Sunday, January 16, 2011

Success with Hyperthyroidism

Sammy is a 17year old kitty that did not tolerate Methimazole tablets to control her thyroid levels.  Although she could tolerate a low dose of this medication as a transdermal gel, when her T4 was 7.8 (normal 1.9-4.8) in October, we could not increase the amount without stomach upset.  Since she has mild kidney changes, she was also not a candidate for surgery or  a radioactive iodine treatment.   I started Sammy on bugleweed twice daily as well as L-Carnitine and Standard Process's Hepatic Support.  (Elevated thyroid levels can harm the liver and Sammy had several elevated liver values.)    I gave weekly acupressure treatments to sedate the Triple Heater meridian and used the oils of Myrrh and Myrtle on selected points.  She also started twice a month bioresonance theray at Country Care Animal Complex in Green Bay.  I am happy to report that Sammy's T4 was 3.8 and her liver enzymes returned to normal!!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Bird in the Hand
Bird in the Bush
Our release attempt started with great hope as Amelia flew to a nearby bush.  She then slowly made her way to the ground where she chose to stay.  When I checked on her a few minutes later.  Since she tried to avoid my recapture by hopping along the ground and not by flying away, we decided that she was not ready to avoid predators.  I returned her to her cage.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Left Wing Improves

During our "physical therapy" sessions, Amelia has three times shown signs of some brief normal wing movement on the left side.  Tonight there was slight movement of her left leg but still no grasping with the left foot.  We still continue to enjoy the Kaytee baby bird food.  Our progress is slow, but it is progress.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Bird Massage 101

Although I have studied both cat and dog massage,  bird massage is outside of my usual repertoire.  Still I feel Amelia would benefit from some massage and range of motion exercises for her weak left side.  We have added this physical therapy after meals (with the continued Reiki, color therapy and Hypericum).  It has been a learning experience for us both.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

We begin again

Much to my surprise, Amelia was still with us this morning.  She ate from her syringe with great gusto and even pecked at a few seeds.  Despite very cold weather, she needed some outside time and perked up considerably after that.  I've given her Ledum pal (great homeopathic for puncture wounds) and have been putting Aqua Gel made from Willard Water on the wound.  She still isn't moving much and we seem to have lost ground on our left leg strength.  Our bond is stronger though.  Amelia almost snuggles in my hand after feeding now.  We use that time for some extra Reiki.  Although I feel that her prognosis is still not good, we both continue to work hard to make her release a reality.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Major Setback

I came home this evening and discovered Amelia had injured herself in her cage (small puncture wound near her left leg).  It must have happened early in the day as she did not eat much and lost significant amounts of blood (for a bird).  I syringe fed some baby bird food by Kaytee after washing her wound and putting some liquid bandage on it.  We finished with a long Reiki session. Although she ate well, she is extremely quiet.  I fear she won't make it through the night.  During all our "procedures" this evening I saw something different in her eyes.  I think she finally knows that I am not just someone keeping her captive,  I am here to help,