AJTCVM

American Journal of
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Integrative Management of Poorly Responsive Canine Spinal Pain and Paresis Using Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine and Conventional Drugs: A Case Series

Kristin Velasco DVM, MS-TCVM

Abstract

This case series reports data on an integrative treatment (IVM) combining a Chinese herbal medicine (modified Da Huo Luo Dan), acupuncture, and conventional anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals (CT) in relieving pain and restoring mobility in dogs with neck or back pain and paresis. A total of 11 dogs with acute neck or back pain (<30 days) unresponsive to CT therapy were evaluated for pain reduction and neurological improvement associated with IVM treatment. Two pain scores, Colorado State University (CSUPS) and Glasgow Composite (GCPS) along with a neurologic deficit score (NDGS), were assessed on Days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28. The CSUPS (Mean±SD) on Day 0 was 3.27±0.61, which reduced to 1.59±1.07, 1.00±0.87, 0.80±0.75, and 0.50±0.67 on Days 7, 14, 21, 28, respectively, with all assessments statistically significant (p<0.01). For GCPS, Day 0 pain scores were 14.9±4.04, reduced to 9.09±5.19, 6.45±5.24, 4.90±5.02, and 3.50±4.09 on Days 7, 14, 21, 28, respectively (all statistically significant, p<0.01). The Day 0 NDGS was 1.86±0.78 which reduced to 1.46±0.82, 1.23±0.90, 0.97±0.94, and 1.03±1.00 on Day 7, 14, 21 and 28, respectively (all statistically significant with p<0.05). The IVM cases were compared to 15 concurrent CT cases (smaller, younger dogs with uncomplicated disease) and demonstrated more rapid pain relief and similar neurological improvement. The statistically significant clinical improvements observed for IVM cases suggest that integrating Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture with CT can be effective in providing rapid pain relief and improved mobility in dogs that have failed to respond adequately to conventional therapy (NSAID/corticosteroid) only.

Keywords
Citation
Velasco K. Integrative management of poorly responsive canine spinal pain and paresis using acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and conventional drugs: A case series. Am J Trad Chin Vet Med 2022; 17(2): 19-28. DOI: 10.59565/001c.83235

Integrative Management of Poorly Responsive Canine Spinal Pain and Paresis Using Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine and Conventional Drugs: A Case Series

Kristin Velasco DVM, MS-TCVM

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