Acupuncture for Dogs with Dry Eye (KCS)

Acupuncture can help dogs with dry eye syndrome

You can read more about the 4 branches of TCVM at Chi University.

What is dry eye in dogs?

Dry eye is officially called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (pronounced carrot – o – con – junk – ti – viy –  tiss – seekaa) or “KCS.” Basically, the tear glands do not produce a proper tear film on the corneal surface of the eye or eyes and they are not moisturized properly throughout the day. The eyes feel like they have sand in them and hurt. Also, eyes need a nice tear film to wash away irritants like dirt. When the tear film is not working, the surface of the eyes can get injured and develop sores like corneal ulcers.

In biomedical practice, it is thought that the tear glands are attacked by the body’s own immune system. KCS or dry eye is thought to be an autoimmune condition (most of the time.)

How is dry eye in dogs usually treated?

The medication is usually an immunosuppressant. (For example, Optimmune is a brand that is FDA-approved for use for dry eye in dogs.) Once the immune over-reaction calms down, the tear glands start producing better tear film.

Integrative Veterinary Care can help dry eye syndrome

What is dry eye in integrative medicine?

Dry eye is inflammation in the eyes causing the tear film to dry out, or not be made properly. The inflammation source is Liver dysfunction. The eyes are the opening to the Liver Channel. Herbal medicines are combined to nourish and soothe the Liver and to nourish and calm the eyes. They may be oral herbal formulas or topical.

There is a saying: “One disease, many patterns. Also many disease, one pattern.”

Dry eye is mostly an example of one disease with many possible underlying patterns. You likely will need an experienced herbalist to help diagnose what pattern your pet has. Then the herbalist can recommend herbs that treat that particular pattern that led to the problem for your pet. This is what is meant by “individual medicine.”

In the United States, medical care for pets is provided by doctors (called veterinarians) licensed by the individual State in which the doctor practices. Remote consults without meeting the practitioner in person can lead to misdiagnosis and unsatisfactory results. Remote consults may be illegal in some jurisdictions for this reason.

You can research at Chi University for a qualified herbalist-veterinarian. Another resource is the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association. These organizations each have international reach and active membership around the world.

Dr Truli is a licensed veterinarian certified in herbalism, nutrition, massage, acupuncture and palliative care.

What do you mean, many patterns can cause dry eye?

Blood Deficiency can lead to dry eye

For example, a pattern called Blood Deficiency can lead to dry eye. You can think of it as lack of sparkle in the Blood leading to malnourishment of the eyes. Vitamin D is one such “sparkle” component of the blood. Proper marine source omega 3 fish oils are others. Dr Truli offers routine Vitamin D and OmegaQuant red cell membrane testing.

Liver problems can lead to dry eye

Another pattern that leads to the same biomedical diagnosis called dry eye is Liver Heat Rising. In this pattern, the liver enzymes might be elevated and the gall bladder clogged. The liver may be congested and function is sluggish. This slow function can lead to build up of metabolic byproducts that trigger inflammation. This type of patient would possibly be made sicker by Blood tonics that would help the first patient!

Cold windy weather or a crate under the AC can lead to dry eye

There is even a type of dry eye caused by Wind Cold. This is the type that occurs when a sudden windy change in the weather (or indoor AC) brings cold air into the body. The whites of the eyes may become red and corneal ulcers could form. The neck will be super stiff. Humans would complain of a headache. Obviously, this is not a deficiency or an excess Heat condition. It is really quite the opposite and the herbal prescription would be opposite of the Liver Heat Rising type of patient.

We can help dry eye with herbal medicine, food therapy and acupuncture

Herbal formulas to target the pattern of dry eye

A qualified herbalist can prescribe herbal formulas that are likely to help the dry eye. All major medical herbal traditions can handle this task. They may use different types of herbals, but they should all be prescribed based on your individual needs. There should not be – nor is there – one successful herbal “for dry eye.” They are for dry eye in…each different type of patient.

Dr Truli is a certified herbalist for pets.

Food therapy can help dry eye

Certain foods may brighten or nourish the eyes. There are many. Some are also found in herbal remedies. They can be food or medicine. There are many. You can consult an herbalist, a local healer, or a talented elder to guide you about local and appropriate choices. Dr Truli is certified in food therapy.

Acupuncture can help dry eye

Acupuncture has been researched in many countries for the treatment of dry eye. Cookbook acupuncture- where needles are placed local to the eyes or at points to help the eyes – can be effective. Dr Truli prefers acupuncture based on each individual patient’s pattern diagnosis and consideration of all other challenges and issues facing the patient so that the acupuncture treatment may synergize to help the whole body.

Dr Truli is Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture (CVA).

Integrative care may be combined with biomedical care

A wonderful feature of Integrative care is you can continue biomedical treatments that are working, affordable, helpful, fun and add to or alter your protocols with herbals, foods, or acupuncture where those treatments can bring even more quality to you and your pet’s life.

If you live in the Tampa Bay area or can travel here, Dr Truli may have availability to bring all of this care to your home or hotel. Email, call or text with your name, contact info and address and a brief statement of urgency/goal/or what issue your pet is facing & Dr Truli will respond (usually well within 24 hours.)

Dr Truli

Email DrTruli@VetVMD.com

Call (877) 378-7854

Text (813) 714-7863