Franki Hoffmann

When dealing with the disabled among us we often confront a number of issues that are surprisingly uncomfortable. Even more so when faced with disability in our animal companions. True to the gift that they are to their human families, they bring us a deeper understanding and acceptance of ourselves.

Franki ‘Blue Eyes’ Hoffmann was a most unusual Ragdoll cat.

He started seizuring at nine weeks of age. I met him when he was 16 weeks old with a request from his family to try acupuncture to control his fits, or at least lessen their intensity.

Blood tests, MRI scans and other diagnostic tests had yielded no positive diagnosis and so Franki was labelled an epileptic.

Franki was a special cat, not entirely true to the Ragdoll nature but quite accepting of his lot. He initially visited once a week for needles. He was also taking anti-epileptic medication. The fits reduced in frequency and intensity.

When Franki reached nine months of age, his guardian, Suzanne, asked me if we could swim him. She felt he was really slow (he was) and that his hind quarters were weak (they were). At this stage the underwater treadmill was not yet installed.

I agreed and then the questions began: how would I swim a cat? What was the best way to introduce him to the pool? Was he brain-damaged? Could he process being placed in the water? And, could I elicit the desired swimming response? – which is usually instinctive?

I started with a buoyancy aide (or life-jacket). Franki refused to move – both on the ground and in the water. I was afraid to drown him. We moved to a harness. Still Franki refused to move. I asked Suzanne to place the harness on him at home so he could become accustomed to it. I wanted a ‘handle’ in the pool!

Franki sat in one place at home for two hours! To call him stubborn would be a gross understatement!

Eventually I relented, and we (Franki and I) entered the water without any attachments. He refused to swim. After eight weeks of gentle encouragements and begging, I removed my hand, which was supporting Franki under his belly. He started to move his legs! Break through!!

From that moment on, we progressed. Franki swam; we balanced him on a boogie board in the pool; and walked up ramps. The treadmill was out of the question but he did balance exercises on the Pilates ball – until he punctured it.

Franki was a regular patient for almost four years. He taught me patience and tolerance; he forced me to find new ways to achieve the goals I wanted. I would say that Franki was mentally disabled, but he had his routine, and he was a happy cat. 

Franki's Video

What did I learn? Disabled pets cannot be managed by everyone, but we should give them the benefit of the doubt and try to find a way to give them a quality life. I am blessed to have known and worked with Franki. He showed me there are paths, even if mainstream society ‘says’ there are not. We have a choice – always.

Doggie Kelly – A Love Story

Not all love stories are obvious. Nor do they all follow the same script. Some, even, have endings that we can’t fully appreciate or understand, but they touch us. Some even give us a glimpse of a picture bigger than we dared imagine.

Doggie came into Siobhan’s already full life, starving and feral.  After many months of feeding him every day, in the veldt, she was able to coax him into her car with food. Once he was living with her at home, in a space of unconditional love and unstinting devotion, Doggie and Siobhan became the soul mates they were destined to be, and he never disappointed her.

Doggie’s physical condition was such that he needed a number of operations to his knees.  And from these surgeries Doggie developed osteoarthritis. Every week, for three years Siobhan brought Doggie to my Hydro for light therapy, stretches and a swim. During that time the extent of their mutual love and devotion became more than apparent to me.

Sadly, in spite of their hard work, nutritional supplementation and therapeutic vigilance, Doggie’s condition worsened and the osteoarthritis spread to his hips and elbows. Undaunted by the cost, both financially and emotionally, Siobhan took Doggie for stem cell therapy. The results of the treatment were disappointing. Soon, Doggie was reduced to taking only 3 steps before having to lie down.

It seems like yesterday when we said good bye to Doggie. Again, he did not disappoint Siobhan. In spite of the high emotion, he understood, and he left us calmly and peacefully with love and dignity.

Sometimes, the greatest love we can show our dearest companions is the gift of freedom from pain and suffering. Our deepest instinct is to hang on to life, no matter what the cost. We are afraid of losing our loved ones, and of being left behind without them. It takes great courage and personal sacrifice to let go. Veterinarians are the only professionals who have the right and duty to kill their patients. Having said that, I hold it as a precious privilege and honour to be chosen to help a sick, old or pain ridden patient across the threshold into what lies beyond.

As much as Siobhan saved Doggie, Doggie saved Siobhan with his unquestioning loyalty and total commitment to her.  This is my tribute to a devoted lady and her very brave companion. I am blessed to have been part of their journey.

Sometimes... we catch a glimpse of a departed loved one in the eyes, or hands or smile of a stranger. Siobhan recognised a dear friend in a starved, fearful, feral dog she noticed on the side of the road one day as she was driving to work. I wholeheartedly believe that death is not an ending, but rather a beginning, and I wonder if Siobhan and Doggie will find each other again, if not in this life, but in the next.

‘Miller’ Richardson and ‘Obelix’ Venter

My move from conventional veterinary practice to animal physical rehabilitation was based on many factors. A decade ago I was faced with some serious health issues which precipitated my decision to sell my share of the veterinary practice in which I was involved. It became apparent to me that not only did I need to reduce the number of hours physically worked, but that I also needed to better manage my emotional involvement in my clients and patients.

The emerging field of animal physical rehabilitation caught my attention and I began to investigate further. As vets, we perform complicated orthopaedic procedures on our patients every day, but when it came to the recovery process, there is a surprising lack of alternatives. Following injury, humans visit a physiotherapist as a matter of course but with animals this option is not available, and as a result, the outcome of surgery is compromised.

Sometimes, we are drawn to options for reasons that end up having only some of the reality we expected. My original journey into rehab was based on a belief that there would be less intimacy and emotional engagement than with my conventional veterinary experience.  Needless to say, I was mistaken in my anticipation of the two-way connection that would arise between me and my animal patients and their human families. Which brings me to my chosen patients for this story.

Miller is a large, lovable, yellow Labrador. He was 18 months old when I met him. Miller has elbow dysplasia and the veterinarian who made the diagnosis predicted that Miller would be a cripple at 2 years of age, and euthanasia would follow soon after that. Fortunately, Miller’s ‘Mom’ was listening to a conversation on the radio about hydrotherapy for dogs. One of my existing clients had phoned into the station with her experiences and thus, Lindi was able to trace me. As for many of us with animal companions, Miller is like a child to Bennie and Lindi, and they quickly decided that they were not prepared to accept the prognosis of his condition. We began weekly swimming sessions with Miller. He has such a huge personality. His regular slot is on a Thursday afternoon by which time the members of my staff are arguing about who swims Miller! He has become our therapy dog. I digress...

 

When Miller’s fifth birthday was imminent, he was still incredibly healthy and limp free! Bennie and Lindi decided to take the family to the beach. Upon their return I was presented with a photo of Miller running full tilt along the beach. What a fabulous celebration! Miller is now going on for 9 and still as strong as an ox.

 Obelix is a Beagle who was diagnosed with angular limb deformity in both of his front legs. This required numerous surgeries (which involved cutting and plating the bones) in order to straighten the legs. He came to me for post-op rehab and strengthening. Obelix is such a giving and gracious patient. We progressed well but a few months into his program he started to limp on one of his back legs. X-ray photos revealed bilateral hip dysplasia! This was bad news for an already physically compromised dog and all the more reason to continue with a physical therapy program. Obelix’s ‘parents’ are brilliant in their unstinting care for him! They have researched and undertaken as many options as they possibly can: he has undergone stem cell therapy; he visits every 7 – 10 days for an exercise session; and he is walked with his siblings on a regular basis. More recently he developed back pain because of compensatory movement patterns which we have been able to control with acupuncture.

I was delighted to receive a Christmas card this year from Obelix and his human family.  On the front was a photograph of Obelix exuberantly racing across a field. The photo was taken a just week before. 

So often we choose a path (for reasons that seem compelling at the time) and often, reality turns out to be different from what we anticipate. Instead of protecting myself with emotional distance, I realise that I am an integral part of the lives of my patients and their human companions. I have also realised that it is a two-way street. As much as I am vulnerable to feeling their pain and loss, I am also blessed with their joys and successes. I am humbled by their devotion to one another. I am in awe of the beautiful beings that I treat. I am truly grateful to have them in my life and I wouldn’t change any of it for anything in the world!

In Memory of Britney

At the start of this, I have to say that I find myself at a loss for the appropriate words. Nonetheless, I feel this is a special story that needs to be shared.

My journey with Britney, Gavin and Debbie began five years ago, when they came to see me about treating Britney’s arthritic hips. After consultation, examination and discussion we started on an exercise program both at my facility and at their home. This included running and swimming. Britney was shy but soon figured out what to do. Running with Gavin was the ultimate treat for Britney!

As time went by, her front legs started to show signs of pain and discomfort. Further examination revealed that Britney had now developed osteoarthritis of the elbows as well! We changed from running to walking, added medications and continued swimming.

Since I have met them, Gavin and Debbie have always been totally dedicated to Britney’s well-being, and were prepared to explore every option to ease Britney’s discomfort. Upon hearing about stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis in dogs, and discovering it was available in South Africa (and at great expense), Gavin and Debbie took Britney for this procedure.

Sadly, not long after, Britney suffered a spinal stroke which left her a quadriplegic. I have not yet mentioned that Britney is a 40kg Labrador-Rottweiler cross. Moving and managing a dog of this size is no easy task but Debbie and Gavin never stinted in their attention to maintaining Britney’s quality of life.

 We stepped up the pool sessions to 3 times a week in the hope that we could stimulate some movement in Britney’s legs. After a month of intensive therapy I was at my wit’s end as to a solution. I felt that Britney had a very guarded prognosis and would most probably never walk again.

Their journey progressed into the esoteric and Debbie made the decision to contact an animal communicator. As many people do, Debbie and Gavin had their doubts as to the feasibility of this exercise. How would they know the connection had really occurred? Was it even possible to link telepathically with a dog? Despite their misgivings, they went ahead, hoping and believing that they could determine what Britney actually wanted, needed and what she was feeling. The messages that came through the process held elements of truth that the communicator would not have had access to, unless directly connected to Britney. Britney was not ready to give up and so Gavin and Debbie devoted themselves to looking after their beloved, disabled companion. Therapy at the hydro stopped.

Months later Debbie contacted me requesting an appointment for Britney. Imagine my surprise when she was taken out of the car, her hindquarters placed in a sling, and she walked to my door with small, uncertain steps of her front limbs! It was amazing to see and so very encouraging!

Our facility had recently acquired an underwater treadmill and so we embarked on the next phase of our therapy. There were times when Britney got up at home and walked a few steps in the garden before stumbling over her front feet. What an amazing dog, and what amazing people. I am humbled every time I think of Britney and her guardians. As a vet, I am in a unique position to fully appreciate the sacrifices Debbie and Gavin made, the strength required for all of them to carry on and the sheer willpower needed to beat the odds!

A few months ago Britney became very painful in her right hind leg. Tests revealed a bone tumour. Time was limited and pain management essential. Debbie and Gavin continued with their love and support, using herbs, acupuncture and medications to alleviate the pain.

On 31^st May 2015, Britney breathed her last – 3 weeks after her tenth birthday. I believe, that as a family, they defied the odds! I have learnt a tremendous amount about people and dogs during this precious journey. There can never be any judgement in any situation involving animal companions and their human guardians. What works for one family may not necessarily work for another. Not everyone is able to care for a disabled pet, especially a large one.

This is a tribute to an incredible family that loved and respected their canine companion to the end and beyond. As I started this piece so shall I end. Words are inadequate to express the emotions assailing me. This bit of writing is in memory of Britney – a beautiful, brave being. And to celebrate Debbie and Gavin who walked every step of her path with her. I am honoured to have been part of your journey. R.I.P.