I have used complimentary therapies in a number of different situations for my own pets and those that have come into my care over the years, here are but a few animals I have helped overcome both physical and emotional obstacles.
TELLINGTON TOUCH
OREO JAMES
BREED- DOMESTIC SHORT HAIRED
AGE- 14 YEARS
SEX -MALE (NEUTERED)
REASON FOR TREATMENT – rehabilitation after a critical illness (hyper osmola diabetes and cranial oedema).
HISTORY – Oreo was previously owned by my brother since the age of 8 weeks. My brother then came back home for a year so, Oreo was then part owned by the two of us.
Oreo was in a car accident at the age of 2 years old and subsequently lost his tail.
When I moved house Oreo was left in the care of my brother but shortly after I moved out he went missing for 10-14 days, on his return he then came to live with me along with his friend who is a year younger then him.
Oreo is now living in a house with 5 other cats.
MEDICAL HISTORY – Oreo was diagnosed with diabetes in April 2004.
He was taken off insulin after his diabetes had temporarily corrected itself. After 1 month of no insulin Oreo was found collapsed in the bathroom, he had become dehydrated but was showing no signs. Oreo was in a coma for 1 week and after three days started fitting at first 1 per hour and then they became more frequent. He developed cranial oedema (fluid on the brain) after 3-4days and I was told (for the second time) that he probably wouldn’t survive.
MEDICATION – he was on a cocktail of different medication depending on his symptoms, he was also on two I.V drips most of the time and having blood tests every 1-2 hours. A urinary catheter was also put into place as Oreo was not able to urinate by himself.
On the sixth day Oreo started to regain consciousness and his I.V and urinary catheters were removed as he was on the move.
Oreo was receiving 24hour nursing care and had seen two specialists, one for an ultrasound scan and the other was a Neurologist.
FIRST T-TOUCH SESSION – every time Oreo had a seizure the only thing that would help him out of it was ear work done very slowly, at one point he fitted every 15minutes but as each day went on they became less frequent.
Oreo was also given a homeopathic remedy to help him with the seizures which he only had a few times.
SECOND T-TOUCH SESSION – because Oreo hadn’t used his legs for almost 1 week he wasn’t able to move around that well, it was obvious he was getting very distressed and annoyed with his legs.
I started doing a few zigzag’s over his body as a way of re-introducing his back end to the front end, I then did the Octopus on each leg and then down his whole body in order to re-connect his legs to his body.
His session lasted less then 5 minutes as Oreo tired very easily. Later that night he got up and walked into the bathroom on his own.
THIRD T-TOUCH SESSION – this was 24 hours after the last session, by this time Oreo was moving about by himself but was very unsteady on his legs.
The session was the same as the last, I started with Zigzag’s then the Octopus but this time I added a few circular movements, The Chimp and Racoon, Oreo became very fidgety so I let him go.
Oreo has now made a full recovery and since going back on insulin was then taken off 2 months after this incident.
It was suspected that the underlining cause of his condition was pancreatitis which unfortunately is very difficult to treat in cats so he is monitored very closely.
UPDATE 3 YEARS AFTER HIS ILLNESS
Oreo is coming up to his 17th birthday, he continues to do well and is back on his daily injections of insulin. He has had a few hiccups along the way but he is a true fighter.
Unfortunately because of the coma and illness he was left with slight brain damage and is ever so senile now but still plods about in his own little world and still loves his cuddles
BOO CLARKE
AGE- 10 yrs
BREED- DOMESTIC SHORT HAIRED
SEX- MALE (neutered)
HISTORY
Four years ago Boo became ill and after a number of tests and consultations with specialist was diagnosed with some sort of auto-immune disorder, which means that his immune system is compromised. He is not able to walk properly and now has arthritis in all four legs which are very painful so he takes medication when needed.
Because of his condition Boo no longer goes outside and has to have food, water and litter tray near his bed.
Boo is a very loving cat and has had to put up with a lot over the past few years, he now lives in a caravan with his owner who is touring around England for a year, prior to this he was a patient at the Veterinary Practice I used to work at in London.
I am still in close contact with his owner Kim who contacts me when ever she has a problem or needs support.
REASON FOR TREATMENT
Kim agreed to let me use Boo as a case study for two reason, the first is because he hates having his nails clipped (it’s a painful procedure for both owner and Boo) and he needs to be dosed with his pain relief 3-4 days before having it done. The second is because he doesn’t move around much he gets a bit stiff when lying in the same position for too long.
OBSERVATIONS
Boo does not walk on his pads as any other animal; the only way he can get about is to walk on his carpus and hocks. There is considerable swelling over his joints and he almost shuffles along when he needs to get to his litter tray.
His coat is thinning and flaky in places but I’m told by his owner this is much better then when he first became ill.
He is fed on a high energy kitten diet and eats very well but only passes faeces every two days. On occasions he will get diarrhoea especially if his diet is changed.
FIRST T-TOUCH SESSION
Boo absolutely hates having his paws and down his spine touched so I used a small paint brush. He wasn’t very happy being touched with the paint brush either, his back twitched and he pulled his legs away as best he could. It had now become obvious to me that his sessions would need to be very short with as little hands on contact as possible. After our initial encounter I decided not to try anymore touches but to just give him a lot of fuss (he loves being stroked around his head and tummy), it then dawned on me that maybe I should start on the places he loves being touched and work up to the rest.
SECOND T-TOUCH SESSION
I let Boo rest for about 30mins (he gets tired very quickly) and then started stroking him around his head and mouth with my paintbrush, he absolutely loved it he was nudging the paintbrush with his head instead of trying to get away.
After a few minutes I started stroking down his back (with the paintbrush), and it started twitching again. Boo was lying on his side so I just did a few circular movements around his body, again his back twitched and he tried to pull his legs away so I took my paintbrush further away from his body to a distance he was comfortable with, after a few minutes I stopped so that Boo could rest.
I did try to do a few more touches with Boo but it was too much for him and I would be seeing him in a few days anyway.
THIRD T-TOUCH SESSION
I was amazed to learn that Boo had been sitting up to eat. He is usually fed lying down.
This session I started as I previously had with the others, Boo was still unhappy with me stroking down his back but to my amazement would let me use the paintbrush on his back legs, he pulled away at first but then relaxed, after very little stroking I was able to do a few circles but only on the back legs.
He did however let me stroke near his front legs with the paint brush but I was not able to actually touch them which was fine. I did very little with Boo as this was the first time he actually let me touch anywhere other then his face.
FOURTH T-TOUCH SESSION
This was about one hour after the last. Boo let me touch his back legs straight away with the paintbrush, this time I was able to do a few Python lifts (using my thumb and forefinger), at first he was very wary so I did a few lifts in the air until he was comfortable and was then able to do three Python lifts on each back leg.
This was the last time I was able to see Boo as they are off to pastures new.
I have shown Kim how to use the paintbrush for stroking and circular movements and have asked her to keep up with it so that the next time I was able to see Boo I could do some more work with him.
I would like to try Boo with a few lifts, especially around the back end but would need to build up to further movements with him.
UPDATE ON BOO 2 YEARS AFTER OUR LAST SESSION
He is an amazing little boy and continues to go from strength to strength.
Boo has finished his travels and now lives by the sea with a new little friend Molly. She is much younger then him so he does get a little grumpy with her when she wants to play.
Boo potters about his new 2 bedroom home and will now sit at his food bowl to eat and I’m told that he has started using his scratching post again.
BACH FLOWER REMEDIES
CASE HISTORY FOR ‘BALOO’ DOLAN
Baloo is a client at All Creatures Veterinary Surgery where I work as a full time Veterinary Nurse so he is already known to me on a professional level.
In January 2005 his long term friend Bagheera became ill and went through a series of blood tests and ultrasound. In Feb ’05 Bagheera had surgery and was diagnosed with an untreatable form of cancer, he became very ill shortly after his operation and in March ’05 was euthanased.
Bagheera was older than Baloo so he had never been alone.
Yvonne adopted the two cats after loosing her previous cat to a bladder tumour. They had been in her care for 5 years but when they first moved in Baloo would walk around with his stomach practically on the ground and was very nervous. He also had constant diarrhoea which he had since he was a kitten and it was never investigated. He was diagnosed with irritable bowl disease in October 2000 and after a short course of medication it is now controlled by a special diet.
Baloo in general is very vocal and always wants company from his owner since loosing his long term companion; Baloo has become more vocal and is now demanding constant attention. He has also been wondering around both at home and outside as though he were searching for Bagheera and looking very lost.
Yvonne contacted a behaviourist shortly after loosing Bagheera and followed her advice but unfortunately it didn’t help.
I had previously spoken to Yvonne when Bagheera became ill and explained how the Bach Flower Remedies worked but she was so upset and caught up with Bagheera’s illness that she had put it out of her head.
In June ’05 Baloo came into the surgery after being in a cat fight, Yvonne was still very concerned about his grieving and after consulting Nicola her Veterinary surgeon, Baloo was referred to me.
Initial Consultation Tuesday 12th July ‘05
Baloo was very quiet in his basket which isn’t uncommon for him, it’s almost as if he believes if he keeps quiet we won’t realise he’s there.
Yvonne was happier for him to come out of his basket once we were in a safe environment and she was confident she would be able to get him back into his carrier quickly and without any problems.
Throughout our first consultation Baloo remained quiet but would explore his surroundings. He seemed fine and didn’t appear to be stressed at all but that isn’t always the case with some animals.
During our consultation Yvonne explained how she came about adopting both cats and that Baloo had always been with another cat (which it seemed he relied on for a lot of different situations). I think because Baloo had another cat around for most of his life it was a huge shock for him when Bagheera became ill and he didn’t really have a lot of time to adjust to the change in his friend but also because his owner was so worried and focused on Bagheera, Baloo may have been unintentionally ignored.
I have seen Baloo in a number of different situations both at the Veterinary practice and on home visits and the one thing that I have observed about him is that he is not comfortable without his friend. Bagheera always appeared to be a confident cat that wouldn’t put up with any strange animals in his territory and never liked being examined. He was always a handful and quite often had to be sedated at home prior to procedures.
Baloo however would let you do anything to him. He almost turns into jelly and acts like it’s not happening. I think he is a cat that lacks confidence and looks to his friend or owner for comfort, I also think he has a lot of fears and would either look to his owner or Bagheera for reassurance. These are shown in a number of different ways, he’s following Bagheera around the house and when he wasn’t around he follows Yvonne. He’s constant looking out of the window in a fearful manner and Yvonne says that when he goes outside he paces around the garden at least ten times before jumping over the wall and since loosing Bagheera will not stay out for very long.
Telephone conversation Tuesday 19th July
I spoke with Yvonne seven days after our consultation, she reported that there was no change in Baloo’s behaviour but that he also appeared fearful at times and keeps looking out of the window as though he were seeing something which appears to upset him.
I explained again that every animal will react differently to the remedies; how it can take a number of weeks for there to be any change and that they will sometimes be very subtle so she may not notice.
I have asked Yvonne to continue with the remedy and have booked another appointment for a further three weeks.
Second Consultation Tuesday 9th August
Over the past three weeks Baloo seems a little more focused. He is still howling but not as much as before, he isn’t following Yvonne all the time around the house but takes time to sleep during the day. Baloo still seems lost without Bagheera and is still looking for him.
Yvonne is happy with the way things are progressing with Baloo. We had a discussion about his fearfulness and it seems it may have started shortly after his cat fight. This may be because he has always had Bagheera to protect him and fight with the opposition.
I have kept Baloo on the same Remedy of Star of Bethlehem for the shock of loosing his life time companion, Honeysuckle as he appeared to be pre-occupied with his past life with Bagheera by his constant searching for him and Walnut to help him adapt to the change of now being the only cat in the house hold. After our discussion I have also decided to add Red Chestnut to his treatment bottle as Baloo still appears to be concerned about Yvonne and being left alone this is shown by his following her around the house, even though it was reported that this behaviour has improved. Yvonne also reported that Baloo appears tired and when he’s not pacing up and down or following her he’s sleeping. I thought this may help him settle better at night and hopefully stop him waking his owner up early.
I may also consider using Larch to help with his confidence as he always seemed to be confident prior to his loss and Mimulus or Aspen for fear.
I have arranged to see Baloo in four weeks but have asked Yvonne to contact me in two weeks or sooner if she has any further queries or difficulties with Baloo.
Telephone conversation 23rd August 2005
Yvonne has reported that Baloo still appears lost at times, it has improved but she is still very concerned about him. I think Baloo is still picking up on Yvonne’s over concern and grief towards loosing Bagheera.
Yvonne has decided to get another cat to keep Baloo company. It will be another Burmese and he will be younger than Baloo. I have suggested she contact the behaviourist for some advice on introducing a new cat to the home so that Baloo doesn’t get too distressed about the whole situation.
Baloo is due to see me in two weeks so I have asked Yvonne to continue with the same remedy and we will re-assess things at our next consultation.
Third consultation Tuesday 7th September 2005
There has been no change in Baloo’s behaviour over the past four weeks. He is still following Yvonne around, howling and looking for Bagheera so I have decided to change Baloo’s remedy and will be giving him the following:-
Mimulus for fear, it isn’t 100% clear what Baloo is afraid of but I feel being the only cat in the house and defending his territory may be a little too much for Baloo and is possibly why he is always looking outside for something and getting upset about it.
Larch, to help with his confidence. Prior to loosing Bagheera he always appeared confident and I think he may now almost feel vulnerable as he no longer has any back up and there are a lot of other cats in his area.
I’m going to keep him on Star of Bethlehem and Walnut as he is still adjusting to new circumstances and Yvonne will be getting her new cat in a few weeks so they will help him cope with having a new cat in the house.
Yvonne has been given advice by her behaviourist so that when the new cat arrives she will be able in integrate the two cats safely and make the experience as stress free as possible for all concerned.
I have asked Yvonne to contact me after her new arrival just to let me know how their initial introduction is and to see if Baloo’s remedy will need adjusting.
Telephone conversation Saturday 25th Sept ‘05
Yvonne picked up her new cat Cossu on Thursday. Their initial encounter was fine as it was all done as advised. Cossu has a large cage (big enough for a litter tray, bed, food and water), which he goes in when necessary, it is also put into what Yvonne calls the nursery. This is so that when Yvonne has to go out and at bedtime he is safe and not able to get to Baloo.
He was put into his bed and Baloo was let into the room, he went up to the cage and sniffed, Cossu did the same but then hissed at Baloo who just walked away (all this time the door to the nursery was left open so that Baloo could leave at any time if it became too much for him). Yvonne said he stayed in the room sniffing but never made eye contact with Cossu, after about 5-10 minutes Baloo left the room and Cossu was let out of his bed. Yvonne has been told to do this regularly but to always make sure that Cossu is in his cage and Baloo is able to get out when he needed.
After a week of this Yvonne has been told to feed Baloo in Cossu’s room continuing to do as she was before and after one week of this move Cossu’s cage to the kitchen as this is where Baloo eats and sleeps most of the time.
I have arranged to see Yvonne in three weeks but have told her to contact either myself or her behaviourist if any problems arise.
Last consultation Tuesday 11th Oct ‘05
Yvonne has now had Cossu for just over two weeks and they are now eating in the same room, Baloo still doesn’t make much eye contact with him when he is in the nursery but there is no hissing and he appears to be getting used to having his new little brother. He has also been seen playing with Cossu’s toys even though he has plenty of his own and tries to get his food if Yvonne forgets to close the cage door. Luckily he hasn’t managed to eat much of it as it will give him diarrhoea.
His behaviour has also changed, he isn’t howling like he was. Yvonne is aware that he will still howl as he was when she had the two cats as this is what Siamese cats do but at least he’s not constantly howling and wanting attention.
He also appears a lot happier when he goes outside and isn’t pacing up and down.
Yvonne is very pleased with Baloo’s progress and with the way he and Cossu are getting along.
We have decided to keep Baloo on the same remedy of Mimulus, Larch, Star of Bethlehem and Walnut for a further 3-4weeks and then Yvonne would like to see how he goes without it but if she feels he needs it longer she will contact me as this should hopefully be our last consultation.
I have told Yvonne she is more than welcome to contact me if she needs any further help with Baloo.
CONCLUSION TO BALOO
I think Baloo has had a lot to deal with since he was adopted by Yvonne, not only did he have to cope with having a new owner he also had to get used to a new home both indoors and eventually outdoors. Shortly after being in his new home it was obvious to Yvonne that there was something wrong with Baloo so then he had the shock of having investigations into his diarrhoea which he had since he were a kitten.
Over the five or so years that Yvonne has had him he has generally been well, Bagheera was always the one that had to have treatment after being in cat fights. Baloo’s whole life has changed and he has had to learn to defend him self and his territory. At first I think it was a bit too much for him to cope with which is why he would rely on Yvonne and follow her, howling all the time.
I don’t think Baloo understood that his friend had gone even though he was given the opportunity to see him after her was euthanased. He did a lot of grieving for Bagheera but I also think he did a lot of grieving for his owner Yvonne. I think this started before the death of his friend but unfortunately just wasn’t picked up. I don’t think Baloo is the confident cat that everyone thought he was it’s almost as though he were hiding his true self which only really seem to come out after loosing his long term companion.
I think if Baloo was put onto a remedy as soon as Bagheera’s illness was diagnosed he would have been able to cope with the whole situation a lot easier.
The remedies I gave Baloo and the reason I chose them were:
Star of Bethlehem – for the shock of being in a new environment when first adopted the trips to the vet and investigations that were done and then for the shock of his friend becoming ill then loosing him and now being the only cat in his home.
Walnut – to help him cope with all these different changes and eventually for when Yvonne got his new companion
Honeysuckle – as I felt he was unable to move on with out his friend and with a little help and encouragement would hopefully soon be himself.
I then added Red Chestnut to his second treatment bottle as I felt he was almost worrying too much and was unable to leave Yvonne.
I then changed his remedy in his third treatment bottle as I felt we now had other issue’s to deal with so I gave him:
Mimulus for his fear though I wasn’t entirely sure if it was a known or unknown fear but decided to try the Mimulus first as I thought he was afraid of being alone both indoors and outside.
Larch to help with his confidence which I was hoping would also help with his fears.
I kept him on Star of Bethlehem and Walnut as he was about to go through more changes of having a new companion and I didn’t want it to be too much of a shock for him.
Overall I am pleased with the way things have progressed over the past three months. I knew that animals do grieve as we do but didn’t realise just how much especially if they were lifetime companions.
Doing this field study has given me a lot of insight into the behaviour and relationships of animals and has also made me look at things very differently as a Veterinary Nurse. It has made me more knowledgeable and I hope more equipped to deal with grieving animals.
3 MONTH FIELD STUDY ON ‘BALOO’ DOLAN
JULY 2005 – OCTOBER 2005
UPDATE ON BALOO OVER 2 YEARS AFTER OUR LAST CONSULTATION
Baloo is doing well and just loves his little brother (except when he wants to play and all Baloo wants to do is sleep).
He is still on his special diet for his bowl problem along with something for his arthritis.
He’s no longer as vocal and demanding and has settled into his roll of top cat.
