5-Year-Old Shih Apso Dog Recovered from Canine Peripheral Neuropathy

Abstract

Peripheral neuropathy is a motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction in canines that is often underdiagnosed but is a functionally debilitating condition. This case report presents a 5-year-old female Shih Tzu–Lhasa Apso crossbreed dog with chronic gait instability, generalized neuromuscular weakness, and a history of atopic dermatitis. Despite prior allopathic interventions given to the patient dog, the condition remained progressive, affecting mobility. An integrative approach involving Ayurvedic diagnosis and treatment of this condition, over 17 months, gives gradual neuromuscular improvement. This report will make us understand the therapeutic potential of Ayurvedic Rasayana (rejuvenator), neuro-tonics, and immune modulators in managing various chronic neuropathic conditions in other animals.

Introduction

The group of disorders affecting the peripheral nerves, i.e., the nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord in dogs, is known as canine peripheral neuropathy. These nerves transmit signals between the central nervous system (CNS) and the rest of the body, including skin, muscles, and internal organs. When these nerves become damaged or dysfunctional for any reason, it can lead to a variety of clinical signs in canines, such as weakness of muscle, loss of coordination, decreased reflexes, etc. Peripheral neuropathies in dogs may arise due to various conditions like metabolic disorders, inherited genetic conditions, various infections, toxins, trauma, or immune-mediated diseases. Early recognition and diagnosis are very crucial, as timely intervention can help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and, in a few cases, nerve damage can be reversed. This case report highlights the role of Ayurveda in addressing both the underlying dosha imbalance in the body of the canine and systemic manifestations of canine peripheral neuropathy.

Case Presentation

Patient Profile

Name: Bella
Breed: Canine, Shih Tzu with Lhasa Apso crossbreed
Age/Sex: 5 years / Female
Location: Tamil Naidu, India.
Initial Date of Visit: 16^th December 2023

Clinical Complaints

Progressive gait imbalance, which worsened on inclined or sharp surfaces
Generalized weakness
Episodic shivering
Non-conception despite reaching reproductive maturity due to the above-mentioned complaints.
Intermittent red and itchy skin eruptions

Medical History

1 Year Prior: Respiratory difficulty and atopic dermatitis.
1 Month Before First Consultation: Post-trimming skin infection.
Previous Treatments: Allopathic medicines are taken without lasting improvement.

Clinical Examination and Diagnosis

Ayurvedic Diagnosis

Indicative of Vata-aggravated neuro-muscular dysfunction or canine peripheral neuropathy (Vataja Vyadhi)
Chronic skin disease resembling atopic dermatitis (Vicharchika)
Due to receptivity to mating may be a hormonal disturbance

Modern Correlation

Canine peripheral neuropathy with underlying neurodegenerative process
Autoimmune-related canine atopic dermatitis

Treatment Protocol Followed at IAFA Ayurveda

External Therapy

IAFA 333 Oil: In initial treatment started in December 2023, IAFA 333 oil is given for local application for skin allergies and eruptions over the affected part twice a day and specially applied during allergic response.

Internal Medications

Initially, these three medications started on December 2023

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract Capsule – 500 mg, once a day.
Vilvadi Gulika – One tablet per day with food or water.
Bhumiamalaki capsules – One capsule per day with food and water.

Follow-Ups #1

After 2 Months, Feb 2024, symptoms remain unchanged, so some changes in treatment are made. External treatment remains the same internally, along with Ashwagandha root extract following medications are added:-

Saraswatharishtam gold drops – 10 drops with water twice a day.
Bhoomi Amalaki Capsules – 1 capsule per day with food and water.
Aam Visha Balance tablet – 1 tablet per day with water.

Follow-Ups #2

In the next follow-up, there is relief in symptoms, and little change is made in treatment.

Externally

Ksheerabala Oil: Daily gentle massage with Ksheer Bala oil to nourish nerves and relieve Vata especially on legs and all over the body.

Internal Treatment

Saraswatharishtam gold drops- 20 drops with water twice a day.
Bhoomi Amalaki Capsules- 1 capsule per day with food and water.
Aam Visha Balance tablet- 1 tablet per day with water.

Follow-Ups #3

The same treatment is given for approximately 5 months, in which there is some symptomatic relief, and in Oct, 2024, the Respiratory detox tablet twice a day is also added for symptomatic relief from breathing issues.

Follow-Ups #4

Up to January 2025, the same treatment was followed but in January, generalized weakness is present in patients due to a 15 days period which results in weakness in legs again, shaking and gait is also not improved. In Jan 2025, Moringa capsule is added twice a day which is a nutritional antioxidant and also acts as anti-inflammatories. Till now, Bella has been better than before, however his gait is not fully improved but now able to walk. Treatment is still going on.

Ayurvedic Formulations and Their Role in Canine Peripheral Neuropathy

Ayurvedic Drug	Role
Ashwagandha	Rasayana, nerve and muscle tonic
Saraswatarishta with Gold	Medhya rasayana, neuromodulator
Brahmi	Cognitive enhancer and nervine support
Aparajitha	Immunoregulation and detox
Moringa	Anti-inflammatory, nutritional antioxidant
Aam Visha Balance Tablets	Ama-pachana and systemic toxin clearance
Shatavari	Female reproductive support, hormonal balance
Respiratory Detox Tabs	Support for respiratory function

Timeline of Progress (Follow-Up and Outcomes)

Follow-Up Date	Observations
Dec 2023 – Mar 2024	Reduction in shivering, weakness, gait unchanged
Apr – July 2024	Continued improvement, skin eruptions improvement noticeable
Sep – Dec 2024	Minor relapses post-trimming, Aparajitha and Moringa introduced
Jan – May 2025	Gait is better but not fully recovered, skin is stable.

Final Outcome (As of May 2025)

Neuromuscular symptoms were reduced but not completely resolved.
Skin health is stable with fewer flare-ups.
General quality of life improved (appetite, activity, mood).

Happy Review of Our Valued Patient (Pet) Owner

IAFA Ayurveda deeply values the trust our patient’s (pet) owner places in us. After completing the treatment, the patient’s owner was kind enough to share their positive experience and satisfaction with the treatment provided by the IAFA Ayurveda.

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Their heartfelt feedback not only encourages our IAFA Ayurveda team but also inspires others to seek timely and Ayurvedic treatment for their loved ones.

Discussion

This case represents a classic example of chronic, non-infectious neuropathy, i.e., Peripheral neuropathy in a canine patient. The Ayurvedic diagnosis of Vatavyadhi describes the neuromuscular issue in canine patients.

A long-term Rasayana-based therapy, along with Vata-Shamaka Dravya, Medhya Dravya, etc., gradually improved nerve function. The integration of immune-modulating and detoxifying formulations helps in treating the repeated skin flare-ups classified under Vicharchika.

The generalized weakness after menstruation is due to hormonal imbalance from central or peripheral neural disruption or chronic systemic inflammation. Ayurvedic polyherbal treatment, especially those containing Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Moringa, Saraswatarishta, and Shatavari, proved to be effective in improving systemic strength, reducing neurological symptoms, and supporting homeostasis in the canine patient.

A Detailed Table of Treatment Timeline, Along with the Medication Used and Their Mode of Action

Timeline	External Medicines	Internal Medicines	Detailed Therapeutic Actions
Dec 2023 to Jan 2024	IAFA 333 Oil (applied twice daily over affected skin)	1)Ashwagandha capsule (500 mg OD) 2) Vilvadi Gulika (1 tab/day) 3) Bhumi Amalaki capsule (1 cap/day)	IAFA 333 Oil: Soothes allergic inflammation, reduces pruritus, cools the skin, and helps in balancing Pitta and Kapha in skin disorders. Ashwagandha: Acts on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, enhances neuromuscular tone, reduces stress-induced neurotoxicity, and is anti-inflammatory. Vilvadi Gulika: Antitoxic, supports liver and gut detox, useful in hypersensitivity and immune flare-ups. Bhumiamalaki: Hepatoprotective, antiviral, antioxidant; supports skin and metabolic health.
Feb to Mar 2024	IAFA 333 Oil (Continued)	1)Saraswatarishta Gold (10 drops BID) 2)Aam Visha Balance tab (1/ day)3) Ashwagandha & Bhumi amalaki (continued)	Saraswatarishta Gold: Gold Bhasma enhances neuroregeneration and intellect; acts as Medhya Rasayana and a mild antidepressant. It strengthens synaptic transmission, improves coordination, and memory. Aam Visha Balance: Deepana (appetizer), Pachana (digests Ama), relieves neuroinflammation caused by undigested metabolic toxins. Supports gut-brain axis and systemic detoxification.
Apr to July 2024	1) IAFA 333 Oil 2)Ksheera Bala Taila (introduced for full body massage, especially limbs)	1)Saraswatarishta Gold (increased to 20 drops BID) 2) Ashwagandha, Bhumiamalaki, Aam Visha Balance (continued)	Ksheerabala Taila: Nourishes Majja Dhatu (nervous tissue), pacifies Vata, lubricates joints, strengthens muscle tone, relieves spasms and tremors. Increased Saraswatarishta: Boosts CNS function and neuroplasticity. Continued Rasayana and detox approach helps in cumulative strengthening of neuromuscular junctions and calming neuroexcitation.
Oct to Dec 2024	Ksheerabala Taila (continued)	1)Respiratory Detox tablets (1 tab BID) 2)Aparajitha (added) 3) Ashwagandha, Saraswatarishta, Aam Visha Balance (continued)	Respiratory Detox Tablets: Clears Kapha accumulation from the upper respiratory tract, supports smooth breathing, improves Pranavaha Srotas. Aparajitha (Clitoria ternatea): Medhya and Vishaghna (anti-toxic); modulates the immune system, reduces allergic hypersensitivity, strengthens cellular immunity. Useful in immune-linked skin disorders and neuroinflammation.
Jan to May 2025	Ksheerabala Taila (continued)	1)Moringa capsules (2/day added) 2) Ashwagandha, Saraswatarishta Gold, Aam Visha Balance (continued)	Moringa (Moringa oleifera): Rich in flavonoids and polyphenols; acts as a neuroprotective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogen. Supports recovery of mitochondrial function and repair of neural membranes. Overall, therapy strengthens Ojas, restores cellular balance, improves neuromuscular resilience, and stabilizes Vata. Gait improvement begins but requires sustained therapy.

Conclusion

Chronic canine peripheral neuropathy, often labeled idiopathic, may benefit significantly from an Ayurvedic approach when unresponsive to modern treatment. Early identification and long-term constitutional therapy, including Rasayana, Balya, and Medhya Dravya, etc., not only improved neuromuscular strength but also enhanced the animal’s quality of life. Further studies are expected to better understand the use of Ayurvedic formulations for neuropathy and related canine disorders. If you or your loved ones are suffering from any ailment, can consult with our expert online.

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