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HOLLY

See update below

Diagnosed with chondrosarcoma (cancer) including the right pelvis.

Holly began with a lameness of her right rear leg. She was taken to her regular veterinarian who took some x-rays and then referred her to the oncologist at a specialty hospital in our area, when it was apparent that she had a tumor around her right hip area.

Holly was then taken to the specialist and a CT taken just after Thanksgiving of 2004 revealed the extent of her tumor, and it was recommended that she start radiation therapy for 7 weeks, three times per week for a total of 21 treatments. Each time, she had to be anesthetized for the procedure.

After about 5 weeks, just around Christmas she suddenly became extremely lame on her right rear leg.

Just after New Year’s 2005, a repeat CT was performed and it was revealed that the tumor had spread. At that point, Holly’s oncologist stopped the radiation therapy, and referred her for acupuncture for control of the pain and discomfort.

Holly was first seen in late January 2005 and was vomiting, having fevers off and on, and could not go up or down the stairs by herself. She was also panting heavily, and this was thought to be due to pain and possibly some of the medication she was on.

These photos were taken in Marcy, 2005, after we began treatment. The bare spot on her back is from the radiation therapy. Her right rear leg was swollen and she could barely stand up (see how she's supported.)

The following is a summary of her progress with each acupuncture visit:

Acupuncture Treatment	Description of Progress
#1	Weak, dragging her right rear leg which was swollen at the hock area Right rear leg not weight bearing, and lame She was perkier after this visit We started her on a series of Chinese herbs (many with anti-cancer properties), vitamins, and nutritional supplements Blood tests run at this visit revealed very high liver enzyme levels
#2	Less panting, more alert. She could not tolerate the level of supplements (appetite got picky), and they were stopped for 5 days
#3	Began to take an interest in her toy, and barked at her “sister” (the other dog in the household) Her supplements were resumed at 50% original levels Right rear leg - swelling all gone
#4	No longer dragging her right rear leg Recurrent fevers now gone as well Next appointment scheduled for 2 weeks hence
#5	Now jumping into the car Going upstairs by herself (not going down stairs) Right rear leg now weight-bearing Owners report she now runs at full speed Repeat blood tests showed that the majority of the liver enzyme levels were back down to normal Next visit scheduled for 3 weeks
#6	Had one 4-day period of fevers Otherwise better; going up and down stairs on her own Gets into the car on her own Next appointment scheduled for one month.

Owners report Holly is very happy at home, and they are too.

December, 2005 Update

	Holly came in for a check up at Special Veterinary Services at Berkeley Dog and Cat Hospital where I also practice.

	She's eating well, no more temperature spikes, plays with her "sister" Lexi, and goes up and down the stairs with no problems.

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