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