Effects of the combined use of oriental medicine therapies in the treatment of thrombocytopenia, hyperlipidemia and biliary sludge in a geriatric dog - case report

Abstract

In the last three decades, traditional Eastern medicine has been gaining increasing popularity in the West. This growth is intrinsically linked to the incessant search for innovative and non-conventional therapeutic approaches to address health issues in both humans and animals. While Western medicine focuses on determining specific causes for each disease, the approach of traditional Eastern medicine diverges as it does not classify diseases in the same way. In the Eastern perspective, health is conceived as the natural state of the body, and the goal of treatment is to restore harmony to enable effective healing. The presented case report aimed to demonstrate the efficacy in treating thrombocytopenia, dyslipidemia, and biliary sludge in a geriatric dog, exclusively treated with integrative therapies. Abdominal palpation through Japanese acupuncture was performed for Eastern diagnosis, followed by moxibustion sessions and prescription of Chinese magistral formulas. The dog's diet was shifted from commercial food to natural feeding, aligned with principles of Chinese food therapy. The results revealed significant improvements in platelet count and lipid levels, demonstrating the effectiveness of the applied therapies. It was possible to conclude the capacity of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to provide an integrative and natural approach in treating medical conditions in elderly dogs, emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment. In summary, the study highlights TCM as a beneficial and promising alternative in veterinary medicine, offering a holistic approach to the treatment of elderly animals.