Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Therapy for Acute Upper Respiratory Disease in a Geriatric Quarter Horse

Abstract

A 32 year old emaciated rescued Quarter Horse gelding with a very depressed Shen was presented for a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medical evaluation by a new caretaker. He had a 3 week history of clear nasal discharge which had not resolved with trimethoprim sulfa and enrofloxacin. His TCVM diagnosis was Kidney Jing (Essence) and global Kidney deficiency, causing a secondary Spleen Qi deficiency and Wei Qi deficiency. This had made him suspectible to Wind-Cold invasion. He was treated with acupuncture using dry needles at LU-1, LI-4, LI-20, ST-36, BL-20, BL-23, BL-24, KID-3, KID-7, Bai-hui GV-14 and Tong-tang and the Chinese herbal formula Wei Qi booster containing Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus) to tonify the Spleen and augment the Wei Qi. One month later he returned in much better physical condition with weight gain and improved Shen and respiratory signs. The nasal discharge had changed to yellow. A Wind-Heat invasion was then diagnosed and acupuncture was repeated and the Chinese herbal formula Equine Yin Qiao was prescribed for 2 weeks. By the end of this treatment period the horse had completely recovered and returned to work as a lesson horse to teach young children to ride. He was normal and required no further treatment for 18 months.