Effects of the combined use of Chinese magistral herbal formulas and Chinese food therapy in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, urinary disorder and biliary sludge in a geriatric dog - Case report

Abstract

In the last three decades, traditional oriental medicine has gained increasing popularity in the West. This growth is closely linked to the constant search for innovative and unconventional therapeutic approaches to address health issues in both humans and animals. While Western medicine focuses on identifying specific causes for each disease, the approach of traditional oriental medicine differs as it does not categorize diseases in the same way. From the Eastern perspective, health is seen as the natural state of the body, and the treatment's goal is to restore balance to enable effective healing. The presented case report aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness in treating urinary disorders, hyperlipidemia, and biliary sludge in an elderly dog. Using methods from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), such as abdominal palpation and Oriental diagnosis, energetic imbalances were identified. The integrative treatment included Chinese therapies, dietary changes, and customized formulas. After the administration of these therapies, significant improvements in the animal were evidenced through urine and blood tests and ultrasound. The discussion emphasizes the correlation between the presented disorders and TCM principles, addressing the influence of Qi and Xue. The choice of formulas and diet was based on the affected meridians. TCM yielded positive results in restoring body balance and promoting health in elderly dogs, offering a safe alternative to conventional treatments tailored to each animal's individual needs. The integrative approach not only alleviated clinical symptoms but also addressed underlying causes, reinforcing TCM as a valuable option in veterinary medicine.