Integrative approach in a dog with degenerative joint disease - Case report

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative joint disease (DJD) is one of the causes of reduced mobility and lameness frequently seen in small animal clinics, causing myofascial pain and possibly leading to limb paralysis, depending on how the condition develops. Diagnosis is made using clinical signs, orthopedic, neurological examinations and imaging tests such as radiography. Treatment can be based on anti-inflammatory drugs, in cases of chronic pain, drugs such as tramadol and gabapentin; and/or surgery. Analgesia can also be achieved with laser therapy, thermotherapy and acupuncture. Integrative medicine is a set of therapies aimed at improving the clinical condition of patients and curing pathologies; among them are Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Japanese Medicine, Aromatherapy, Chromotherapy and Ozonetherapy. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that the combination of therapies was effective in reducing myofascial pain and promoting quality of life in a geriatric dog affected by a chronic disease. In this study, these therapies were used during the treatment of a 14-year-old dog affected by advanced DJD, with tetraparesis, high myofascial pain and muscle contracture, as well as other signs such as alterations in the sleep and emotional cycle, polydpsia, coughing, skin lesions on the face and vocalization due to pain. The TCM diagnosis was obtained through anamnesis, neurological testing and palpation, as well as tongue inspection. Qi, Xue, Yin and Yang dysfunctions of the kidney, liver, spleen, lung and stomach were diagnosed. There were 15 sessions in total. The therapies used were aromatherapy, Gua Sha, moxibustion, chromotherapy, ozonetherapy, Tuina, craniopuncture (YNSA) and acupuncture. At the beginning of the sessions, the patient had joint and muscle stiffness; as the sessions went on, she gained greater flexibility in her limbs, her sleep and temperament became more regular, her intense thirst and coughing were reduced, she interacted more with her environment and she gained more muscle strength. Of all the therapies, the ones that achieved the best results were those that used a heat source, pressure on the muscles with massages and/or rhythmic pressure and needling.