A one year old, 5kg, female Toy Poodle was presented for ataxia secondary to atlantoaxial instability, occipital malformation and lateral luxation of both patellas. These diseases are congenital disorders which often need surgical correction. From a traditional Chinese Veterinary Medical perspective, this dog’s problems were due to Kidney Jing
deficiency, Spleen Qi deficiency, and Blood stagnation. The patient was treated with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Acupuncture treatment included dry needles at GV-14, SI-17, LI-4, BL-11, BL-20, BL-21 and BL-54. Electroacupuncture was performed at GB-20, Jing-jia-ji, BL-18, BL-23, ST-36 and GB-34. The Chinese herbal formulas
prescribed were Cervical Formula and a modification of Bu Qi Zi Yin Tang (Hindquarter Formula). Clinical signs improved by 80% within four months with monthly acupuncture treatments and daily Chinese herbal therapy. This case report demonstrates the use of acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy as an alternative choice to surgical intervention for the control of some orthopedic congenital disorders.