The use of Complementary medicine and Pneumo-Acupuncture to treat muscle atrophy and chronic respiratory disorders in a dog: A case report

Abstract

A 5-year-old female Malinois dog was referred to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca for complementary medicine treatment. The patient was diagnosed with severe muscular atrophy in the temporal region but also with ab-ingestis pneumonia due to improper use of the masticatory muscles. After 2 months of symptomatic therapy, partial cure of pneumonia was achieved, but the patient was left with an acute cough during the night. We decided to start a therapeutic protocol combining various Chinese therapies including acupuncture, electroacupuncture, pneumo-acupuncture and herbal therapy. The patient’s condition improved considerably even after the first sessions, coughing episodes were reduced and breathing became normal. As for muscle atrophy, the results were partially improved. At the end of the treatment scheme, although the patient was not completely cured, the quality of life was significantly improved.

Keywords

• canine
• acupuncture
• pneumo-acupuncture
• muscle atrophy