I took Wylla in for an acupuncture appointment on Friday. She was a little more squirrelly this visit, so it was a little more challenging keeping the needles in during the session. I have to say, for a four month-old kitten, she still did pretty good.
I do think its helping. Since we've started the treatments, we've been able to take her off the three medicines she was previously on. She does have occasional "bad day' where she has a hard time keeping everything down, but overall, I feel things are better for her.
Now, if she could only gain some weight. Her body and legs are lengthening, but she lacks girth. She really is all floof.
I tried to take some pictures of her during our appointment, but it was tricky to get a sharp shot given the lighting conditions of the office.
You can see one of the needles in her forehead, and another near her shoulder.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, this kitten is a trooper.
*kisses* Good, brave kitty!
ReplyDeleteAwww. What a cute pincushion!
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised vets don't have a high-calorie something to feed her so she gains weight.
There is, and we give it to her.
DeleteShe is precious. I forget, has she been spayed yet? Or has she been too little/too fragile for that to happen? She really does seem like she is doing so well now!
ReplyDeleteNo, not yet. She needs to put on more weight first.
DeleteOh dear, I hope it's soon. I remember when the only kitty I fostered when into heat. Not fun. Come on Wylla, eat up. Get nice and big so you can become a responsible kitty and find your furever home.
DeleteWhat a sweet little angel.
ReplyDeleteShe is precious. Have you tried any pureed organic vegetables? There are many that cats love. Sending love.
ReplyDeletePlease don't have this done to poor Wylla :( There's no evidence for acupuncture despite several studies looking for it. She's probably getting better on her own without the needles doing anything. At worst, the extra pain and stress is harming her recovery.
ReplyDeleteI've had acupunture to help me keep my mouth shut and not criticize someone who posts something critical of what Laurie decides is best for a sick kitten. See how good it's working?
Deletethe lack of evidince that it helps is NOT proof that it does NOT help. all it means is, they cant prove it helps.
Deleteand if it doesnt hurt, which it doesnt. than there is no harm in trying. and when you are sick and nothing less will help, it is ok to go of the beaten path and trying something "different".
the rule is "Do no harm" and this does no harm. so i say go for it. and if it helps, even if it only helps because we believe it helps, thats ok by me. and having spent just a week recently vomiting everything i ate, i am sure Wylla is better off not vomiting.
It is my goal to get Wylla to a healthy, adoptable state and I will do whatever I can within my resources to get her there. I prefer a treatment or maintenance plan free of drugs and side their effects for my foster kitten, so I am exploring the acupuncture option. So far, I feel it has improved her condition, and I will continue. If I felt it was uncomfortable, risky, or not providing good results, I would stop.
DeleteThis might not be an avenue you would pursue for your pet, but after much thought and research, it's what I've decided to do for Wylla.
Amen!
DeleteI know of several animals who have benefited from the 'alternative' treatments. As a part of a holistic approach to support healing it is worth the time\effort.
DeleteThank goodness Wylla's fur is not longer or the superfine needles could be mighty hard to find!
As a scientist (chemistry), I and the other scientists I have worked with are pretty critical of pseudo-science health treatments like "healing crystals." Acupuncture however was not a topic that we ever made fun of- it made sense to us that it might somehow function as a massage. One of my professors went for an injury and was happy with the results and recommended it. A placebo effect? Maybe. At very least, it doesn't appear to hurt or have any side effects.
DeleteI've never tried acupuncture, but have an aunt who includes it in her management plan for chronic pain. She feels it is working.
DeleteMedication alone is not always the best treatment, as side effects aren't always the best for the patient.
While I'd normally agree with Anonymous about acupuncture, I also believe that you have to try everything in order to rule it out. If Laurie is willing to spend the time and money to give it a try (or if the humane society pays for it, or the vet's office does) - how can it hurt? Wylla doesn't look like she's uncomfortable, and she doesn't seem stressed. What's wrong with trying "alternative" medicine? Nothing.
ReplyDeleteGood on you Laurie for trying it all. You never know right? :)
Yep. Being that Laurie has cared for hundreds of kittens over the years, I completely trust her judgment when it comes to Wylla's health. It's easy to offer advice on the internet, but unless you're actually involved in the situation there are simply things you aren't privy to. Not saying that as a slam against anyone, it's just my humble opinion.
DeleteExactly. Laurie and her vets are doing all they can for little Wylla. We don't know why the vet recommended acupuncture (and it's really none of our business). I'm glad to see that Laurie is willing to try something different, and to share it with us. She wouldn't do anything to harm any of her fosters!
DeleteHere's an analysis: http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/index.php/another-overhyped-acupuncture-study-misinterpreted/
ReplyDeleteThe risks also include hepatitis and MRSA, by the way.
There are many other venues on the web for debating medical options.Laurie can be trusted to make the choices she thinks are best for the itty bitties in her care!
DeleteThank you for posting this. I was trying to figure out a kind way to point out that there is no evidence other than anecdotes that acupuncture works. I guess just posting studies is the best way.
DeleteThat web site hardly seems objective. Posting links to a site with an agenda doesn't take the sting out of criticism one bit.
DeleteLaurie has raised over a hundred healthy, well-socialized kittens. Her track record is remarkable. She has gone above and beyond the call of duty in her care of Wylla. Unless you are a medical expert of some kind (armchair veterinarian doesn't count), please refrain from being critical of Laurie.
(By the way - anything that uses needles includes risks for hepatitis and MRSA, from getting blood drawn to tattoos and piercings. All that means is that needles, when not sterilized or disposed of properly, can sometimes transfer blood borne disease. Who would have thunk it?)
Acupuncture has virtually zero risks. New, sterile needles are used. The needles are super fine, and you usually cannot feel them going in. It is actually relaxing, and most adults take naps during treatment. Sme children do, some don't.
Deleteis she technically a calico? or a tortie? torties dont have white, right?
ReplyDeleteShe's tortie, mostly. But either a tortie/calico mix or a tortie with white.
DeleteShe looks a little like a "torbie" (tabby/tortie) because of the stripes on her forheard. They look like the characteristic "M" stripes that tabbies have but its hard to tell with all that floof!
DeleteI would trust Laurie with the life of any living thing. This site is for love and support, not debate. If you can't offer kindness, I for one, think you belong elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteExactly. This isn't a forum for the "you do it and I'll criticize it" people -regardless of their intentions.
DeleteI agree! Wylla is in the best hands possible. Any kitten would be lucky to have Laurie caring for them.
DeleteThe merits of acupunture are still under debate. Even acupunturists agree that not all conditions are helped, and even for those conditions where it seems to help, not all patients respond. This makes studies of effectivity extremely hard to do.
ReplyDeleteIf Laurie and Laurie's vet consultants think it is helping, then it probably is. We all need to trust that Laurie is the best judge of what Wylla needs to thrive -- Thank you Laurie, for taking such wonderful care of all your charges!
Sorry to be all up in this comment section with my two cents, but I agree. Would I have acupuncture done on my cats? Only if nothing else helped, and if nothing else helped, and my vet suggested it, I'd give it a try - even though I don't "believe" in it completely. You do what you feel is right when you come to a roadblock. It's not proven, but it's not dis-proven either. If it helps Miss Wylla, then it's worth it. If it "seems" to help Wylla, then it's worth it. :)
DeleteYup, she's just as darling as ever and a real trooper for sure! It's just so nice to see her with bright eyes and energy - all signs of a happy little kitten. How wonderful to hear that her need for some of her medicine has decreased. Every little change is a milestone for this precious girl!
ReplyDeleteKudos to the acupuncturist for being able to navigate the floof! Also, for those who haven't had acupuncture, it rarely hurts at all, despite it being needles. If there is a little pain, it goes away in about 2 seconds and just feels really relaxing after that. I'm sure that Laurie has chosen a great acupuncturist who knows how to place the needles so they help and don't hurt!
ReplyDeleteShe really is a floofy little thing. Laurie, I have no doubt that everything you do is in Ms Wylla's best interest and done after careful consideration and consultation with experts. The time, care and attention you have given her shows in the fact that she is getting better. Please know that it is all appreciated. She is just taking her time to grow all while enjoying her Laurie, Craig and Bean loving.
ReplyDeleteWylla is a trooper & so are you, Laurie! Sending "bulking up" thoughts Wylla's way! She's so adorable!
ReplyDeleteLaurie, i HOPE so much she can gain the needed weight to be spayed as young as possible.
ReplyDeletei used to live in NJ were they refused to fix kittens until they are 6 months old. and then it is such a huge deal. by that point he was 8lbs (he is 16-17lbs now) and already a big boy. my boy has never been the same since and he is over 4 years old. he was in pain for days but he would not take his pain meds. he gettings so mortified every time we get dressed, its really sad, and taking him to vet for his check ups its as if we are taking him to doom. so now i am a big on kittens getting fixed when they are big enough, i am convinced he would not be as fearful as he is now had he been younger and the surgery and smaller deal.
The kitten is a trooper - and so are you! What an outstanding labor of love you are doing for your foster kitties and with your most delightful web site! Thank you for this heart warming place. Best wishes always.
ReplyDeleteLaurie, I think it's great that you are doing all you can to help Wylla get better and thrive instead of having her euthanized or have her sickly all her life being pumped full of drugs. If I can afford it, I too would try alternative medicine to help improve the standard of living for my pets if they were sick.
ReplyDeleteshe is indeed a trooper and a real fighter. so brave for such a little one. hang in there kitty. hang in there laurie.
ReplyDeleteemma and buster
Thank you Laurie for being such an amazing Momkitty! Wylla is blossoming so much with your loving & exceptional care.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is with you both... that is, what's left of it after Wylla keeps stealing more & more. :}
You and Wylla are such patient people/cats. I hope progress continues and you can find the perfect home for her soon.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good girl! She's got such a winsome look in her eyes. Sigh... Warms the heart
ReplyDeleteI've said it before, I'll say it again: Laurie, you rock. (And so does Craig. And so does Beanie.) Thank you for taking such phenomenal care of all the kittens you've fostered.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking such good care of darling Wylla. I'd totally try anything that works for you, and her. Rock on!
ReplyDelete(noting that your "Anonymous" anti-acupuncturist didn't have the guts to post his/her name)
I noticed that too. If you are going to offer an opinion...own it.
DeleteThank you, Laurie, for the love and care you give all of your precious foster kitties.
Mary Louise
I know how frustrated you must be with Wylla's eating issues. I have a "problem furbaby", too. She's 10 years old and looks like an old stray. If she'd stayed at the no kill shelter she would have been long gone. We do the best we can :)
ReplyDeleteI had acupuncture today... and its helping me. So keep at it Miss Willow! Here's hoping that you can catch up with your growth and start plumping behind the floof. You're loved (and Laurie too) by so many of us regardless.. Thanks for all the hard work, love, care and efforts to share with us. You are both very inspiring >"<
ReplyDeleteLaurie, Craig and Charlene Butterbean are the best medicine for any ailing kitten, in my opinion. The love and care they provide, along with the well-researched and considered treatments are what keep Wee Wooly Wylla happy, healthy and floofy. Kudos and kissed for everyone!
ReplyDeleteHear hear! Very well said!
DeleteThree cheers fro Team Butterbean!!
She's a little trouper, and such a good girl!
ReplyDeleteLaurie, you *rock* for using whatever helps her get strong and healthy! <3
A thousand blessings to you, Laurie. And Wylla too.
ReplyDeleteSending fattening-up thoughts Miss Wylla's way. She's such a sweetie-pie, I know that she'll eventually get big enough and strong enough to move on to her forever home. In the meantime, she's in the very best place any kitten in the whole world could be!
ReplyDeleteMy parents' cat is all floof. I joke with them they should shave her before taking her to the vet, because it's the only way they'd get an accurate weight. ;D I also joke I want to soak her down some time to see her actual body size.
ReplyDeleteLaurie, Craig and Ms. Bean,
ReplyDeleteWe want you to know that we believe in you and your judgment calls for ways to get little Wylla feeling better! as the song says, "nobody does it better"! WE love you and trust you and thank you for being lights in a dark and depressing world! We will be sending all of our big fat prayers Wylla's way so she can bulk up soon!
All of our love and purrs to you,
Loreen (the hoomin)
Mr. Whiskers (the big floofy one)
Daisy (the little sister)
Amen!
Delete<3 from the beekeeper (part human/part cat)
My horse loved her acupuncture treatments, and they helped her tremendously when drugs were not a good option. When I say loved, I mean excited to see the practioner drive up to the barn and willing to stand still for 45 minutes. She'd fall asleep halfway through it. That convinced me it was a good thing.
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing. If that's not an incredible testament to what it can do for some animals, I don't know what is! Oh yes, the fact that Wylla is alive and looking as great as she does pictured above!Go Wylla!
DeleteIf I could figure out how to send over some of my own 'spare' ounces I would!
ReplyDeleteI will send love and wishes for weight and wellness to Wylla.
And I am in awe of the loving care that Team Butterbean provides to every kitten that enters their care!
Aw, sweet Wylla! We will miss you when you move on to your forever family, but we'll be so happy for you too because it'll mean you're continuing to thrive.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad acupuncture is helping her! My doggie niece Rita, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, has absolutely felt better since she started acupuncture for her back issues. A mix of Eastern and Western medicinal practices, both of which can be so different, so misunderstood, but so helpful if used correctly, are *both* helping her. Thank goodness for differences which open our minds and our hearts and make differences in our lives! Go Wylla! -Britton Trimble, Virginia
ReplyDeleteLaurie, I so appreciate how you do the utmost to benefit each and every kitten in your care, especially those with special needs! I am interested in how Wylla takes to the acupuncture - as I mentioned before, my 19 year old cat's arthritis has been helped immensely over the past year's worth of treatments. She's scheduled for another one tomorrow, and I'll certainly be thinking of sweet Wylla as I watch my girl relax and enjoy her treatment. Fingers crossed that Wylla thrives - and plumps up!
ReplyDeleteI've had acupuncture myself, for pain management pending a hip replacement, and it actually helped me a lot in that interim between "it's starting to hurt more" and "it now hurts so much that only mild narcotics make it possible for me to sleep". And the needles NEVER hurt. I suppose you're going to call that anecdotal but it isn't - anecdotal means "My mom's hairdresser told me she knows someone who said it was great." This is my first hand experience. My acupuncturist was previously the chief of surgery at a major hospital in my city, and when he retired from that he began practicing acupuncture full time. I know alternative medicine tends to bring out the Nancy Know-it-alls, but if it's helping Wylla then by all means do it as she's a precious cat with a difficult problem.
ReplyDeleteAww, she sure is a trooper!! It's so great that this treatment seems to be helping her!
ReplyDeleteyou know, this is like raising children, everyone has an opinion, and sometimes, you should keep your opinion to yourself. My folks always said, "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." I'm just saying!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work, and thanks for sharing.......I know this is a lot of work. But you get some love, and that makes it all worth it.
happy in quilting, and love from my six kitties, gloria g. Hemingway, SC
brave girl! this adorable fluff ball deserves to be happy! and you're doing such a great job!
ReplyDeleteShe is the cutest ball of floof on the planet. And I especially like the second picture of her. It clearly shows a squirrelly look in her eyes. Adorable!
ReplyDeleteI love her face in that second photos - she looks ready to jet off in a round of true kitten play time
ReplyDeleteWow, I'd like to find an animal acupuncturist for my cat.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a great foster mother. You and Wylla are trying so hard, hats off to you both!
Bless her. We love her so much xx
ReplyDeleteIt seems unfair that you were unable to get a sharp photo while she was stuck full of needles. :D
ReplyDeleteoh my! look at precious 4 month old wylla! <3
ReplyDelete