CASE STUDIES

"Tekey"
Bichon 4 yrs.

Tekey came to me diagnosed as being tested and allergic to "everything". She had been treated with Baytril, prednisilone, allergen injections and was on a commercial hypoallergenic diet. She had to wear an Elizabethan collar constantly to prevent her from chewing her tailhead area to the point of bleeding. Her general attitude could only be described as frantic. Her diagnosis was Blood stagnation with Heat. An acupuncture treatment was done. There were Chinese herbs and supplements dispensed, the diet was changed, and all conventional medications stopped. One week later Tekey presented without the collar and the redness of the skin was gone. The owner reported no chewing or scratching as long as they did not stimulate the tail area. A repeat acupuncture treatment was done. One week later she presented with hair growing back in the tail area, no redness, and no scratching. She was relaxed, happy and playful again.

"Taylor"
8 yr. Feline

Taylor presented diagnosed with kidney disease. His creatinine level was elevated by 35% above the high normal value and the BUN value above high normal by 25%. The history indicated that the problem had been discovered some time ago and periodic monitoring of the blood values indicated gradual worsening of the problem. He had been eating a commercial diet recommended for kidney problems and receiving subcutaneous fluids as needed. The diet was changed to a natural health food. He was also started on acupuncture treatment and a Chinese herbal combination that is a kidney tonic. A check of BUN and creatinine values one month after treatment was started showed both starting to drop. Taylor now is on a program on acupuncture every two months and the diet and herbal treatment remain the same. Nine months after starting treatment Taylor's creatinine and BUN are just slightly above high normal, and have shown a decrease from previous values with each check. His appetite is good and he is very happy and active.

"Andretti"
3 yr. old Italian Spinone

Andretti was first seen in April of 1997. He had a history of severe separation anxiety since the owner had acquired him as a 10 week old puppy. He had to be confined to a stainless steel cage when alone as he would chew his way out of anything else. The owners had tried not confining him while alone with disastrous results to both property and Andretti. The best method seemed to be confinement while gone. Even with confinement, the owners would return home from work faced with a salivating, urine-soaked dog in need of a bath.

Acupuncture treatments were started on 4-25-97. On 4-29-97 it was reported that Andretti seemed to be improving and another treatment was administered. On 5-6-97 it was reported that Andretti was doing great. He was dry, clean and just happy when his owners returned home from work. After 2 more treatments, it was decided to try giving Andretti his freedom. The results are that Andretti still has the "run of the house" and is happy and healthy to this day.

"Noel"
Pekinese, 9 yrs.

Noel presented as being reluctant to walk, acting painful, unhappy, and lethargic. She was presented to her regular veterinarian 6-8 months earlier because she was not "acting like her normal self". Blood tests were normal and she was told nothing was wrong and not to worry. However, her attitude continued to deteriorate as well as her general physical condition and activity. X-rays were finally taken and results were inconclusive. She was advised to go to the ISU small animal clinic for more diagnostic work. Before doing that Noel's owner sought my clinic for a second opinion. Noel was diagnosed as having Qi blockage and Blood stagnation in the Bladder Meridian. An acupuncture treatment was done. One week later Noel returned for re-evaluation and was walking normally. She was happy and reported to be back to her normal bossy behavior in the pet household.

"Pepper"
6 yr. old Rot-Lab cross

Pepper was presented with a diagnosis of chronic autoimmune disease, Phemigus, of 4 years duration. It could only be controlled with daily doses of prednisilone. In addition, a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament of the right knee had been diagnosed. Cushinoid symptoms were present and the referring veterinarian felt surgery could not be done on the knee unless some of the other problems and the high lever of steroids could be brought under control.

On initial exam Pepper was very overweight, agitated and defensive, had a dull haircoat with much shedding, pendulous abdomen, and exhibited many pustules on the skin mostly confined to the ventral abdomen. He had the typical "drawer movement" of his right knee. The owners reported that if they missed even one day of the prednisilone treatment the skin would erupt even worse and Pepper would be very uncomfortable.

Treatment was started on a weekly basis with acupuncture. Chinese herbs were given on a daily basis. Nutrition was also upgraded. Laser therapy was used on the knee with the ruptured ligament. In 6 weeks, all conventional drugs had been stopped. Pepper was happy and active and had lost all of his aggressive attitude--he would actually run through the waiting room to be petted by the doctor.

In the following weeks Pepper's haircoat grew to be a shiny thick black coat that had not been seen in years. The knee had stabilized and did not require surgery. He remains an exuberant, active dog to this day-almost a year and a half after the owners were going to put him "to sleep" because of all his problems. He is still overweight, but now jumps off the deck and chases rabbits for fun across the backyard--he hadn't done that for over 2 years prior to treatment.

Good news, the owners have both lost weight and are doing great. --Now for Pepper...

"Sable"
4 yr. black cocker

Sable was first seen a year and a half ago with the history of being a lifelong allergy problem. Allergy testing had shown positive to all environmental allergens. She had a dull haircoat, multiple pustule all over her body, and chronic ear infection. She had been treated with steroids and multiple antibiotics for most of her life. Acupuncture was started on a weekly basis. Chinese herbals and dietary supplements were also implemented. Sable was slow to respond and it was almost 2 months before significant change could be noted. The ear problems disappeared, the haircoat grew to be shiny and full and the itching stopped. She now is happy, active, and is seen every 2-3 months for a "tune-up" treatment. She is no longer taking any drugs for her condition, but continues to maintain a healthy lifestyle with herbal supplements and periodic acupuncture treatments.

"Guy"
6 yr. old Basset

Guy was presented with grand mal seizures occurring about every 2 weeks per the owners. There may have been more but the owners were not at home all the time and didn't know if any others were occurring. They were reluctant to use conventional therapy and decided that they would do nothing but alternative therapy. Guy was a delight to be with--happy and well adjusted. Gold beads were implanted on the appropriate acupuncture points. Chinese herbs were started and a change was implemented in the diet. This was done about one year ago and Guy has had only a couple of very mild seizures since. He is active, happy and not on any drugs. Guy and his owners are very happy. --so is his veterinarian.