Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine to Treat Intervertebral Disc Disease in a Dachshund

Abstract

An 8-year-old, male, smooth coat Dachshund presented with bilateral hindlimb paralysis (Grade IV) and pain in the lumbar area. He was diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and the traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) Pattern diagnosis was Spinal Cord Qi/Blood Stagnation with Kidney Qi Deficiency. The goal for treating IVDD patients is to eliminate spinal cord compression and resolve inflammation in order to alleviate the animal’s pain and restore normal mobility. The medical approach to the present case was to use the TCVM treatment modalities of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine (modified Da Huo Luo Dan/Double P II) and Tui-na massage to address the TCVM Patterns diagnosed. TCVM treatment sessions were initiated at a frequency of twice a week for 2 weeks, followed by once weekly sessions for 2 more weeks and a final session 1 month later along with oral daily administration of Double P II. The combination of TCVM treatment modalities resulted in a successful clinical outcome with the dog walking after 6 treatment sessions over a 4-week period. This case illustrates that TCVM, including acupuncture, Tui-na massage and Chinese herbal medicine, can be effective as a sole therapy for thoracolumbar IVDD, or part of integrated therapy with conventional medicine.