Illustrated Articles
-
This handout provides a brief overview of the most common evidence-based modalities used in veterinary medicine. Pet owners need to discuss the risk of recommended modalities for their specific pet with a trained and certified rehabilitation therapist before starting a rehabilitation program.
-
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan has been in consistent use for 1500 years. Many of the benefits of Rehmannia Eight stem from its ability to increase renal blood flow and improve urine production. Not surprisingly, then, its human indications include chronic nephritis, ankle swelling, and even urethritis. It also has a reputation for invigorating geriatric and hypothyroid patients. The ability of Rehmannia Eight to improve renal function makes it very popular among veterinarians. Because it extends the lives of these patients, Rehmannia Eight Combination is also known as Precious Golden Tonify the Qi Pill (Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan), Qi being life force.
-
San Ren Tang was originally deigned for heat stroke in humans, however it has been adapted for the treatment of several vommon disorders including, but not limited to, asthma, crystalluria, chronic vomiting, oily skin, constipation adn cystitis. It may be the only formula needed for many patients, since many times these disorders either co-exist or figure prominantly in the past medical history of the same animal. The focus of the formula is on the Drnainage of Dampness adn the Transformation of Phlegm. Symptoms of these include greasy skin, moist coughs, profuse watery eye discharge, chronic vomiting and urinary tract disease. SRT assists with constipation since its natural oil content lubricatesthe large intestine; it also promotes intestinal contraction. The formula is popular in feline medicine because of its mildtaste, making it easy to administer. It is similar to Si MIao San but it is much milder in its cooling anti-inflammatory effects. It is safe for long term use.
-
Si Miao San (SMS) is probably the most widely used herbal formula in all of small animal medicine. It has a system wide effect and adresses all stages of inflammation through its treatment of Damp Heat and secondary Blood Stasis. Indications for SMS include the most common disorders seen in small animal practice: colitis, cystitis, vaginitis, osteoarthritis, yeast otitis, moist pyoderma, allergic dermatitis, oily skin, pancreatitis, and anal gland infection just ot name a few. Symptoms of increased thirst OR appetite, heat intolerance, skin redness, convulsions adn significant inflammation. Dampness and Phlegm signs include polyuria, straining, lipomas, high liver enzymes, mucous discharges, weight gains, oily coat and rounded abdomen. Symptoms of Spleen deficiency leading to dampness can include poor appetite, vomiting, weakness, or apreference for warmth despite heat signs. Despite its potency, SMS is safe for long term use with almost no potential for adverse reactions. When animals respond well to SMS, serious consideration should be given to eliminating as much starch as possible from the animal's diet.
-
Si Wu Tang (SWT) is the quintessential formula for the treatment of Blood deficiency, a condition particularly common in dogs. Symptoms of Blood deficiency include anxiety, frequent dreaming, timidity, noise sensitivity, territorial aggression, anemia, mild arthrtic pain better with movement, mild liver enzyme increases, and infertiliy.
-
Si Wu Xiao Feng Yin (SWXFY) contains the BLood toni formula Si Wu Tang, but also several herbs to adress secondary skin infections ( wind invasions) that take advantage of reduced cutaneous blood flow.
-
Stem cells are unspecialized cells that are capable of renewing themselves though cell division. Under certain conditions, they can become a specific tissue or organ cell. Stem cell therapy commonly refers to the process of placing stem cells from the body into diseased or damaged tissues, such as a torn ligament in the knee or perhaps an arthritic joint. This process is often referred to as regenerative medicine. Adult stem cells are capable of repair and regeneration of various tissues because they have the potential to differentiate into specialized cells of an organ. The most common use of stem cell therapies has been in the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs and cats. Currently, there are no current guidelines with respect to stem cell therapy. Stem therapy should only be performed by a veterinarian with special training, who understands the benefits and limits of this therapy. It is important to have realistic expectations as positive outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
-
A supplement is a concentrated nutrient source that is added to a basic diet for either a nutritional or a therapeutic effect.
-
A supplement is a concentrated nutrient source that is added to a basic diet for either a nutritional or a therapeutic effect. Effective use of supplements requires the consideration of patient factors, such as the organ system that needs support, and product factors, such as dosage, safety, efficacy and balance.
-
An epidemic of obesity in both humans and companion animals has spawned a large trade in weight loss supplements. Some, such as those which contain ephedrine, have been eliminated from the market in the United States and Canada due to potential adverse cardiac effects.