AJTCVM

American Journal of
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Acupuncture Treatment of Laryngeal Paralysis in a Dog

Terri W. Rosado DVM

Abstract

An 18-month-old, Fire Constitution, male Rottweiler was presented for bilateral laryngeal paralysis, vomiting/regurgitation (2-3 times daily) and malnutrition of unknown duration. The TCVM diagnosis was invasion of Lung by Wind-Heat with Qi Stagnation at the larynx (laryngeal paralysis), rebellious Stomach Qi (vomiting/ regurgitation), Stagnation of Liver Qi due to sustained Lung Heat (emotional stress, nervousness/hyperactivity; pharygolaryngitis, cough, rapid breath, polydipsia without polyuria) and Spleen Qi Deficiency (malnutrition). A combination of dry needle acupuncture and electroacupuncture was performed. Dry needles were placed at GV-20, Bai-hui (lumbosacral joint) and An-shen to calm him and aid in the remainder of the treatment. Dry needles were also used at LU-1 for cough and Lung Heat; BL-20, BL-21 and ST-36 for vomiting/regurgitation; and LIV-3 for Liver Qi Stagnation and laryngitis. BL-20 was also used for Spleen Qi Deficiency and ST-36 as a general Qi tonic. Electroacupuncture (20 Hz at 3 amps for 12 minutes, then Dense and Disperse at 20/120 Hz at 3 amps for 12 minutes) was performed at local cervical acupoints SI-16, LI-17 and LI-18, ST-9, CV-23 a and b and Hou-shu (just lateral to the 3rd tracheal ring) recommended for laryngeal paralysis and inflammation. Two acupuncture treatments four weeks apart were performed with marked improvement of clinical signs over a 6 week period. The patient continues to do well 16 months after the last treatment. Acupuncture may provide a safe treatment option for laryngeal paralysis in the dog compared to surgical procedures that can be complicated by aspiration pneumonia and death.

Keywords
Citation
Rosado T. Acupuncture treatment of laryngeal paralysis in a dog. Am J Trad Chin Vet Med 2010; 5(1):63-66

Acupuncture Treatment of Laryngeal Paralysis in a Dog

Terri W. Rosado DVM

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