Living with Integrity

Northern Cape RSA

What is it to live with integrity? I have lived through many interpretations of this, and it is not set in stone. However, I have always held that my business dealings occur with absolute integrity. In my mind, and heart, this means being honest about a patient’s condition, the prognosis, and expected outcome of any treatments. I have delivered veterinary services in this manner from the day I started working.

One of my good friends commented that if you don’t lie, there is less to remember! Apart from always telling the truth about a diagnosis there is also the aspect of always doing one’s best. To me, this is also part of living with integrity. If I do everything within my power and abilities (and abilities change) to save the animal or minimise suffering, then I have acted according to my own code and done the best that I can.

By working within these boundaries (set by me) I am able to sleep at night. Has this acceptance come easily? No. Were there things I would have done differently had a client given me permission? Absolutely. But in that moment I have always done what I believe to be right for the patient AND with the best of intention. So, within my professional life, I live with integrity.

Northern Cape

Most recently, I have had to question whether I live with integrity in my personal life. I have always believed this to be so but towards the end of 2014 I faced a challenge. Within one of my close relationships I was forced to admit that I was not being honest – with myself. What a shock admission! I had hidden my dissatisfaction with certain aspects of my life so well that I did not even recognise it. Talk about denial! I had glossed over unease with platitudes. I believed that this particular (non)event was truly not important.

When I was diagnosed with ‘burn out’ I had to do much soul-searching to find what was responsible for my emotional distress. I eventually uncovered this “lie”. I was forced to accept the truth. The hard work followed; admission of guilt, labelling the problem and finally beginning to heal the hurt. Was I living this relationship with integrity? No. Is it improving now that I have owned the feelings? Absolutely!

Northern Cape

What have I learnt? To be able to function well and relatively stress free, to reach an optimum level, we have to be honest about that which makes us unhappy. I am not advocating that all others in your life are stomped on in order for you to express yourself and be free. Respect must be upheld. I am saying that we must be utterly honest, first with ourselves, before we can move into a living a life of integrity. As another friend said, “Living with integrity means doing the right thing.” Yes, for ourselves, too.

Tyson Merton

Very often our animal companions have more to teach us about ourselves than we would ever imagine possible. Devotion, consistency and non-judgemental honesty all come to mind. Sometimes, we meet a true hero in a companion, and it can change our perception of our own lives and what really matters.

Tyson was 12 years old when I met him. He had just undergone extensive surgery to repair a torn cruciate ligament in the knee. This procedure is costly and invasive and I was, quite frankly, surprised that it had been performed on a large breed dog of this age.

As a vet, I have often been called upon to discuss the pros and cons to the family of an animal companion facing surgery or some other form of costly, invasive procedure. Some issues are purely financial, others involve the likely success, risks and recovery factors of the procedure.  Other issues involve the biological stress on the specific animal companion and include the impact on the long term quality of life of undergoing a particular procedure.

Tyson, at first glance, would not have appeared to be an ideal candidate for such an expensive surgery and lengthy anaesthetic. He was clearly old, and blind in one eye. Notwithstanding his condition, his obviously devoted family opted to take the risks and costs of the extensive surgical repairs.

When it came to taking down Tyson’s history, I soon learned the true nature of his injuries and the source of his family’s unswerving commitment to achieving the best quality of life possible for him.

Matt told me that a couple years before Tyson’s operation, there was an attempted hijack at their home. The family were coming home, late, after a celebration of Matt’s birthday. As Matt was unpacking his gifts from the boot of the car in the driveway, he was stunned by an explosion and caught sight of the flash of a gunshot and watched in horror as Tyson fell. Frustrated by a closing gate the attackers fled, but not before Matt was able to look them in the face. It was 22:15 in the evening and a seriously injured Tyson was lying on the ground in a pool of blood after successfully defending his family from a potentially fatal attack. After a frantic drive and a number of desperate phone calls, Tyson got the medical attention he needed. He survived, but lost his eye to that gunshot.

Some time later, Tyson began to experience pain and inflammation in his one knee joint. His family used the prescribed anti-inflammatories to manage these symptoms but soon he was not able to bear any weight on the affected limb. When the family was faced with a decision regarding Tyson’s knee injury, rather than see him in pain for the rest of his life, they did not hesitate to choose surgery to repair the damage. They followed this with three months of physical rehabilitation at my facility. Tyson went on to walk well on the affected leg.

Fate had not finished with Tyson. Mid 2012 he was diagnosed with cancer. They were draining blood from him every few days and he was very ill. But just like the hero that he was, he fought valiantly to stay with his beloved family. After months of pain and discomfort, his family decided to take the step of letting him leave his this world. It was so very hard for them but they knew, from the depths of their hearts, that it was the right thing to do. Tyson touched his family’s life, like no other pet ever had.

Matt writes: “My parents said that they could not go through the heartbreak again. My dad was also diagnosed with cancer mid last year and life has seemed one endless battle. In June this year my Mom ordered a Boxer puppy. A house is not a home without a beloved Boxer. We received Harley on the 2 October 2013 and he is helping my Dad and the family tremendously. He is not Tyson but his own unique self, although we like to believe that Tyson is giving him guidance.”

From my perspective, it is easy to for us to pass judgement from a very human viewpoint. We do it all the time. Would I put my 11 year old companion through such an extensive surgical procedure? My initial response is no. I have had to re-evaluate that. This family made the decision which best suited all of them and honoured the life of a cherished, valiant companion. They believed Tyson deserved the best life they could give him and they did everything they could to ensure that, for as long as they could.

Is there a moral to the story? Absolutely! The value of our companions cannot be measured in monetary terms. So often they show us what it is to be fully human: how to live lives of unconditional, unselfish love and service. They show us what it is to be courageous, and to how defend those we hold dear without the slightest consideration of personal cost. They also teach us how to persevere and be patient in the face of suffering. And, as if that was not enough, they go on to bring out in us the noblest of human attributes:  generosity and appreciation.

People

"Experience is not what happens, but what we do with what happens." Aldous Huxley

This is a story about people. I want to pay tribute to all the people that walk into my life. In this instance I am referring to those that walk through the doors of my physical rehabilitation facility, or those associated with it in some way.

To begin, there are my very loyal clients that have been there from the beginning. We have become friends and I value your honesty and opinions. When there is change, I know I can rely on you to help me stay in focus. I look forward to our appointments, whether weekly or monthly. You are my stabilising force.

Then there are the challenges. For me these are made up of clients who demand a lot from me in terms of emotional investment. Any emotional vibration, especially in the form of distress, can be overpowering and it is easy to be drawn into the drama. You have challenged me to keep the balance between objectivity and compassion. You have taught me to go deep within myself to find personal stability so that I can focus these consultations into positive experiences, perhaps not always for the humans but hopefully always for my patients. You are the force that drives me to develop a sense of equilibrium.

The well-read and knowledgeable clients keep me on my toes. Those that think out of the box and are often faced with difficult decisions about the quality of life of their companions. You continue to encourage me to find solutions, often unconventional and, admittedly, not always successful. You stimulate my mind and it is exciting to consider options and make new discoveries. Many of you recognise that we are on a journey and this motivates me to seek answers. You broaden my horizons. I store all of these new experiences and am able to draw on them for future patients. You are the force that stimulates me to grow both professionally and intellectually.

This story would be incomplete without mentioning my colleagues. Animal physical rehabilitation is an emerging field, and as it grows we bring in more aspects that allow us to improve our results. Each one of us seems to have a different interest within the field. I am delighted that all are willing to share training and experiences. This also opens my eyes and increases my considerations. You are my guides.

Not to be forgotten, and a more recent development at the hydro, are the students. These come from all walks of life - vets, nurses, physio students and canine behaviourists. Your perspective is unique. By listening to your ideas and views, the programs developed for the patients are more diverse and comprehensive. You are my teachers.

Last, but not least, my team at Animal Health and Hydro, past and present. Each one of you adds value. I embrace your individuality. Although working with so many different personalities is sometimes difficult you have taught me much about business structure, time management and leadership. I have had to embrace aspects of myself that have laid dormant all my life, and which I would have preferred to ignore. You are my stimulus to evaluate and respond.

In closing, my heartfelt thanks and gratitude. You are part of my journey as I am part of yours. Long may it continue.

Cole's Story

I am one of the suppliersof BioPreparation, a remarkable algae formulation which assist animals, and people, to attain optimum health. I was privileged to play a small role in Cole's story but even more heartwarming is the story as related by his guardian. This is such a good example of considering all aspects of healing. What a result!

Here is the link:
http://healingconnexions.com/healing-your-animals/surviving-lymphoma-coles-story/

Interview: The Pink Diamond Club

I was fortunate enough to meet with Colleen Qvist and we had a delightful chat. Below is the link to her impressions.

http://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-daughter-get-degree-colleen-qvist?trk=hp-feed-article-title-publish

Physically Challenged Dogs

Printed All About Dogs Nov/Dec 2014 

When is a dog considered physically challenged? I would include amputees, deaf dogs, blind dogs, dogs that have spinal injury or disease and their hindquarters are compromised, even tetraparetic individuals. As humans, supposedly having “dominion” over our canine friends, when should we make a decision to allow their lives to continue? That, of course, is very personal but I would like to give my views based on 14 years of small animal private veterinary practice, and a further 6 years as a physical rehabilitation veterinarian. 

Dogs do not have the psychological issues associated with disability, which humans have. Running around on three legs does not make them less of a dog in their minds. I would like to make the point that many disabled dogs live full and happy lives.

All dogs have a keen sense of smell. The olfactory sense of a blind dog is even more-developed. This, along with an acute sense of hearing, allows him to negotiate his surroundings. Provided there are not too many changes in the environment, and hazards such as swimming pools are appropriately barricaded, blind dogs can continue happily for years. There are even photographs of blind dogs having ‘guide’ dogs! These are other dogs that have taken on a role of being the blind dog’s eyes. Often these companions are inseparable. 
Deaf dogs should also not be discriminated against. Dalmatians have a genetic line which predisposes some to deafness. Their sight is unaffected. I have watched such a dog, and a teenage boy, build such a strong bond that they outdid all the other people and dogs in their training class. I am sure they had many pleasurable years together. 

Single limb amputees, whether front or back, are able to run and play with the same gusto as a four-legged dog. Consideration for the remaining limb is important but can be managed. I met Hanna, a Labrador x Bull Terrier, when she was two years old. She was hit by a car and had to have one of her front limbs amputated at 7 months of age. Hanna has been on hydrotherapy program since we met, in order to maintain the strength and mobility of the remaining front limb. Hanna’s guardian was hoping for 5 years but next year March she will be 10! Earlier this year we invested in a neoprene support for her wrist as she has developed arthritis in this joint. She lives on a smallholding with numerous other dogs and runs around like a mad thing! She also attends a private training session once a week where the focus is on mental stimulation as opposed intensive physical training.

Since I have been involved in physical rehabilitation of our canine companions, I have seen many dogs with compromised hindquarters. These dogs are unable to walk with their back legs and often drag them.

 Being disabled in this manner does not stop these dogs at all! Mobility carts are becoming more readily available and are a necessity if such a dog is permanently paralysed. When in the cart, these dogs cannot be left unsupervised as the cart may catch on an obstacle or even tip over in the dog’s excitement to chase someone. However, these individuals never consider that their so-called disability requires them to stop participating in life. They can and do catch a ball, and also chase the visitors at the gate. Recently, Pug Rescue SA (PRSA) received a 7 month old Pug with a spinal condition which is inoperable, leaving Pug-Lee paralysed in his back legs. PRSA is a pro-life shelter that has made the decision to give Pug-Lee an opportunity to live life. His mobility cart is on order. He is a part of daily life in the centre and is moved around from office to outdoors, based on activities. He has a specific set of exercises which he must complete daily. He also enjoys a daily massage and stretching session. He is interactive, eats well and is already much-loved.

In conclusion, living with a disabled pet has its challenges. The largest of which is adapting the dog’s environment to ensure it is a safe playground. Cognisance of compensatory patterns of movement is essential, and necessary adjustments must be made. Awareness is the key but these pets live a fulfilling life and it is most rewarding for their human family, too.

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.