An Integrative Approach for the Treatment of Suspected Fibrocartilaginous Embolism of the Spinal Cord in a Dog

Abstract

An 8 year old, neutered male, Shar Pei dog was presented with a history of acute onset of paraplegia and severe pain after playing in the yard. A suspected fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) at the L2-L3 intervertebral disk space was diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging. During the first 48 hours, he was treated with morphine, methyl prednisone sodium succinate and polyethelene glycol 30%. Then, he was treated with a tapering dose of prednisone, as well as famotidine, diazepam and tramadol. Six acupuncture treatments were performed one week apart. Dry needle acupuncture was used at BL-40, LIV-3, GV-20 and Lui-feng. Electro-acupuncture was used at BL-54 + KID-1, Hua-tuo-jia-ji at T13-L4, GV-14 + Bai-hui at 20Hz for 5 minutes and then 80-120Hz for 25minutes. During the first 6 treatments, the patient also received aqua-acupuncture (vitamin B12, 0.3ml per point) at BL-23, GV-1, LI-10 and Lui-feng. The dog progressively regained strength and function in his pelvic limbs. Then, he continued to receive acupuncture and started underwater treadmill therapy every 2 weeks for a total of 15 treatments. In addition to acupuncture, Tui-na and physical rehabilitation, he was also prescribed a modification of the herbal formula Da Huo Luo Dan called Double P II (2.5 grams PO BID for 6 weeks). Currently at 4 months since the onset of clinical signs, he is ambulatory with slightly decreased conscious proprioception. The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate the use of an integrative approach to successfully treat FCE of the spinal cord.