AJTCVM

American Journal of
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Acupuncture Treatment of Non Specific Alopecia of Three Years Duration in a Cat

Leigh Sheridan DVM

Abstract

A six-year-old, male, castrated, domestic short haired cat was presented for alopecia of the flanks, abdomen and limbs of three years duration. Extensive conventional medical tests and empirical treatments failed to either diagnose or resolve the hair loss. The cat had a history of recurrent bouts of diarrhea and upper respiratory infections since a kitten. Based on the TCVM history and examination findings, the pattern diagnosis was External Wind with Lung Qi and Yin deficiency and an underlying Spleen Qi deficiency. Dry needles were placed in GB-20 and BL-12 to clear Wind; BL-16, SP-10, GB-31 and LI-10 for their anti-pruritic effects; LI-11 to clear Heat, tonify Qi, and treat pruritis; KID-3, SP-6 and LIV-8 to tonify Yin and GV-14 for its immune regulatory effects on the skin. For 6 weeks, 1-2 acupuncture treatments were administered weekly. Within 6 weeks the cat’s hair growth had progressed so much that he had discernable tabby stripes on his flanks and limbs for the first time in years. After approximately four months of twice-weekly to twice-monthly acupuncture treatments, the patient had a normal hair coat. Currently the cat has remained normal and has not required further treatment for nearly 1.5 years after the final acupuncture treatment. This case study documents the success of acupuncture as a sole therapy to treat non-specific alopecia in a cat.

Keywords
Citation
Sheridan L. Acupuncture treatment of non-specific alopecia of three years duration in a cat. Am J Trad Chin Vet Med 2010; 5(1):55-62

Acupuncture Treatment of Non Specific Alopecia of Three Years Duration in a Cat

Leigh Sheridan DVM

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