The appointment was set at 2pm, and Dr Susanna arrived on time.
The good doctor spoke at length, explaining the principles of TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine). The more she explained, the more it made sense to me. Being more inclined towards natural and holistic healing, what she said fitted in very well with my own beliefs and preferences on healing and health. And what I like most of all is that she has had so much experience in her own practice that what she shared was experiential knowledge, not merely book knowledge.
A lot of the book knowledge is pretty much out of date, she told me, and this, I must agree. Just take a look at the secondary science book - so much of what is taught to our children IS absolutely...ancient!
Dr Susanna spent some time getting to know Tiger first. I could see that she loves animals very much. Tiger was quite ok and did not show any signs of unfriendliness at all.
After assessing Tiger's condition (by asking me a series of questions), we were ready to begin Tiger's first acupuncture session.
Dr Susanna explained that Tiger has a "wind" problem, in Chinese traditional medicine terms. He also has a lot of "yin" (dampness or "water") in him. But she is glad I am addressing the problem at an early stage when Tiger still has a lot of energy in him and is not weakened yet. When there is energy in the animal, this energy can be moved, and recovery is possible.
Let's start, shall we?
Although the needles are so incredibly fine and the "pain" (if any) is only one-tenth of a mosquito bite, Tiger was angry. I guess he was just frightened, not in pain.
Soon, Tiger got really angry (first time in his entire life!), and I got bitten. Ouch, ouch! I couldn't handle him anymore, so Dr Susanna had to do it by herself.
These are the pressure points for the kidneys.
The most important point for Tiger's ailment - behind the ears.
There...that's the point.
There, there, good boy. Now, we wait...for 20 minutes or so.
After Dr Susanna got all the needles in, we had to wait 20 minutes. Tiger was surprisingly calm. However, a few of the needles had already fallen out in the process of the insertion of needles due to Tiger's struggle and his tensed muscles. Dr Susanna said it was alright because it's the stimulation that matters.
I learnt so much from Dr Susanna today, about holistic health and nutrition for animals. It made me realise I've been doing certain things wrong. I'm definitely going to correct these errors!
As for Tiger's FIV, Dr Susanna explained that it is actually VERY difficult for a cat to spread FIV to other cats. Even with bites, there is no certainty that it will spread. There's just too much fear and ignorance about FIV that has caused these FIV+ cats to be discriminated upon. I'm so glad to learn this, and now I know what I can do for Tiger - actually, pretty much the same for my other cats.
And, I'm most happy to know I can continue giving (read: bribing) Tiger with sardines. And along with the tomato sauce too! Now, this is a great relief. And I learnt about natural nutrition and what's good for cats. For the first time in my life, a vet is telling that canned food is much better than kibbles. Dr Susanna reasons (and it does make sense) that kibbles have been baked to 220 degrees, it is already so de-natured and most of the nutrients are gone. Give them home-cooked food, if you can. If you can't, then canned food isn't so bad, after all.
I told her that Bobby has completely stopped eating his dry senior kibbles, and to this, Dr Susanna said, "Bobby is smart. The kibbles would kill him!". So, I'm ok with giving Bobby his Pyramid Hill wet canned food, or just natural food that I can cook for him.
Tiger, quite happy, after the session. Dr Susanna gave him some treats!
Dr Susanna also explained (and I agree) that Tiger should be allowed to keep his habit of going to the neighbour's every day if he is happy that way. No point caging him at all since this would just stress him out.
I'm really so, so happy with Tiger's first session (despite getting bitten!) and very grateful I've learnt so much about caring for animals the natural way.
Thank you, Dr Susanna. Tiger's next session will be next Monday, same time. I'm also arranging for Dr Susanna to take a look at Mac, hopefully on Thursday.
Fo those of you who are interested in trying out natural therapy for your pets with acute or chronic diseases, especially terminal cases, you may want to consult Dr Susanna.
She is easily one of the most caring, compassionate and knowledgeable vets I have ever met. She really cares very much for her patients.
Check this out: http://www.asiapaws.com/
1 comment:
Olivia's cat is tmrw. We're really hoping for something good for him too. Western medicine is not helping him :(
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