Page 11 - Winter 18

Cinnamon’s Story –
By Chris Aukland, UK
Cinnamon is one of those cats that comes along to remind me to pay attention and remember my holistic principles just at the right time. It is uncanny. Almost as if he knows I need reminding and gets sick so that I can come along and help him out.
I first got to know Cinnamon many years ago when he frac- tured his elbow. Using the Traffic Light Approach:
Red Level – In no uncertain terms, this was a Red Level problem and I was keen for a Red Level input.
Green Level – Husbandry could stay more or less the same, but he would need to be confined to quarters for the following weeks after the fracture had been set. Perhaps also some Physio style exercise would become indicated.
Amber Level – To start off with trauma remedies would be useful, such as Arnica to reduce the bruising. Perhaps to have Symphytum added to it after the bone were in the correct place.
I went through the options of referral, explaining that while I had done bits and pieces of orthopaedics in my time, I did have colleagues who were much more experienced and would happily arrange for them to do the procedure. The owner said she would like to think about it. A short while later, the owner called back and told me that “Cinnamon would like you to do the operation”. Cheers Cinnamon.
I am pleased to say that the operation was a complete success. The bones came to together nicely. The pin and tension band wire were just right. And the post op X-rays were great. We pulled back from the high Level Red.
Red Level – Orthopaedic procedure with routine post op analgesia and antibiotics.
Red Flags – The usual warnings to watch out for complications.
Green Level – Confined to quarters with limited mobility.
Amber Level – Continue with Arnica, Hypericum, Calendula post op, plus a course of Symphytum over the following few weeks.
The recovery was uneventful and Cinnamon was steered safely away for the Red, through the Amber and back to the Green.
Time went by. Cinnamon was a fit young cat and managed to keep himself out of mischief, despite being top cat on the block. His owner was very attentive and ticked all the boxes on his Green Level. His lifestyle was good and he managed to deal with all his challenges well. He remained nicely on the path.
A few years down the line I got a phone call. “Cinnamon is delighted that you did such a good operation on his elbow and is pleased to report that it is still working well. However he is feeling out of sorts, not wanting to eat, please would I come and see him?”. I had been summoned.
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