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.

Neoplasia Case Report

Dr. Shana Buchanan, MBA, Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture, Certified in Veterinary Chiropractic, Veterinary Food Therapist, Certified in Chinese Veterinary Herbs
"P", a 9.8 lbs (4.45 kg), 17.5 year old, MN DSH that lives inside and outside with several other cats that compete for food out of the same food bowl, was presented to a previous veterinary clinic in April 2010 for weight loss and decreased appetite.  Blood work, thyroid panel and blood pressure values were within normal limits.  Due to the past history of urinary tract infections (UTI), it was presumed that the pet could have an occult UTI or pyelonephritis.  A 14 week treatment of daily 12.5mg oral Zeniquin was dispensed. 

In August 2010, "P" weighed 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) and presented for continuing weight loss, blood in stools and hyporexia.  A diagnosis of gastritis and severe dental disease was made and a recommendation to have a dental as soon as possible to rule out dental problems causing the weight loss and hyporexia.  Twice daily of 25mg Clindamycin was dispensed to begin a few days prior to the dental and to continue 7 days after the dental.  Pre-anesthetic blood work revealed slight anemia and hypoalbuminemia.  The dental was successful with only one tooth extraction and an uneventful recovery.  In September 2010, "P" weighed 8.1 lbs (3.68 kg) and presented for a hyporexia, continued weight loss and hematochezia.  Giardia was diagnosed and twice daily dose of 80mg of Metronidazole, daily dose of 200mg of Fenbendazole and pro-biotics were dispensed for the bloody diarrhea.  A few days later, "P" boarded at the clinic and an appetite stimulant of twice daily 2mg Cyproheptadine was dispensed.  During the stay at the clinic, "P" ate Hill’s Science Diet a/d and did not exhibit any further diarrhea. 

At the end of September, "P" weighed 7.7 lbs (3.5kg) and presented again for continued weight loss and anorexia.  Abdominal palpation did not reveal any tenderness and the intestinal loops were easily palpated.  Anemia was the only abnormality on repeated blood work.  Radiographs of the chest and abdomen were performed.  The thoracic radiographs showed microcardia presumably due to dehydration and anemia.  Abdominal radiographs revealed a mass in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen under the rib cage and a lot of gas in the small intestines.  A diagnosis of abdominal cancer was made.  The mass was presumed to be partially obstructing the pylorus, thus causing the gas in the intestines and the decrease in the pet’s appetite. 

A TCM exam was performed and revealed a thin cat with a red tongue and forceful pulses.  With the past history of hematochezia, UTI, gingivitis and an abdominal mass, Blood Stasis causing Damp-Heat was diagnosed in addition to Qi deficiency.  Treatment options were discussed and the recommendation of Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang (Drive Stasis from Below the Diaphragm Decoction) since this formula not only moves Blood and Qi but also tonifies the blood and cools the patient.  Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) was recommended to help tonify the Qi in this geriatric patient and to help replenish SP Qi.  Additionally, high doses of fish oils and arginine were discussed, as well as a diet change.  Due to the ongoing problem and the late diagnosis of cancer in the patient, the owner elected euthanasia. 

Auto-Immune Case Report

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

Dog "P" is a male, neutered Chihuahua that was born on 2004.  When "P" was 5 years old in March 25, 2009, he presented for weight loss, polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, stick chewing and storm phobia.  On physical exam, tartar was noted but no other significant findings were noted, and no obvious abdominal masses were palpated, no murmurs auscultated, good intestinal slip and normal liver margins were palpated.  However, the pet weighed 4.63 lbs.  A complete work up was performed and included a CBC, chemistry panel, whole body radiographs and a tick panel.  Radiographs of the abdomen and chest were within normal limits.  The CBC revealed a slight elevation in HGB 23.3 (12-18) and a slight elevation in the MCH 32.41 (18.5-30).  However, the blood machine that was used commonly reveals an elevated HGB and MCH in most animals tested regardless of their health status.  The chemistry panel revealed a low amylase 323 (500-1500) and an elevated ALT 126 (10-100).  The tick panel tested for Ehrlichia Canis Antibody, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Anaplasma and Lymes disease which were all negative.  Five days later on the 30^th of March, the owner called and needed medication for diarrhea presumed to have started after a recent thunderstorm.  Metronidazole at a dose of 10mg/kg PO every 12 hours was prescribed.  On April 2, 2009, the owner called and stated that the pet was more lethargic, continued to have diarrhea and continued to lose weight.  A double cavity ultrasound was planned for the end of the week.  On April 8, 2009, "P" weighed 4.56 lbs and had a double cavity ultrasound performed.  The heart parameters were within all normal limits. The abdomen ultrasound only revealed diffuse edematous intestinal loops measuring 3.9mm.  A presumptive diagnosis of IBD was made.  Unfortunately, no endoscopy  nor biopsies were performed to confirm a lymphocytic-plasmacytic etiology.   A grain free, preservative free diet was prescribed and ENOVA was chosen.  Prednisilone was prescribed at a dose of 0.5m/kg PO every 12 hours for 4 days, then every 24 hours for 10 days, then every other day indefinitely.  Metronidazole was continued at the same dose and frequency.  The pet was to be reweighed in one month.  A plan to always weigh on the same scale was put in the record to decrease error. 

One month later on May 13, 2009, "P" weighed 4.75 lbs.  Medications of Prednisilone every other day and Metronidazole every 12 hours was continued.  At this time the pet received annual vaccinations of Da2PP, Rabies, heartworm test, fecal parasite test and monthly Interceptor was prescribed.  Fortunately, the pet did not have any adverse reaction to the vaccinations given.  Two weeks later on May 27, 2009, "P" weighed 5.2 lbs.  The Prednisilone was decreased to every 72 hours and the Metronidazole was to continue at every 12 hours.  On July 15, 2009, three months after being diagnosed with IBD, the pet weighed 5.44 lbs.  Prednisilone was continued every 72 hours and the Metronidazole was decreased to every 24 hours at the same dose.  Five months after the IBD diagnosis, the owner stated that the pet ate and defecated more than the other dogs in the household but was doing well otherwise.  Seven months after the IBD diagnosis in April 2009 on November 17, 2009, "P" was evaluated and was changed to a traditional, canned, high fiber diet (Purina OM) and the ENOVA was discontinued since high fiber foods produce fatty acids that act as a natural anti-inflammatory for IBD and ENOVA was not considered to be a high fiber diet.  Metronidazole and Prednisilone was continued as previously prescribed.  On January 1, 2010, 9 months after the IBD diagnosis, the Prednisilone was discontinued and the Metronidazole was continued at the every 24 hour frequency.  Two weeks later on January 12, 2010, the pet weighed 5 lbs.  On January 21, 2010, all medications were stopped.  The canned high fiber diet was continued.  Eleven months after the IBD diagnosis on March 16, 2010, the pet weighed 4.6 lbs.  Prednisilone and Metronidazole were not restarted, but Nutrical was prescribed to be given daily as a high calorie supplement in order to help the pet maintain and gain weight.  The canned, high fiber diet was continued.  The weight loss was regarded as a result of the high fiber diet and not a relapse in the IBD.  One year later on April 14, 2010, the pet weighed 4.7 lbs.  The last weight on May 18, 2010 was 4.8 lbs.  No other weights have been noted in the record, and the pet continues to receive only Nutrical and Purina OM as the principle way of controlling the IBD. 

This pet's Eastern exam revealed a diagnosis of damp heat in March 2009 on the basis of the thirst, hunger, pica and diarrhea.  The pulses were slippery, rapid and superficial as a result of the damp heat diagnosis, and the tongue was pinkish, red with a thick, mucoid coat.  Huang Lian Su Pian (Coptis Tea Pill) was recommended.  Additionally, liver treats was prescribed to help with the liver stagnation that was causing the storm phobia and the elevated ALT.  "P"  needed Guar Gum for the addition of the short chain fatty acids that the ENOVA diet did not provide.  Even after the pet was on Prednisilone, which is cold in nature, for 5 months, "P" still exhibited damp heat signs since the owner noticed that the pet ate and defecated more than the other dogs in the household. 

The reason that Huang Lian Su Pian prescription is that the formula’s herb is Huang Lian, or coptis root.  Coptis root has a very strong heat clearing and dampness drying effect on the intestines and stomach, and "P's" IBD is manifesting as a damp-heat in the lower jiao.  It also sedates liver and heart fire that could be contributing to storm phobia that the pet is displaying as a result of the liver stagnation.  Huang Lian has a broad spectrum antibiotic effect against many bacteria, especially since berberine is most effective against gastrointestinal infections which could be contributing to some of the clinical signs.  Additionally, coptis root has an anti-inflammatory effect as a result of the berberine that is present.  Since this herb has the infinity to clear fire, drain damp, exhibits anti-inflammatory effects and antibiotic effects against gastrointestinal bacteria from the berberine, coptis root is an excellent choice for this patient's IBD.    

IBD is considered to be an auto-immune disease, and life-long treatment is usually needed.  Even though the pet was given two medications that are considered cold, "P" still exhibited damp heat signs after 5 months of treatment.  The damp heat can be eliminated by Huang Lian.  Additionally, since the pet seemed to have gained weight on the higher calorie diet, ENOVA can be restarted as long as Guar Gum is added to supply the anti-inflammatory properties of the short chain fatty acids. 

Gan Jiang (Rhizoma Ziniberis)-Dried Ginger

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

The therapeutic nature of ginger is a well-known fact in both Eastern and Western Medicine.  Most are aware of fresh ginger properties.  However, the dried form is warmer than the fresh and has several specific uses.  One of the Chinese therapeutic actions is warming the Middle Jiao.  Because it enters the Spleen and Stomach, dried ginger (DG) can aid in epigastric and abdominal coldness and pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (Chen & Chen, 2004).  In other words, DG helps with noninfectious causes of diarrhea and vomiting such as seen in chronic renal failure (CRF).  This is an ideal substance to use in CRF since most animals with CRF are old, cold, and deficient.  Thus, DG should alleviate the chronic vomiting and nausea experienced by CRF as well as warm the cold patient.  The positive effect of ginger in pregnancy induced vomiting is well documented (Eden, et al., 2003).  Unfortunately, pregnancy induced vomiting is not recognized in veterinary medicine.  However, the use of ginger in pregnancy induced vomiting and cold causes can be extrapolated for the use in nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy for animals.  Just as fresh ginger helps with delayed gastric nausea from chemotherapy treatments, DG can help in cases in which the animal is cold and deficient while receiving chemotherapy.  However, most research has been performed on the fresh form or the extracts from the fresh form of ginger, and the use of DG will need to be extrapolated. 

DG also warms the Lung and dissolves phlegm characterized by cough, wheezing, aversion to cold and profuse watery sputum (Chen & Chen, 2003).  Such symptoms in small animals are manifested as chronic bronchitis, retching caused by a severe cough secondary to a collapsing trachea and congestive heart failure (CHF).  If these symptoms are severe, rebellious qi rising upwards is a result of the coughing and can be quelled by DG. 

DG is known to warm the channels and stop bleeding as a result of deficiency and cold.  Deficiency and cold in this case are exhibited as hematemesis or hematochezia with blood that is thin and dark (Chen & Chen, 2003). As a result, DG can be used as part of a multimodal regimen to treat immune-mediated hemolytic anemia and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia.   However, the few studies performed in the human medical field are those on healthy individuals in which DG did not have any effect on platelet activity (Lumb, 1994).  This would be expected of normal individuals, and a different result could be projected on abnormal individuals.  Therefore, further studies need to be studied on individuals with abnormal platelet activity and DG administration. 

Another   major function of DG is to dispel cold and dampness, especially cold and pain in the back and lower body (Chen & Chen, 2003).  This is manifested as degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the hips.  DJD is typically seen in large breed and older dogs.  It is theorized that DG can be a part of the anti-inflammatory course of therapy for osteoarthritis of the coxo-femoral joints.  Ginger has been proven in human medicine to have anti-inflammatory properties (Kasajima, et al., 2010 & Frondoza, et al., 2005).  With the addition of DG in chronic DJD, the use of other potentially harmful non-steroidal anti-inflammatories can be reduced or eliminated. 

Other modern research that can be applied to the use of DG in veterinary medicine is the anxiolytic properties (Kasture, et al, 2002) and the use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (Choi & Islam, 2008).  The anxiolytic properties of DG did not induce incoordination as diazepam and exhibited the same calming effects.   DG also exhibited an insulinotropic anti-diabetic effect that fared better than garlic test subjects.  It was proposed that better anti-diabetic effects of ginger may be obtained under normal and not experimental conditions (Choi & Islam, 2008). 

Therefore, DG has modern research as well as ancient knowledge in the variety of therapeutic uses in ailing patients.

References

Chen, J. K. & ChenT. T. (2004). Chinese medical herbology and pharmacology.  Gan jiagn (rhizome zingiberis).   (pp.  450-451).   City of Industry, CA:  Art of Medicine Press, Inc.

Choi, H. & Islam, M.S. (March, 2008).  Comparative effects of dietary ginger (Zinger officinale) and garlic (Allium sativum) investigated in a type 2 diabetes model of rats. Journal of medicinal food, 11   (1): 152-159.  Retrieved on August 9, 2010 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed.

Eden, J.A., Ekangaki, A., & Willetts, K.E. (April, 2003).  Effect of a ginger extract on pregnancy-induced nausea:   a randomized controlled trial.  The Australian & New Zealand Journal of obstetrics & gynaecology, 43 (2):  139-144.  Retrieved August 9, 2010 from   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed.   

Frondoza, C.G., Grzanna, R., & Lindmark L. (Summer, 2005).  Ginger-an herbal medicinal product with broad anti-inflammatory actions.  Journal of medicinal food, 8 (2): 125-132.  Retrieved on August 9, 2010 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed

Kasajima, N., Ke, Y., Murakami, N., Seki, A., Seo, J.W., Shan, S.J., Shimoda, H., & Tamura, S. (Feb, 2010). Anti-inflammatory properties of red ginger (Zingerber officinale var. rubra) extract and           suppression of nitric oxide production by its constituents.  Journal of medicinal food, 13 (1):              156-162.  Retrieved on August 9, 2010 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed

Kasture, S.B., Kasture V.S., Pal, S.C., Vishwakarma, S.L. (Nov, 2002).  Anxiolytic and antiemetic acitivity of Zingiber officinale.  Phytotherapy research: PTR, 16 (7): 621-626.   Retrieved on August 9, 2010 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed.

Lumb, A.B. (Jan, 1994).  Effect of dried ginger on human platelet function.  Thrombosis and         haemeostasis,   71 (1): 110-111.  Retrieved on August 9, 2010 from  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed.

Bach Flower Essence for Animals

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

This week we are going to explore Bach Flower Essence.  Some of you are familiar with Rescue Remedy for your pets and yourselves.  That is just one of many remedies that are safe and effective.   Dr. Edward Bach lived by the quote: “Health depends on being in harmony with our souls.”  He believed that attitude of mind plays an important role in maintaining health and recovering from sickness.  By 1936, he developed a complete system of 38 flower essences which are prepared from the flowers of wild plants, trees or brushes.  The way the essences work is by treating the individual instead of the disease or its symptoms.  The main purpose of the essences is to support the patient’s fight against illness by addressing the emotional factors that impede physical healing.  Additionally, they can be used preventatively.  An important aspect about the essences is that they do not conflict with any medication.  Therefore, they are completely safe, have unwanted side effects and are non-addictive.  Therefore, the essences are usually used in conjunction with other conventional medication prescribed.   Just like any other medication, compliance is an issue since the essence must be taken daily for at least five days if not longer.  This is a result of their mild action of stimulating positive attitudes and self-healing. 

At this point some of you are wondering how a flower can help an individual, especially when the treatment involves emotional well-being of a pet.  Add on another factor of an animal that has a limited emotional state.  Dr. Bach divided the 38 essences into seven groups, representing fundamental conflicts that are present in people and our furry and feathered friends.  These divisions include:  fear, uncertainty, insufficient interest in present circumstances, loneliness, over-sensitivity to influences and ideas, despondency or despair, and over-care for the welfare of others.   While I acknowledge that our pets do not hold the entire realm of emotions that we experience, they do experience most of the seven divisions in some way or another.

Flower essences are important in the treatment of animals because they restore the balance and harmony of an animal’s true nature, thereby remedying the disorders and diseases resulting from its distortion by humans.   Since animals, like humans, are complex creatures with multiple problems, several flower essences can be given at one time.  Additionally, the need for one essence for another can change over the course of the disease depending upon the environment.  Therefore, it is important for caregivers and veterinarians to communicate the nuances of the pet’s change in behavior.  

Herbal Therapy

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

Throughout history, people have used herbs for healing.  Herbal medications are derived from plant, animal and mineral sources.  Some philosophers believe that our ancestors studied an assortment of plant environments to determine the specific properties of herbs.  Others believe that animals guided humans in the use of plants, and still others believe that herbal medication evolved from trial and error.  Did you know that digitalis, a common heart medication, is derived from the herb foxglove?  This shows that modern medicine also relies upon properties of certain herbs.  Today herbs are used in conjunction with Western drugs for the treatment of cancers, viruses, and chronic debilitating diseases.  With the exception of surgical conditions, herbs can be used to treat almost any condition.  In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) the ailment and the individual are taken into account for diagnosing and treating a disease.  Luckily, herbs are generally well tolerated in animals. 

There are several ways to classify herbal medications.  Herbs can be tonics.  Tonics are medications that gently nurture and strengthen and individual without the unwanted side effects.  As a result of the strengthening that occurs, the body can prevent future problems and diseases.  Therefore, the herbs can be used as preventatives.  Some herbs have antibacterial properties.  Others have anticancer characteristics.  Today we typically do not treat an animal with just herbal medication, but we incorporate the Western protocol with herbal medicines to strengthen the treatment and to limit the unwanted side effects of Western drugs.

Each herb that is ingested has a specific flavor, and each flavor has a specific function that is associated with a meridian.  Sweet herbs strengthen and are usually associated with the Spleen and Stomach Meridian.  Sour herbs dry, restore and sooth inflamed mucous membranes of the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract and the urinary tract.  These herbs are called astringents and are associated with the Liver Meridian.  Hot, spicy, pungent and/or acrid herbs disperse circulation and energy and are associated with the Lung Meridian. Bitter herbs help clear infection and detoxify the system and are related to the Heart and Liver Meridians.  Salty herbs soften masses and nodules and are associated with the Kidney Meridian. 

Herbs can also be classified according to temperature and direction.  Herbs can be hot, cold, warm, cool or neutral.  Herbs can direct circulation towards the areas of the body that need them.  This can be an upward direction to help the Yang of the body, a downward direction to help the Yin of the body, and an outward direction which increases the circulation near the body’s surface. 

Herbal actions are derived from the Eight Principles:  Yin/Yang, Cold/Hot, Deficiency/Excess, Interior/Exterior.   For example, a sweating herb is used in an acute condition like the flu or a high fever.  A clearing herb clears heat from the body and are used in treating infections.  Reducing herbs soften and diminish tumors, lumps, cysts or phlegm.  Tonifying herbs strengthen various organs and increase vitality.  For example, a sweating herb that is cool and acrid is used for high fevers and sore throats.  As opposed to a sweating herb that is warm and acrid that is used for secondary flu symptoms such as muscle stiffness that is made worse with cold applications.  A tonifying herb that is Qi in nature and is warm and sweet is used for a poor appetite and weight loss.  These are just a few examples.  There are now 37 different herbal classifications, and this does not include any of the numerous combinations.

Herbal therapy can help an animal as long as the correct dosage and product is prescribed.  I recommend that a veterinarian prescribe the correct herbal medication for your animal since they metabolize medications differently than humans. 

Animal Chiropractic Care

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

Chiropractors view the spine as the fundamental aspect of overall health.  Since the spine houses the nervous system, any abnormality of the spine affects the entire body.  Therefore, the nervous system is the governor of the body, and a chiropractor’s goal is to maintain proper spinal alignment.  In general, chiropractic is a drug-free approach to pet health care.  A few terms associated with chiropractic are vertebral subluxation, homeostasis, adjustment, and innate intelligence.  A subluxation is defined as a joint that does not properly move compared to other adjacent joints.  Therefore, a subluxation is a misalignment or joint dysfunction.  This is not only confined to the spine, but the majority of the subluxations are vertebral subluxations.  Homeostasis is defined as an internal stability and equilibrium of an organism.  This is achieved by adapting or eliminating an environmental stimulus.  Chiropractic helps the body’s internal balance or homeostatic state since adjustments eliminate any hindrance on nerve function.  An adjustment is a short lever, high velocity controlled thrust by the hand that is directed at specific articulations to correct subluxations.  The purpose of an adjustment is to realign the joints so that normal movement can occur and eliminate nerve interference.  This eliminates any pain or discomfort and allows for proper neurologic function to ensue.   Innate intelligence is the body’s ability to heal itself.  Chiropractic care removes any hindrance to this natural process and allows the body’s healing process to occur.  Additionally, innate intelligence of the body encompasses the body’s natural ability to adapt to changes in its internal and external environments in order to maintain a state of health.  In order for proper chiropractic care of your pet, a history and examination are required.  The examination includes posture analysis, gait analysis, vertebral and extremity static palpation, vertebral and extremity motion palpation, orthopedic evaluation and neurological evaluation.  The examination takes place upon your pet’s entrance into the clinic.  Observing the animal’s demeanor and ambulation into and out of the office is vital in the examination.  Even though you might only see the motion and static palpation, the examination starts as soon as you walk through the door!

The individuals who are allowed to adjust animals are Doctors of Veterinary Medicine (DVMs) and Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) who have gone through a certification process.  A DC must work under a DVMs recommendation in Texas.  The certification consists attending an Animal Chiropractic Accreditation Commission (ACAC) of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) accredited animal chiropractic program which includes 280 plus classroom and laboratory instruction hours.  After successfully passing the ACAC exit exam, the DVM or DC will sit for the Animal Chiropractic Certification Commission (ACCC) written and practical examinations.  After passing these three tests, the certified doctor must obtain 30 hours of approved Continual Education (CE) every 3 years.  

The national affiliate of animal chiropractors is the AVCA.  The website contains information such as finding an accredited animal chiropractor in your area and additional information on the benefits of chiropractic.  The website address is www.animalchiropractic.org.   If you have any questions regarding animal chiropractic care, please, feel free to contact me at the office, or you can search the above website for further information.