Integrative Medicine: Bunbert's Recovery

Bunbert -
An 11-year old female rabbit, began experiencing sudden onset rear limb lameness about 8 weeks ago. Upon examination it was discovered that she was experiencing significant arthritis, as well as possible nerve impingement. When first presented to Dr. Nell, Bunbert was stiff and sore when she performed range of motion exercises. Her owner reported she was no longer using her right leg and seemed depressed. After 5 weeks of acupuncture, laser therapy, and the use of Chinese herbs, Bunbert is now able to bear weight evenly on both of her hind limbs. Her owner reports she was able to decrease Bunbert's western anti-inflammatory dose by 1/3 and that Bunbert has resumed her normal activities of thumping, running around with the house cat, and getting under foot!

 

At Lombard Animal Hospital, in Portland, Oregon we strive to increase the quality of life for pets and their people through education, nutrition and wellness!

Give us a call -- We'd love to see you and your pets!

503.285.2337 | wecare@lombardanimalhospital.com | www.lombardanimalhospital.com

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

visit: lombardanimalhospital.com

Hot Spots! - Penny's Story

Penny

Canine, Hound Mix

6 years old

Hot spot with hair loss

Penny first came to us with a hot spot on her tail in December 2014. Her owners had changed her diet recently and had been using an over-the-counter topical flea preventative.

Initially, we started her on a course of antibiotics to take care of the infection, and some steroids to alleviate inflammation and itching.
Penny's lesion healed over the few weeks she was on medications, but once the meds had run out, her hot spot started to come back. Penny began another course of medications, and unfortunately the lesion came back again after completion.

At that point, it was recommended that her owners change her back to her original poultry diet - to rule out food allergies. We also wanted to make sure that Penny was on a really good parasite preventative to rule out flea allergies. We recommended topical Revolution as Penny had a history of tummy-upset when taking Trifexis.

We also started cold-laser therapy to help heal Penny's hot spot faster - click here to check out the benefits of cold-laser therapy. One week, and six laser treatments later, Penny's hot spot was healed! Now Penny is happy and healthy with no lesions!

At Lombard Animal Hospital, in Portland, Oregon we strive to increase the quality of life for pets and their people through education, nutrition and wellness!

Give us a call -- We'd love to see you and your pets!

503.285.2337 | wecare@lombardanimalhospital.com | www.lombardanimalhospital.com

Acupuncture in Practice: Cooper

Welcome to "Acu in Practice!" Meet Cooper, a 4 year old male neutered terrier mix who presented 1 year ago today for anxiety and aggression. Cooper was extremely territorial and would growl and snap when approached by people he did not know. He would also have unpredictable outbursts. However, he adored those who had made it into his inner circle and is lovingly referred to as "the security consultant" around the house. He is a high energy dog who does better with a lot of exercise. He has a sensitive stomach and his stools vary. His appetite and thirst were strong to excess. He does not like heat. He also had a tendency toward dermatitis under his chin.  

Treatment Plan: Acupuncture, herbal therapy with Subdue Liver Fire by Kan Herb, eliminate Lamb from the diet, professional training.

Outcome: Although his personality predisposes him to being overly protective , Cooper's excess signs are greatly reduced. He no longer has unpredictable outbursts and is more receptive to new people. When he begins to overreact, he is more easily calmed down. His stools are more consistent and the instances of Damp Heat are reduced. He is now on Happy Wanderer (Xiao Yao San) as he no longer presents with Liver Fire or Yang Rising. Best of all, I have made it into Cooper's inner circle allowing me to expand upon his treatment and to be his friend!

*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

visit: lombardanimalhospital.com

Welcome to our first "Acu in Practice" case! 

Meet Mr. T, a 10-year old male neutered cat who presented in December 2013 for kidney disease with bloodworm and urinalysis (CRET 3.0/BUN 40/Phos 4.3/UA 1.020). He is introverted, laid back and does not prefer hot or cold. He has increased thirst and a good appetite. Mr. T has flaky skin, without lesions. When examined, he is sensitive to pressure on his low back.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis:  Kidney Qi and Yin Deficiency with mild Blood deficiency signs, mild low back pain.

Treatment plan: Acupuncture and 100% Canned food diet, monitor progress with bloodwork approximately every 6 months.


Outcome: Mr. T has been receiving acupuncture for 2 years and is still symptom-free for renal insufficiency, other than increased thirst.  His last lab report revealed CRET 3.8/BUN 50/PHOS 4.6.  He is still on his 100% canned diet with no evidence of nausea or muscle wasting.
Other treatments have been discussed and are available, but Mr. T has emphatically declined all other supplement and herbal options. However, he truly enjoys his monthly acu tune-up!*

Acupuncture, herbs, supplements and nutritional therapy combined with traditional veterinary treatments can greatly improve the health and happiness of your pets.  

Please contact us if you would like to learn more a schedule an appointment: 503.285.2337 + wecare@lombardanimalhospital.com

www.lombardanimalhospital.com

*This information is not intended to replace medical advice.  This case is presented in an abbreviated format by Nell Ostermeier, DVM, IVAS certified veterinary acupuncturist.  

Nell Ostermeier, DVM 

IVAS certified veterinary acupuncturist

Owner/Veterinarian 

Lombard Animal Hospital   Portland, OR, USA

Dr. Nell is originally from a small farm in central Illinois where she developed her affinity for helping animals at a very young age. She graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004 with a focus on small animal and exotic animal medicine. In 2007, she moved to Portland with her husband Dr. Preston and their faithful companions – 3 dogs, 2 cats, 3 birds, a rabbit and a tortoise. Nell and Preston came to the Great Northwest in search of a veterinary practice to call their own and a chance to pursue the many outdoor activities that they enjoy. The pets agreed to come along for the ride!

Dr. Nell is a foodie and also believes in good, high quality nutrition for her patients. It was nutrition and whole food supplementation that actually led Dr. Nell to explore more advanced alternative medicine therapies such as acupuncture and herbal formulas for her patients. In 2010, Dr. Nell completed the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) Course including 150 hours of classroom work and 60 hours of internship, followed by a written and practical certification exam. Since that time, she has expanded on her education through attending international conferences and by becoming an educator for IVAS. She has been a teaching associate from 2013 – 2015 and will continue her involvement as an educator as well as an active member of this dynamic international organization. Dr. Nell leads the Integrative Medicine Program at Lombard Animal Hospital, offering a variety of traditional and natural veterinary modalities. She combines her original education in Western Medicine with her passion for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture to achieve the best results for her patients. She is happy to work with almost any companion pet including dogs, cats, rabbits, small mammals, reptiles, birds and the occasional barnyard species.

Outside of the hospital, Dr. Nell enjoys outdoor activities based on the seasons and loves to sit in a café with a delicious cappuccino on rainy days – or really any day. She works hard to practice what she preaches by staying fit, eating healthy, and paying attention to her health and life balance. She has a terrible case of the travel bug and is always looking forward to her next adventure with Dr. Preston.

Molly's Adventures at LAH!

Molly is a 8 year old female pug who began acupuncture and laser treatments with Dr. Nell in February 2014 as treatment for the loss of hind limb function and incontinence that resulted from a spinal injury. Traditional medical treatments did not help Molly's condition.  After following a regular schedule of laser and acupuncture therapy for over a year our friend Molly now has strong control over her hind limbs and has even jumped into her mom's lap! Along the way her therapies have also helped to greatly decrease her digestive upset and ear infections and improve her overall quality of life. 

At Lombard Animal Hospital, in Portland, Oregon we strive to increase the quality of life for pets and their people through education, nutrition and wellness!

Give us a call -- We'd love to see you and your pets!

503.285.2337 | wecare@lombardanimalhospital.com | www.lombardanimalhospital.com