognitive acuity including input on muscular function 
• To introduce a species appropriate diet
• To introduce well-sourced supplements for
• Neurological health 
• Resolving constipation
• Joint support and arthritis
• Cardiovascular support

Treatments:

• Acupuncture 
• Supplements: 
• Mushroom powder for inflammation and arthritis, to support neurological function, and as a source of fiber
• Psyllium husk (fiber) and aloe juice (cooling, motility) to help resolve constipation
• Arnica to help with mobility, arthritis, and pain relief
• Cardiovascular supplement along with freeze-dried hearts for added taurine and overall heart support
• Vitamin B12 for overall immune support and possible poor absorption due to GI issues
• Discontinue dry/kibble food and transition over to a commercially prepared, balanced, fresh, frozen/raw diet

Discussion

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical technique used for 3,000 years in China, Japan, and Korea. Techniques have been shown to increase lymphatic flow to tissues, stimulate nerve function, restore neurologic functions, increase the release of neurotransmitters and pain modulators, influence inflammatory responses and help the release of hormones. We have been using a combination of acupuncture points and vitamin B12 in aquapuncture for Juniper’s treatment.

Juniper’s Acupuncture Points:

• Governing Vessel (GV) 16 (Fengfu) & GV20 Points where the sea of marrow and sea of yang enter (GV 16) and exit (GV20) the brain.  GV 20 is located on the highest place of the head where all of the yang meridians meet. These points are important in improving cerebellar neurologic function. They have been shown to improve vertigo and brain blood supply. We use these points on Juniper for cerebellar circulation and clearing, neurological support, grounding, in order to decrease tremors and dizziness. 
• Similar points include GV12 and GV14. These points are traditionally used for neck and upper back pain and stiffness as well as neurologic spinal issues. They are often combined with GV20 in neurologic cases. 
• Gallbladder (GB) 2 is used to influence symptoms relating to inner ear and hearing issues. It also serves as a vestibular point for balance.
• Yin tang, located between the eyebrows, has a mentally stabilizing effect and is commonly used for dizziness, calming and connection to the natural world.
• 2 to 4 Equidistant Dorsal Cervical points (including BL10) create muscular and skeletal release such as muscle spasms and tightness in the neck. They also support clearing, circulation and neurologic activity from the head and neck and possibly cerebral spinal fluid. 
• Bladder (BL) 23 is an important energetic point and maximizes Kidney Jing. This is a useful point for Juniper as Kidney Jing is naturally depleted in older animals. 
• BL26 and 28 are also regularly used for Juniper to help relieve constipation issues, abdominal distention, and to help relieve lower back stiffness, and remove obstructions from the channel. 
• HJJ points over Lumbosacral (LS) and pelvic shelf x 4 were periodically employed similarly, to help relieve constipation issues, abdominal distention, and to help relieve lower back stiffness, and to improve and connect spinal circulation from front to back.
• Large Intestine (LI) 11 targets head and neck is useful in dizziness and cognitive issues and local inflammation. It is useful to clear heat and cool blood, resolve dampness, and regulate Qi and blood.
• Kidney (K) 3 and BL60 are often used in combination and are referred to as the “aspirin point”. These points are useful for inflammation or pain in the lower body and legs, and to reconnect neurologically from the brain to the rear legs and feet. 
• BH is commonly used for locomotor activity, circulation, inflammation and rear limb weakness, and lower GI issues and constipation
• Located in between BL 35 and BL 27 on the midline/GV

Outcome

Juniper’s owner reports she sees significant change in mobility and comfort for Juniper.  She is moving with more ease, even jumping up on the bed, an action that has been absent for several years! Juniper’s additional symptoms such as her constipation, potbelly, and arthritis have also significantly improved in response to her treatments. She defecates regularly and her belly is softer, smaller, and more comfortable.

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Sammy is a handsome 15-year-old, neutered, standard poodle who presented with seizures, mild/moderate ataxia/balance issues, laryngeal paralysis, AU yeast otitis, multiple skin masses and lipomas, generalized muscle weakness and decreased muscle mass, dry haircoat, 4/4 dental tartar, halitosis and gingivitis. He had a history of benign splenic tumors (splenectomy), liver cancer (suspect hepatic carcinoma), neurological issues, decreased stamina, and a “sensitive stomach” with daily diarrhea episodes. His owner was interested in dietary and nutrition recommendations to improve overall health.

Sammy was eating an ultra-processed dry extruded kibble food. The macronutrient content of the kibble food included nearly 50% carbohydrates, 26% protein (much from non-meat legume sources) and 15% fat. Ingredients included garbanzo beans, lentils, beet pulp, pea proteins, and pea flour. We encouraged Sammy’s family to transition Sammy to a species appropriate, fresh, balanced, commercial raw diet. We also recommended well-sourced supplements including anti-inflammatory herbs, probiotic/prebiotic support, and Omega 3 fatty acids. Further, we recommended feeding Sammy once a day and at random times.

Sammy was also diagnosed with significant dental tartar and gingivitis. We recommended offering fresh, raw meaty bones to improve dental health, oral health, and jaw/head/ears/neck musculoskeletal condition.

Treatment Goals

• To introduce a species appropriate diet and nutritional supplements that improve:
  • Overall health, skin/ear condition, biome
  • The oral biome and decrease dental tartar
  • Laryngeal function
  • Neurological function
  • Seizure prevention
  • Neuromuscular function and stability
  • Immune system functions in preventing further tumors/skin growths

Treatments

• Discontinue dry/kibble food and transition over to a commercially prepared, balanced fresh, frozen/raw diet
• Fresh, raw meaty bones
• Acupuncture
• Supplements:
  • CBD Oil for anti-inflammation and seizure control
  • Omega 3 for overall health, inflammation control, seizure support, free radical scavenging
  • Gastrointestinal supplements/probiotics to support overall microbiome health, absorption and improve GI function, decrease diarrhea
  • Anti-inflammatory herbal combination – musculoskeletal support –turmeric, Boswellia, corydalis, marine extract, hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, MSM

Discussion

Geriatric dogs have been shown to need more protein than younger dogs to avoid sarcopenia (muscle loss/atrophy) typically associated with age. They can require up to three times as much protein to maintain proper muscle mass. Providing a nutritious balanced and complete diet with protein and fats as the highest macronutrient percentages rather than carbs can improve muscle mass in a geriatric dog with sarcopenia. The protein from excellent meat sources will provide a digestible and complete amino acid profile, unlike protein from legumes like garbanzo beans, lentils or peas which will be deficient in amino acids like taurine or methionine.

Feeding once a day helps the body maintain condition and health by allowing more time for mitochondrial cleanup mode. While the body processes food, it shuts down its mitochondrial cleanup mode as it needs to instead assimilate nutrients into cells. When digestion is finished, it will then turn to “cleanup mode” and start repairing and healing body areas with inflammation, unusual cells, cancer cells, or damaged cells. This is the idea behind “intermittent fasting” as a helpful tool to improve health and longevity. More time “cleaning up” will mean healthier bodies. Feeding once a day provides this “clean up time.” In addition, a dog’s stomach is 70% of their GI tract (humans’ are 30%) and ancestrally they should really only expect one large meal per day. Feeding them half portions or even feeding smaller amounts more frequently can be unsatisfying to a dog. Once they get used to eating once a day again, their GI functionality improves, overall health improves, and they are very satisfied by their meals.

Feeding at random times prevented Sammy from developing a hyper acidic response from anticipating a meal. Feeding at random times will mean that the dog will not know when mealtime is. We understand that would be unusual for a dog/canine in the wild to know exactly when they might catch and eat a rabbit every day. Being on a schedule is relatively unnatural for them although they get used to it and certainly can tell time. When a dog is used to a fixed schedule of eating, there are other health concerns. They will start anticipatory bile production in the stomach sometimes 30-60 minutes before a meal. A random amount of bile and saliva and enzymes will be produced and is waiting in the stomach for the food. The food amount will not be necessarily what the canine expects (especially if the meals are being split and fed two times a day or more) and the acid may be too much for that meal, creating possible vomiting, diarrhea and at best a strange over-acidic pH for the GI tract to deal with. Sometimes if an animal that expects a meal at a certain time is not fed on time, they will vomit the bile that has been waiting in the stomach for the meal. The best way to avoid this bilious vomiting syndrome is not to feed acid reducing medication, or feed earlier. It is best to simply avoid feeding at a specific time. Then the dog can return to a more natural state of not knowing when mealtime is, not overproducing acids/bile, and the GI tract can function more normally.

Bone Chewing

Fresh, raw bones provide the shearing force on the teeth to remove tartar, and provided him with an additional healthy fat source, mental stimulation and a naturally relaxing activity. While chewing on a bone, animals use muscles meant for this action in the head and neck. Without this satisfying activity, dogs lose those muscles and don’t have the benefit of an activity that is ancestrally practical and beneficial. Most animals in the wild do not require dental tartar removal under anesthesia.

Outcome

Since transitioning to a species appropriate diet and targeted supplements, Sammy is a healthy, happy dog. Sammy’s seizures have subsided, and his stamina has drastically improved as evidenced by daily two plus mile walks (a distance he was previously unable to accomplish – he would barely go around the block). Sammy’s tartar and gingivitis were resolved with fresh raw bones. We have loved watching Sammy rediscover his vitality!

Words from Sammy’s Owner

“It’s unreal. Sometimes we look at him and wonder how he is 15 years old with liver cancer and a history of seizures. His stamina is great. He’s even jumping on the bed again! That was the most notable change when switching to raw food. Feeding him one big meal a day really helped with his digestion; we were able to discontinue medications such as famotidine. The low keto diet helped him neurologically too. Sammy’s absolute best prognosis in October 2021 was that he would get seven months. We’re thrilled and amazed to have such quality of life for him after twice that many months – and counting!”

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Maggie is a five-year-old Golden Retriever. She presented at our rehabilitation facility on 9^th June 2022. Her symptoms had been present for four weeks. The client simply wanted her companion to be able to walk again, without requiring surgery. Based on the clinical presentation polyradiculoneuritis was suspected. There were no funds available for any diagnostics, so our treatment program began.

Initially, Maggie lay in lateral recumbency and could wag her tail. On presentation for rehab, she could lift her head, roll over and wag her tail. Deep pain perception was present, but she was unable to pull away. We treated Maggie on that day using electroacupuncture. A further three sessions were suggested which included electroacupuncture, manual therapies and hydrotherapy. Maggie’s guardian was very capable and involved in her recovery. We advised on how to stimulate movements at home, beginning with moving Maggie into sternal recumbency. She was propped up in that position for short periods throughout the day.

Maggie returned eight days later, and she had responded very well. Her legs were moving, she was rolling onto her back and kicking. She was trying to sit up. Maggie was fitted with a float coat, assisted into the underwater treadmill, and encouraged to move in the water. Care was taken to support her head as she struggled to hold it up.

Maggie improved in leaps and bounds! The next step was to teach her to stand. Maggie lives on a smallholding, so we used hay bales to support her. By the end of June (28^th) Maggie started to crawl. At the rehabilitation centre we added rhythmic stabilisations and gait training to her therapy sessions. The electroacupuncture was repeated. In the water, her legs started to move, and Maggie was keen to participate. This was the day we got over the “hump” and never looked back!

There were more home interventions (under our guidance) than therapy sessions because of financial constraints. There was home hydrotherapy in the farm dam, and lots of support from her siblings! Maggie was mobile in less than three months from the onset of her neurological signs.

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Baxter is a seven year old, male neutered dachshund. Eleven months ago, Baxter developed back pain which progressed to bilateral hindlimb paresis. CT/myelogram revealed significant spinal cord compression at T12-L1 and multiple mineralised intervertebral discs. A hemilaminectomy was performed over T12-L1 by a specialist orthopaedic surgeon.

After recovering from surgery, Baxter was under the care of a rehabilitation therapist and doing home exercises and hydrotherapy to regain his mobility. Six months later Baxter was recommended for acupuncture as he had plateaued with his progress.

Baxter was ambulant but had weakness and mild conscious proprioceptive (CP) deficits in his hindlimbs as well as some back pain. Acupuncture treatments were directed at strengthening the hindlimbs and back and alleviating any pain. After his first acupuncture treatment, Baxter was able to lift his left hindleg up to urinate for the first time. Baxter’s mobility continued to improve such that he was trying to climb the stairs again (even though he shouldn’t!). Since starting acupuncture, Baxter has gained more strength in his hindlimbs and the CP deficits have resolved.

Baxter now has maintenance acupuncture treatments every two to three months to support his mobility and back pain. Acupuncture continues to be a beneficial modality for Baxter alongside his regular hydrotherapy and rehabilitation sessions.

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Wobbler’s disease, or cervical spondylomyelopathy, is a genetic disease of Doberman pinschers, characterized by primary stenosis of the cervical vertebral canal, exacerbated by type 2 herniated disc disease typically involving the C4-C7 intervertebral disc spaces.  Clinical manifestations include hypermetria of the front legs with concurrent hind end weakness and ataxia, and pain on lateral, dorsal, and/or ventral cervical flexion. These individuals are conventionally treated with anti-inflammatory medications, analgesics, and husbandry changes such as feeding on an elevated platform and use of a harness instead of a collar.

Acupuncture is easily integrated into treatment of Wobblers disease. “Paris”, a 7 year old female spayed Doberman pinscher, was presented for neck pain and hind end weakness. TCM exam findings included a moist red-pink tongue with a slight purple center, toned mid-depth pulses and small white skin flakes, along with sensitivity at acupuncture points GB 21 and BL11.  A TCM diagnosis of Kidney Yin (Jing) deficiency with Wind invasion, and local cervical Qi-Blood stagnation was assigned.  TCM treatment principles of tonifying Blood and Yin, and relieving stagnation and pain were employed using dry needle acupuncture.  Acupoints were chosen above and below the area of obstruction (GB 20-GB 21, BL 10-BL 11, GV 20-GV 14).  Master point for the Head and Neck LU 7, Master point for the Face and Mouth LI4, and SI 3 used distal limb points to treat the neck.  Kidney and Yin tonification was performed using KID 3 and SP 6. LI 4 and BL 60 assisted with pain relief. 

Twice-weekly treatments were performed for two weeks, and then weekly treatments for four weeks, resulting in significant improvement to the point the owner discontinued acupuncture therapy, and has maintained health with prednisone and management practices only. There have been no relapses of cervical pain over the last year. This case is an example of how acupuncture can be safely and effectively used integratively to treat cervical spondylomyelopathy.

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Gracie is a 12 year old female spayed Terrier who was diagnosed with megaoesophagus 5 years ago. She presented 4 years ago for acupuncture because she had an increased frequency of regurgitation with phlegm and coughing, with one episode of aspiration pneumonia. She ate in a Baily chair, but that wasn't helping her enough and her owners felt that they felt something in her throat after she ate, even after standing in the chair. Gracie was eating a raw diet made into a gruel, but she was losing weight. Abnormal findings were a BCS of 2/5, and a dental disease of 2/3. Her pulses on the right were weaker than the left and her tongue was light pink. The goals for Gracie were to increase motility and peristalsis, improve absorption, support her back legs and heal potential gastritis. Gracie was treated with the following acupuncture points: ST36, PC6, SP6, CV17, BL54 and ST25. She was prescribed Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang powder and a tincture that contained chamomile, licorice, angelica archangelica, orange peel, calendula, gotu kola and ashwagnadha. Her regurgitation went from daily to once every 5 weeks, and she comes in for acupuncture every 4-6 weeks. Not only has she gained weight, practically stopped regurgitating, but she has been living a normal healthy life for the past 4 years. Gracie is a happy girl living her best life with the support of acupuncture and herbs.

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Signalment: 8-year-old German Shepherd with 6-month history of gradual hind limb weakness/ ataxia.

The dog had a history of gradual rear limb weakness and ataxia over a 6 month period which was unresponsive to both corticosteroids and non-steroidal medications. Neurologic examination revealed weakness, loss of muscle mass, conscious proprioceptive deficits, and normal reflexes in the rear limbs. A localization of T3-L3 was made, with a presumptive diagnosis of chronic intervertebral disc disease or Degenerative Myelopathy. No further diagnostic testing was desired.  
Body acupuncture points were used in addition to scalp acupuncture. Three needlesb (#32 x 1 “) were placed in relay fashion in the upper 1/5 of each motor zone, a single needle was placed in the most cranial aspect of both Balance Areas as well as the most dorsal aspect of the Foot and Motor Sensory Areas. Needles were left in place for 15 minutes, with 10 Hz of alternating cycle stimulation applied to the Motor Area needles. Because of travel limitations, treatments were performed weekly for 6 weeks, then every 2 weeks for 4 more treatments, then monthly for the next 19 months. The patient’s strength stabilized for a period of 19 months at which time the animal was euthanized for progressive rear limb lameness and urinary incontinence.

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The adorable Sir Theodorable is a 14-year-old male neutered Burmese diagnosed clinically and radiographically with severe osteoarthritis in both elbows in March 2019. He is currently well managed with an integrative approach including monthly acupuncture treatments, cartrophen injections, nutritional supplements and conventional medications, as well as an environmental modification at home. He has excellent quality of life thanks to his committed human servants and is very receptive to his acupuncture treatments, stretching out on the acupuncture bed and regally receiving the fawning of his staff.

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'Bitsy' is a three-year-old female spayed terrier mix who became paralyzed in the hind legs after jumping across another dog in the car and taking a tumble. Bitsy's owner was referred for acupuncture treatment after two weeks of conventional treatment with a diagnosis of disc rupture at the T10-T11 intervertebral space. We began integrative therapy which included Chinese Herbal Medicine, photobiomodulation (cold laser) therapy and electroacupuncture. After biweekly acupuncture and laser treatments for one week, Bitsy was already showing strength in her hind legs and was beginning to be able to wag her tail again! Because of a dedicated owner and continued weekly laser and acupuncture treatments, Bitsy is able to move her hind legs and stand for brief periods. Bitsy now is active at home, has a new cart and is entering the rehabilitation phase of her recovery. It is uncertain how Bitsy would have done without integrative therapy but look at her now! Go Bitsy!!

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A 5-year-old spayed female Doberman had a history of wobbler’s disease, rapidly progressing to the point where she had severe ataxia in the hind legs with extreme difficulty walking. A board certified veterinary surgeon had performed surgery to relieve pressure on the affected section of the spinal cord. She was unable to rise or walk post-surgery. The owner was advised that this was not unusual in a case of that severity, but he expected a gradual recovery, and she should make enough progress that by one month she should be able to walk better than she had before surgery. Corticosteroids were prescribed post-operatively to decrease inflammation and swelling of the spinal cord.

The owner returned to the surgeon in two weeks and again four weeks post-surgery. There was no change in the dog’s condition. The surgeon recommended euthanasia. The owner refused and came to me after reading about the helpfulness of acupuncture in cases involving injuries to the spinal cord.

After two treatments 3 days apart the dog was able to stand. After 4 weeks of biweekly acupuncture treatments, the dog was running.

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George' is a 7 year old intact male Golden Retriever.  He was presented for TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) assessment and treatment with a right hind lameness that was first noticed two months previously.  After three acupuncture treatments George’s lameness was resolved.

George was referred for acupuncture treatment by his regular veterinarian, who was also his rehabilitation veterinarian.  George’s hind limb lameness was first noticed by the owner when George returned from a walk with his dog-walker – George had slipped off the curb when he was with two other dogs.  On examination there was mild discomfort on extension and internal rotation of the right stifle and he was standing off the leg.  X-rays of both stifles, V/D hips and caudal spine showed no changes.  George was started on NSAIDS and laser therapy but after one month was showing no improvement and was referred to the surgical specialist for assessment.  A CT scan and joint tap revealed only non-inflammatory joint fluid in the right stifle joint. 

On presentation for TCM assessment George was grade II/VI lame on the right hind at a walk and trot.  He had been receiving Gabapentin for neuropathic pain for the last 3 weeks with no change.  On standing,  the right foot was rotated outward and held forward and lateral to the normal standing position.  There was moderate to marked discomfort with gentle manipulation of the right stifle.  There was moderate discomfort on gentle downward palpation of the left paravertebral muscles at the level of thoracic 11 to lumbar 2 vertebrae.  George’s TCM Pulse showed a weak , superficial and wiry Pulse.  His Tongue was brick-red coloured, with purple discolouration on the underside of the Tongue.  These signs, along with his history and other physical examination signs, let to a TCM diagnosis that showed there was poor blood circulation in George’s joints and muscles, and his body in general.

Three treatments of acupuncture were performed, focusing on the stifle and lower thoracic/upper lumbar spine, and improving George’s blood circulation.  These treatments were done one week apart.  The owner noticed improvement in the lameness after the first acupuncture treatment.  When she returned to her regular veterinarian two weeks after the last treatment, George was given the “all clear” and did not need further rehabilitation work.  He is being weaned off of the Gabapentin and will return for a TCM re-check in one month’s time.