Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Acupuncture in Practice: Frannie



Welcome to "Acu in Practice!" Meet Frannie, a 13-year old Lop Rabbit who presented in January 2015 for a history of kidney infections and arthritis with rapidly declining mobility and weakness. Frannie was sensitive to touch on her low back and the cervical spine, with with weakened and wasted shoulder muscles. She had stopped using her litterbox and was not grooming. Her pulses were deep and weak. Our treatment goals for Frannie were: to maintain quality of life, increase comfort and reduce or stop the kidney infections. 
TCM Diagnosis: Bony Bi with Wei Syndrome, underlying Kidney Qi Deficiency, Global Qi Deficiency
Explanation: Bony Bi syndrome is what TCM calls arthritis that has caused changes and deposits around the bone.  It results in pain and stagnation, or reduced movement of Blood and Qi to the areas affected. Global Qi deficiency is overall lack of energy. In TCM, the Kidney is in charge of bone among other things, so deficiency results in Bony Bi. 
Treatment plan: Acupuncture and begin subcutaneous fluids at home. Eventually we added the herb - Supple Spine by Kan Herb
Treatment Principles: Tonify the Kidney and Spleen, Tonify Qi, relieve stagnation in the BL and SI channel.

Outcome: After 3 treatments, Frannie was using her litterbox more frequently and maintaining her current level of mobility, but with better energy. She was less reactive to pressure at her cervical and lumbar spine. To date, Frannie has not had recurrence of renal infections. She is a super senior with marked arthritis, so our expectations are to continue treatment as long as she is comfortable and happy!

*This information is not intended to replace veterinary medical advice. This case is presented in an abbreviated formate by Dr. Nell Ostermeier, Lombard Animal Hospital, Portland, OR, USA. To learn more about the author: http://www.lombardanimalhospital.com/349/

Acupuncture can help to keep your pets happy and healthy! To schedule an appointment:

call: 503.285.2337  or email: wecare@lombardanimalhospital.com


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