AJTCVM

American Journal of
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

0

Integrative Treatment and Prevention of Indolent Corneal Ulcers in an Elderly Dog with Multiple Comorbidities

Manda S. W. Kaplan

Abstract

An 11-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix with recurrent indolent corneal ulcers was successfully treated with an integrative medicine approach using acupuncture and Western medical treatments. The dog had a history of multiple comorbidities and predisposing factors for corneal injury, which had created recurrent ulcers poorly responsive to treatment with analgesics, antibiotics, and autologous serum. Resolution of the previous ulcers was only accomplished by referral to an ophthalmologist for grid keratotomy. After the dog’s sixth corneal ulcer in 19 months, the owners’ goal was to avoid further sedation and advanced procedures to reduce stress on the dog and financial costs. Integrative treatment was then initiated, which included acupuncture along with conventional therapeutics. Seven days after the initial acupuncture session, ocular examination documented less pain and early corneal healing with neovascularization. At the third session, 14 days following acupuncture initiation, resolution of the corneal ulcer was nearly complete with only rare specks of fluorescein stain uptake; and by 1 month after treatment initiation, the dog was completely comfortable and was negative for fluorescein staining. This patient’s recurrent corneal ulcers were attributed to a traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) pattern of Kidney-Liver Yin and Blood Deficiencies, as well as Liver Qi Stagnation creating Liver Heat that ascended to the eyes causing corneal ulceration. By continuing to address these TCVM pathologies with periodic maintenance treatments, the dog’s eyes were kept comfortable and free of corneal ulcers for the remainder of his life.

Keywords
Citation
Kaplan M. Integrative treatment and prevention of indolent corneal ulcers in an elderly dog with multiple comorbidities. Am J Trad Chin Vet Med 2026; 21(1):63-68. https://doi.org/10.59565/BJRF3085

Integrative Treatment and Prevention of Indolent Corneal Ulcers in an Elderly Dog with Multiple Comorbidities

Manda S. W. Kaplan

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