Nutritional Case Report

Dr. Shana Buchanan, MBA, Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture, Certified in Veterinary Chiropractic, Veterinary Food Therapist, Certified in Chinese Veterinary Herbs

Pet "P" is a 13yr old, MN, tall and lean, broken-coated, Jack Russell Terrier that weighs 22lbs (10kg).  His chief complaint is intermittent loose, cow-pile stools found in the morning by the owner.  His disposition has always been very docile and attention seeking.  When he was 5 years old he injured his right rear limb and has a partial ACL tear that is now causing constant nightly lameness.  His tongue is red with no coating and no excessive moisture, and his pulses are so deep they are difficult to palpate.  Upon deep palpation, the pulses are wiry.   The pet will seek out the owner to lay next to her, but then quickly starts panting and then lays on the cold wood floor.  After cooling down, the pet will then move to the dog cushion.  Occasionally, the pet will have a deep, dry, hacking, cough that worsens if the leash is pulled. Active points palpated are at BL 20, 21, 23 and GB 34.  The pet’s diet consists of Purina ProPlan Small Breed Formula.  The ingredients are listed below.

Chicken, brewers rice, corn gluten meal, poultry by-product meal (natural source of glucosamine), whole grain corn, animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols (form of Vitamin E), corn bran, fish meal (natural source of glucosamine), animal digest, dried egg product, potassium chloride, calcium phosphate, salt, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, Vitamin E supplement, taurine, choline chloride, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), manganese sulfate, niacin, calcium carbonate, Vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, copper sulfate, riboflavin supplement, Vitamin B-12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, garlic oil, folic acid, Vitamin D-3 supplement, calcium iodate, biotin, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), sodium selenite.
D-4450

Pet "P" has a Western diagnosis of a partial right rear ACL tear, arthritis, and intermittent gastritis.  An Eastern diagnosis of Liver Blood Deficiency causing blood stagnation, heat and lameness; Liver overacting on the Spleen and Stomach causing loose intermittent stools; and Lung  Qi not descending to assist the Large Intestine properly  is appropriate.  The following recipe is recommended to correct the Liver Blood Deficiency, cool the patient by tonifying Yin, tonify the Lung and Large Intestine, and tonify the Spleen and Stomach.  It should be added all together and cooked in a crock pot until the potatoes are soft.  A half of an adult multi-vitamin should be given daily.

Protein source:  Beef Liver (tonifies the Liver, nourishes the Blood, source of Vitamins and Minerals)

Carb source:  Sweet potatoes (Spleen tonic, Liver tonifying)

Vegetable source:  Kidney beans pre-soaked at least 8 hours prior to cooking to ensure easy digestion and palatability (drains and dries Damp, high fiber source, tonifies Yin).  Kidney beans are recommended over Barley due to availability.

Fruit source:  Strawberry (helps with indigestion, strengthens Spleen). This should be added at the end of cooking.

Fat source:  Almonds (for coughing, strengthens Stomach and Spleen)

Supplements:  Nettle (tonifies Yin and clears heat) and a small amount of honey (tonifies Yin and strengthens Spleen and Stomach)

Liver Failure Case Report

Dr. Shana Buchanan, MBA, Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture, Certified in Veterinary Chiropractic, Veterinary Food Therapist, Certified in Chinese Veterinary Herbs

Pet "P" is a 9yr, intact male Miniature Schnauzer that presented for vomiting and anorexia for the past three days.  Upon presentation the patient was very icteric and lethargic.  The tongue was yellow and dry and the pulses were bounding.  Abdominal palpation revealed a soft, fluid-filled abdomen and an enlarged liver.  A severe heart murmur was ausculted at a grade V/VI holosystolic murmur with synchronous pulses.  Blood work was performed and revealed the following

 Anemia:  HCT 17.2% (N=37-55%) RBC 2.21 (N=5.5-8.5)

 Leukocytosis:  WBC 29.11 (N=5.5-16.9) Monocytes 2.75 (N=0.3-2) Neutrophils 19.88 (N=2-12) Basophils 0.11 (N=0-0.1);

Hypoalbuminemia:  1.6 (N=2.2-3.9)

Increased liver enzymes:  ALT 701 (N=10-100) GGT 11 (N=0-7) Total bilirubin 17.6 (N=0-0.9)

Azotemia:  BUN 54 (N=7-27) Creatinine 1.9 (N=0.5-1.8)

Hypercholesterolemia:  354 (N=110-320)

A Western Diagnosis of Liver Failure was made.  An Eastern Diagnosis of Liver Blood and Qi Deficiency, Qi and Blood stasis, and Damp Heat was made.  This patient was exhibiting classic liver blood deficiency due to the anemia, dry tongue, and bounding pulses, Qi and Blood stasis due to the cholesterol elevation and marked liver enzyme elevations, Damp Heat due to the profound icteric state, bounding pulses, and leukocytosis, and Qi Deficiency due to the pet’s inability to walk due to weakness.   At this point any Qi tonic, Blood tonic or Damp Heat clearing herb might help but doubtful.  Unfortunately, the pet died shortly after presentation.

The interesting aspect of this case is that the pet presented previously for vomiting and diarrhea after the pet received a human NSAID.  At that point blood work was performed and revealed the following

Slight anemia:  HCT 36% (N=37-55%), RBC 4.64 (N=5.5-8.5)

High normal BUN: 27 (N=7-27)

High normal Creatinine:  1.6 (N=0.5-1.8)

It was assumed that the patient had the beginning of renal insufficiency due to the ingestation of the NSAID and vomiting and diarrhea. Intravenous fluid therapy with antibiotics and anti-emetics corrected the problems but made the anemia more pronounce HCT 24.4 % (N=37-55) RBC 3.14 (N=5.5-8.5) HGB 9.9 (N=12-18).  Conventional thinking dictated that the patient was in renal insufficiency and an appropriate kidney plan was put in place that included a low protein diet and phosphorous binders.  Over the course of the next few months, the pet became more hyporexic by refusing to eat the kidney diet and take the medications, thus revealing a progressive Spleen deficiency instead of a worsening of the kidney disease.  

Retrospect evaluation of the pet's condition both Eastern and Westerrn perspective reveals a different possible outcome.  Since the pet had anemia, this would indicate Liver Blood Deficiency.  Also, since the pet was having vomiting and diarrhea, a Spleen Deficiency would have been made.  Since Blood Deficiency can lead to heat and possible dampness, it would have been interesting to see if an appropriate Blood Tonic and Spleen Tonic, such as Xiao Yao San, could have prevented the severe stasis and heat that caused the jaundice, liver failure, suppurative hepatitis, and anemia.  No doubt the pet would have succumbed to jaundice and liver failure, but I wonder how much more quality of life the pet would have  if started on Xiao Yao San.  Xiao Yao San would have been an appropriate choice in the beginning of the disease because it contains Bupleurum that moves stagnant Liver Qi, Angelica and White Peony that tonifies Liver Blood and Yin, Mint that clears heat, and most of the herbs in Four Gentlemen, White Atractylodes, Poria and Licorice, that supports the Spleen and Stomach. 

Gastroenterology Case Report

Dr. Shana Buchanan, MBA, Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture, Certified in Veterinary Chiropractic, Veterinary Food Therapist, Certified in Chinese Veterinary Herbs

History

Pet "P" is a 10 M Labrador Retriever cross that was presented for chronic weight loss, vomiting, and lethargy. The dog was a Galveston rescue from Hurricane Ike in 2008. Previous medical history is unknown since the previous owners were going to ground tie the dog in the backyard while they evacuated the island. The current owners took the dog with them when they evacuated and relocated to Montgomery, TX while the hurricane devastated Galveston Island. The current owner has not had the pet to the veterinarian since being rescued due to the owner’s financial problems as a result of the hurricane. Pet "P" has never been on heartworm prevention according to the current owner. The dog started to become hyporexic followed by vomiting a few months prior to initial presentation in late November. The pet’s disposition and willingness to please the owner disguised the fact that this dog has lost 10 pounds within a month.

Western Exam:

Abdominal palpation did not elicit any pain nor reveal any other abnormalities. Diagnostics included a centrifugal fecal parasite exam, heartworm test (both Knott’s and occult), complete blood count, serum chemistry profile, electrolytes, prostate exam and chest and abdominal radiographs. Surprisingly, the fecal exam, the prostate exam, and the bloodwork , including the heartworm tests, were normal. However, the abdominal and chest films were not normal. There was a right atrial mass present, a large abdominal mass at the area of the pylorus and multiple small abdominal masses throughout the abdominal cavity.

Eastern Exam:

The patient’s tongue was lavender and dry from stagnation and heat and the pulses were superficial and bounding due to heat. No obvious warm or cold preference was noted by the owners. The patient’s previous diet was a commercial dry dog food that was drying. Currently the owners were cooking for the pet that included eggs, a variety of fruits and vegetables, and occasionally yogurt or cottage cheese. The dog did not have an appetite for the majority of the foods presented. When the pet did eat, he immediately vomited the food as a result of phlegm and rebellious ST Qi. The fur coat, ears, and skin were normal and did not have any abnormalities noted.

Diagnosis

Western: Neoplasia-primary or secondary GI involvement that is most likely adenocarcinoma, lymphosarcoma or hemangiosarcoma

Eastern: Qi Def/Exhaustion from the fatigue, Phlegm accumulation from the chronic vomiting, SP Qi Def/Inefficiency from the chronic weight loss and vomiting, Triple Burner Obstruction of the Middle Jiao that will account for the SP Qi Def and chronic vomiting

Treatment Plan

Western:

I recommended an echocardiogram and an abdominal ultrasound, with biopsies and histopathoogy, to determine the type of cancer and appropriate treatment. Recommended starting on prednisone to determine if this will increase the pet’s appetite and energy level.

Eastern:

Since the pet was displaying an array of a Triple Burner (TB) Obstruction of the Middle Jiao, Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Combination) was recommended to start to relieve the TB obstruction since it is indicated for this particular problem. The main ingredients that will alleviate the problems that this patient is experiencing is: Chai Hu (Bupleurum) to relieve the TB obstruction, Huang Qin (Skullcap root) to clear the heat, Ban Xia (Pinellia tuber) to dissolve the phlegm and dissipate nodules, resolve rebellious ST Qi, and disperse stagnation, Ren Shen (Ginseng root) for Qi exhaustion, Da Zao (Jujube) to tonify SP, ST and Qi and Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) for the vomiting.

Outcome

Due to the extent of the disease, the expense and the poor prognosis, the owners elected euthanasia.

Ophthalmology Case Report

Dr. Shana Buchanan, MBA, Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture, Certified in Veterinary Chiropractic, Veterinary Food Therapist, Certified in Chinese Veterinary Herbs

 

History and Exam

Pet "P" is a MN, 15 yr old, Shih Tzu weighing 13.7lbs (6.22kg).  He presented for ear problems.  Upon examination and evaluation, it was discovered that the pet had crusty eyes and had been previously diagnosed with KCS but currently was not on ocular medication.  A STT revealed no tear production and fluroscene stain revealed superficial, bilateral, geographic corneal ulcerations.  Gentamicin Ophthalmic 0.3% Ointment was dispensed for the ulcerations and was to be applied every 8 hours for 7 days.  The ears were cleaned and medications dispensed.   On recheck examination, the pet had a ruptured anal gland.  A fluroscene stained revealed complete healing of the superficial corneal ulceration.  The Gentamicin eye ointment was discontinued at this time.  Pet "P" was sedated, and the ruptured anal gland was clipped and cleaned.  The pet was sent home with oral Clavamox and a tapering dose of Prednisolone for the ruptured anal gland.  It was discussed with the owner to restart the Cylosporine eye ointment even though in the past the medications did not seem to work well according to the owner.   At this time a  TCM examination was performed.  The skin coat was dry and flakey, the tongue was small and pale, and the pulses were normal.

Western and TCM Diagnosis

A western diagnosis of KCS; corneal ulcerations; chronic, intermittent otitis externa that gets worse during humid times; and a ruptured anal gland were made.  A TCM diagnosis of blood deficiency leading to heat and dampness was made based upon the dry, flakey skin; his advanced age; tongue evaluation; chronic otitis externa that worsens during high humidity; and a ruptured, abscessed anal gland.  His pulses were not deep, as expected with a deficiency problem, since he had an active infection occurring from the ruptured anal gland causing heat and a more superficial pulse, thus causing the pulses to feel normal.  Pet "P" has several Western diagnoses that seem to be unrelated; however, he has only one Eastern diagnosis of blood deficiency that connects all of his seemingly unrelated problems together. 

Herbal Formula Recommendation

According to the owner, the cyclosporine ocular ointment does not seem to be working well since the eyes are still cloudy and slightly crusty regardless of the consistency of medicating the animal.  Additionally, the ear problem that the pet was experiencing returned during a week of hot, humid weather.  Another problem the pet is having is that the pet is getting confused and occasionally running into walls.  This behavior could be a result of the chronic KCS or mental confusion.  Regardless if the pet is blind, the pet should be able to memorize the house plan.  Even though he cannot see well, no furniture has been changed nor a move to a new house been made.  As a result, Pet "P" has even more evidence of blood deficiency.   I started the pet on Si Wu Tang:  0.2cc PO q 12 hours.  Since KCS is most commonly a Liver Blood and Yin Deficiency problem and the animal was exhibiting blood deficient problems and minor yin deficiency from age, skin, ear, mental confusion/not remembering, and anal gland problems, I thought that Si Wu Tang would be the best way of treating all of his symptoms.   Si Wu Tang nourishes the Blood (from the Angelica Root and Cooked Rehmannia), moves Qi and Blood (from the Ligusticum, Red Peony, Carthamus, and Persica), tonifies the Kidneys (from the Cooked Rehmannia), tonifies the Liver and regulates the Liver (from the Cooked Rehmannia and Carthamus), all of which Pet "P" can benefit from according to his symptoms. 

Endocrine Case Report

Case Description, History and Exam

Dr. Shana Buchanan, MBA, Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture, Certified in Veterinary Chiropractic, Veterinary Food Therapist, Certified in Chinese Veterinary Herbs

Pet "P" is a 13 yr F/S DSH weighing 7.7lbs (3.5kg) that presented for an annual exam in October 2010.  The previous year’s exam revealed a cat that weighed 7.8 lbs (3.55kg) and no other complaints, or none that was presented by the owner as being significant.  The abnormalities on the 2009 exam were mild tartar and gingivitis and a dull and matted fur coat.  This year the owner claimed that the pet developed polydipsia and polyphagia sometime within the last calendar year.  Upon further questioning the owner disclaimed that the cat’s activity level did not coincide with the pet’s age of 13.  However, the owners felt that the cat slept an adequate amount and was not overtly hyperactive.  This year’s examination revealed a slight weight loss despite an increased appetite, tartar and mild gingivitis that was unchanged from the previous year’s examination, a fur coat that was unkempt and slightly oily, a body condition score of 2/5 and an audible heart murmur that was not ausculted earlier.  No thyroid nodule was evident.  Upon resting, the pet had a loud pur.      

An Eastern examination revealed that the pet’s tongue was red and the pulses were superficial and rapid indicating heat, as well as the gingivitis present.  Phelegm was present due to the oily fur coat, loud purring and heart murmur.

Various diagnostic options were discussed with the owner as well as treatment plans for differing diseases.  The owner declined all diagnostics as well as empirical treatments:  both Eastern and Western.

Diagnosis:  Western and TCM

A Western diagnosis of undiagnosed hyperthyroidism was presumed even though no diagnostic tests were performed.  The presumption was based upon the polydipsia, polyphagia coupled with weight loss, an audible heart murmur, the abnormal activity level of the pet, and the age of the cat. 

An Eastern Diagnosis of Phlegm and Heat were diagnosed.  The Heat signs that were clinically evident were the continued gingivitis, increased thirst, increased hunger, rapid and superficial pulses and red tongue.  The Phlegm signs were the oily fur coat, loud purring and heart murmur.  Coupled with the Western diagnosis of hyperthyroidism, Amber would be classified as a Phase II hyperthyroid cat in which there is accumulation of phlegm and heat in the triple burner

Herbal Prescription

Regardless of the herbal formula chosen, Pet "P"  was in need of a diet change that does not continue to dampen the overtaxed Spleen and Stomach.  A switch from a manufactured kibble that is high in carbohydrates, which are dampening by nature, to a home-made diet low carbohydrate and high protein is essential to the successful treatment of hyperthyroidism in Eastern medicine.   The appropriate herbal formula for this patient is Wen Dan Tang or the Modified Wen Dan Tang in hopes of ceasing the progression of the disease.  The necessity of clearing Heat, moving Blood, dissolving Phlegm and draining Damp are important in Phase II hyperthyroidism.  These objectives are achieved with Wen Dan Tang or the Modified Wen Dan Tang as the following illustrates.  Zhu Ru (Bamboo) clears Heat arising from Phlegm accumulation, Huang Lian (Coptis) and Zhi Zi (Gardenia) cools Heart Fire, thus slowing down tachycardia and the subsequent  murmur, Tao Ren (Persica) and Hong Hua (Carthamus) moves stagnant Blood that has arisen secondary to Phlegm accumulation, Gua Lou (Trichosanthes) and Jiang Can (Bombyx) transforms Phlegm accumulation, Mu Li (Oyster shell) contains iodine that can be used for either hypo or hyperthyroidism, Gan Cao (Licourice root) reduces any harmful side effects of the other herbs, Sheng Jiang (Ginger root) warms the middle jiao and helps in digestion and proper functioning of the Spleen and Stomach, and Chen Pi (Citrus peel) and Zhi Ke (Citrus) eliminates Phlegm accumulations.  Therefore, these herbal formulas are appropriate for Pet "P's"  case of undiagnosed Phase II hyperthyroidism. 

Conclusion

It is unclear from the previous yearly examinations when the pet started to exhibit the Phase I hyperthyroid signs of dampness manifested as abdominal distension, vomiting after meals with a slimy consistency to the vomitus, changes in thirst and appetite, weight gain, lethargy, mucus in the stool, and watery urine.  The environment in which the cat lives in is mainly damp and humid year round, so this benchmark cannot be included in clinical signs and observations.   The undiagnosed Phase I hyperthyroidism misdiagnosis is most likely a consequence of inappropriate questions asked during previous examinations and nondisclosure of perceived “normal” behavior for a geriatric cat from the owner.  Pet "P" is now a Phase II hyperthyroid, geriatric feline that could be helped with a diet change and an herbal formula. 

Respiratory Case Report

Dr. Shana Buchanan, MBA, Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture, Certified in Veterinary Chiropractic, Veterinary Food Therapist, Certified in Chinese Veterinary Herbs

Pet "P" is a seven-year-old male neutered Labrador retriever weighing 75 lbs (34 kg).  Pet "P"  presented in August for a 36 hour hacking, nonproductive cough.  The previous week Pet "P"  was in play-care at a local facility.  No other abnormalities were noted by the owner.  Physical examination revealed a normal, rectal temperature of 101.2 F, neither crackles nor wheezes upon lung auscultation were noted, no murmurs were ausculted, and upper respiratory stridor was present.  The Western diagnosis was an infectious tracheobronchitis due to the fact that Kennel Cough and the Canine Flu are prevalent in this area.  Additionally, laryngeal paralysis was diagnosed.  The treatment of choice for any  upper respiratory infections is a three week course of 10mg/kg of oral Doxycycline once daily.  This will ensure that a respiratory infection is cleared, and if any residual cough lasts longer than the three week antibiotic treatment, a cardiovascular problem is considered and explored.  Additionally, a tapering dose of Temaril-P was prescribed. Temaril-P is a dual anti-histamine and steroid medication that can be given to pets suffering from bronchitis of any origin and associated coughing.  Since the pet was prescribed a three week course of oral antibiotics, Purina’s pro-biotic, Fortiflora, was dispensed to prevent antibiotic induced diarrhea.  A three week recheck was scheduled but was not followed through by the owner.  

A TCM exam was performed alongside the Western examination.    Pet "P's"  personality has always been a very loving and happy dog that tends to be a little overweight.  Pet "P"  is the typical Earth personality.  Pulses on Bob were bounding and the tongue was a dry, red-lavender/purple color.  Pet "P" also had a dull, flaky fur coat.  Pet "P"  suffered from Blood Stagnation and heat from the bronchitis, Qi Stagnation from the laryngeal paralysis, and Blood Deficiency resulting in a dull fur coat.  The bounding pulses can be explained by the infectious tracheobronchitis that was producing heat.  The dry, red-lavender/purple tongue can be attributed to the bronchitis producing heat that resulted in the red color, the stagnation causing the stridor that resulted in the lavender/purple color and the pet’s diet of dry food that caused heat and dryness.  Dry food kibble weakens the SP Qi, and since Bob is an Earth dog, his SP Qi is easily damaged.   Subsequently, Pet "P"  exhibited signs of Blood Deficiency due to his dull, flaky fur coat.  As a result of Blood Deficiency, Pet "P's"  propensity to develop heat from Blood Stasis is amplified.  The infectious tracheobronchitis that Pet "P"  easily contracted was a result of a Yang Ming and Shao Yang invasion as a consequence of the life-long poor diet that damaged the spleen’s ability to produce blood and Qi to protect the Tai yang level. 

The herbal treatment of choice was Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang (ZFZYT) since the pet had blood deficiency and blood stasis in the upper burner.    XFZYT not only eliminates stagnation in the upper burner but also nourishes blood which is one of the reasons why this patient contracted the infection.  The SP Qi damage was off-set by a home-cooked diet rich in blood tonics, such as liver, and easily digestible fruits and vegetables that prevented damp and phlegm accumulation. 

The Five Elements

Dr. Shana Buchanan, MBA,

Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified in Veterinary Chiropractic, Certified in Veterinary Chinese Herbal Medicine, Veterinary Food Therapist

The five elements that we will be discussing are:  Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood.  Each of these elements has a season, a climate, a direction, a color, a flavor, a sound, an emotion, growth, an orifice, a sense, a tissue, a function, a body action, a body odor, a weakness, and certain personality aspects that make up their characteristics.  We will explore each element’s uniqueness in our pets.  Pets and people can exhibit more then one type of constitution.  Additionally, if there is a mixture of elements that make up the constitution of a pet, the element that is usually expresses is during its season.

The Fire element’s season is summer, the color is red, the climate is hot, the emotion is joy and fright, the tissue is vascular system, the function is circulation, the organ is the heart, and the weakness is walking.  The Fire personality is easily excited, extroverted, tends to be the center of the party, loves to be loved, mischievous and is proficient in competition.  The Fire’s physical characteristics include a strong body, small head, prominent blood vessels, runs fast but easily fatigued, and is excellent for short-distance racing.  The Fire’s disease predispositions include strokes, separation anxiety, and restlessness.  A small animal that has a Fire constitution is friendly, greets strangers warmly, is noisy and barks, is excitable and is difficult to keep still.  A horse that has a Fire constitution is friendly, noisy and vociferous, loves to be touched or petted, is excitable, is difficult to keep still and is very sensitive. 

The Earth’s season is late summer, the climate is damp, the color is yellow, the emotion is preoccupation and worry, the tissue is muscles, the function is digestion, the organs are stomach and spleen and the weakness is sitting.  An Earth’s personal characteristics include honesty and kindness, is a good care taker, is laid back, is humble, is easily satisfied, is slow to response to a stimulus, is a good worker that is a little slow and is generous and modest.  The Earth’s physical characteristics include a short and sturdy body, a prominent musculature, a big head, and thick lips.  Disease predispositions include chronic gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and colic, edema and obesity.  A small animal with an Earth constitution is friendly, is eager to please, is a slow walker, enjoys sleeping and relaxing, and is laid back.  A horse with an Earth constitution is friendly, enjoys relaxing, is easy going and mellow, is eager to please and moves slow. 

The Metal’s season is fall, the climate is dryness, the color is white, the emotion is weeping, the organs are the lung and large intestine, the tissue is the skin and hair coat, the function is respiration, the body action is coughing and wheezing, and the weakness is lying down.  The Metal’s personal characteristic are a good organizer, a leader in a group, a rule follower and likes routines, is confident and consistent.  The Metal’s physical characteristics include a broad forehead, a broad chest, and good hair coat.  The disease predispositions are respiratory problems, including cough, asthma, and nasal congestion, diabetes, and constipation.  A small animal with a Metal constitution is quiet and confident, disciplined, follows the owner’s commands, organized and knows what to do next or what is expected, and has a clean hair coat.  A horse with a Metal constitution is quiet and organized, confident, disciplined, follows the rules, prepared for what happens next, and has a clean hair coat. 

The Water’s season is winter, the climate is cold, the color is gray/black, the emotion is fear/terror, the organs are kidney and bladder, the tissue is the bones, the function is elimination, and the weakness is standing.  The Water’s personal characteristics includes being introverted, terrified and fearful about everything, quiet, willing to live along, very consistent but slow when doing something, and a fear biter.  The Water’s physical characteristics are a thin, middle sized body, cold intolerance, and have deep, big eyes and ears.  The disease predispositions are edema, infertility, back pain, urinary infections, and depression.  A small animal with a Water constitution hides behind the owner, is not confident, is a fear biter, and leaks urine because of fear.  A horse with a Water constitution hides or runs away, kicks when afraid, is not confident, may present rear-end and threatens to kick when approached. 

The Wood’s season is spring, the climate is wind, the color is green, the emotion is anger and irritation, the organs are liver and gall bladder, the tissues are tendons and ligaments, the function is purification, and the weakness is looking.  The Wood’s personal characteristic includes a dominant behavior or attitude, quick and fast movements, skilled with running or moving, impatient, easily becomes angry, alert and responds quickly to stimuli and is good at adapting to changing conditions.  The Wood’s physical characteristics have a thin body, big eyes, good but variable performance, runs quickly and has nimble movements.  The disease predispositions include hypertension, stroke, allergy, depression, hysteria and neurosis.  A small animal Wood constitution is confident, irritable/”crabby,” active, energetic, athletic, aggressive, angry, bites with little provocation and is impatient.  A horse with a Wood constitution is confident, irritable/”crabby,” active, energetic, athletic, aggressive, angry, kicks, stomps or strikes, impatient and bites. 

As you can see there are several breeds that come to mind when describing the various elements.  For example, a typical horse with a Wood personality is a racehorse.  A typical dog with an Earth personality is a Labrador Retriever.  A Water dog is any small breed that is scared, particularly Chihuahuas.  A Metal horse example is a horse that does well in weekly competitions such as Dressage.  A Fire animal example is a Jack Russell Terrier, especially when it is a puppy.  However, like previously stated, most animals and people are a mixture of the elements, and the current season can influence an animal’s disposition.  Now that you know a little about the various elements what do you think your pet’s dominant element is?

References

Xie, H & Preast, V. (2002).  Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine:  Volume 1 Fundamental                             Principles.  Florida:  Jing Tang.