China Medicine to treat our pets Lumbosacral Syndrome
Our pets, like other living things, have a central nervous system. The nervous system, unlike other body systems, is composed of subparts which typically have neuro-anatomical and neuro-physiological functions only. Therefore, localizing lesions within the different areas of the nervous system can be a real challenge, according to Dr KG Braund and colleagues in the journal Clinical Neurology in Small Animals – Localization, Diagnosis and Treatment Publisher: International Veterinary Information Service (www.ivis.org), Ithaca, New York, USA.
Chinese Traditional Medicine a way to heal the Lumbosacral Syndrome
The syndrome concept is particularly important in the nervous system, since specific lesions within the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system and skeletal muscle results in predictable and specific clinical symptoms.
Lesions involving spinal segments L4 – 5 to S1 – 3 (+ coccygeal segments) or lumbo-sacral nerve roots forming the cauda equina (including the femoral, obturator, sciatic, pudendal, pelvic and coccygeal) cause a lumbo-sacral syndrome. This syndrome involves various degrees to the lower limbs, bladder, anal sphincter and tail. Clinical signs can range from weakness to flaccid paralysis of pelvic limbs and tail. The patellar reflex and the withdrawal (as well as the gastrocnemius and tibial reflexes) may be depressed or absent in the pelvic limbs. The tone of the pelvic muscles can be reduced or absent. The perception of pain in the pelvic limbs, tail and perineal region may be decreased or absent. Postural reactions in the pelvic limbs and jumping responses or rearrangement of the legs can be reduced.
We must take into account that patients with lumbo-sacral syndrome may have paresis or paralysis of the lower limbs, with reflexes and muscle tone decreased.
The prediction is usually booked depending on time, and treatment ranging from steroids, undergoing surgery to euthanasia.
In traditional Chinese medicine, this problem can be categorized as a syndrome of chronic cold wind (Pei, Hang + feng). This syndrome represents a challenge to overcome by the veterinarian at the clinic because every day is observed more patients with these syndromes.
Clinical Cases
On 15/12/2009 in Paradise Veterinary Hospital, Yiyo, a Poodle dog of 7 years came, showing absence of patellar reflex and anal sphincter relaxation, absence of pain in the pelvic limbs. Laboratory tests were proceeded (hematology, blood chemistry, Rx), where blood tests had normal parameters, but nevertheless in the Rx, lumbo-sacral syndrome was observed, as reported by colleague and the pet owner said it was 11 months without walking. After the evaluation, treatment with acupuncture / bio-energy, moxibustion and homeopathic proceeded to control, they were conducted twice a week, and for the January 30, 2010, Yiyo had a better quality of life.
Case report
On 10/11/2009 in Paradise Veterinary Hospital, a Panda of 14 years (Referred patient) showing absence of patellar reflex and anal sphincter relaxation, absence of pain in the pelvic limbs. Laboratory tests were proceeded (hematology, blood chemistry, Rx), where blood tests had normal parameters, but nevertheless in the Rx, lumbo-sacral syndrome was observed, as reported by colleague and the pet owner said it was 11 months without walking. After the evaluation, treatment with acupuncture / bio-energy, moxibustion and homeopathic proceeded to control, they were conducted twice a week, and for the December 3rd of 2009, the panda had a better quality of life.
Alternative Medicine Giving Quality of Life to our pets
It is important to understand that alternative medicines are available to help, to be complementary and provide the quality of life that our pets deserve. Today the panda and Yiyo have a good health; they come to visit 1 time a month to control.
MV / Acupuncturist / BA Araiza Daniel Alejandro Esquivel
Paradise Veterinary Hospital
Caracas-Venezuela