Veterinary Ayurveda: Cat Case Study
Healing the Damage from Alcoholism: Case Study
Extreme Vata: Case Study
Kapha Clients: A Case Study

Veterinary Ayurveda: Cat Case Study

by Dr. Alakananda Devi

In this paper, we present case histories of a family of five geriatric cats, four litter mates, the fifth a male foundling. We will discuss the cats’ symptoms, Ayurvedic diagnosis, treatment protocols and responses with a view to demonstrating the immense potential benefits that Ayurvedic approaches have for the welfare of companion animals.

The cats in question all receive a mono-diet of Avoderm, a high quality dry cat food. They also receive an afternoon snack of organic baby food, as well as some fresh vegetables. All these elderly cats, with their long history of mono-diet, are in the vyakti and bheda stages of the kriya kala process. Neither the cats, the pet-guardian nor the veterinarian were receptive to the suggestion of changing or varying the cats’ diet in any way. At this stage, since the cats have advanced kidney disease, their vet prefers dry cat food as lower in protein and hence easier on the kidneys. Ayurvedic treatment has thus proceeded ahead as best could be in the face of a continued mono-diet of a high carbohydrate food rich in corn, a major allergen and pitta≠-provoking substance. The causative factor of many of the cats’ severe health challenges--a carbohydrate rich mono-diet of rough, dry food--continued unabated.

It is worth noting here that a cat’s natural life expectancy is about twenty-five years. The emergence of a geriatric condition in sixteen-year-old cats, although very familiar to all of us, would be rendered unnecessary were the cats fed in an optimal way throughout the duration of their lives. Cats would likely become geriatric sometime in their twenties.

Diagnosis of the cats took place by the usual method of darshanam, sparshanam and prashanam. Darshanam includes examination of fur health, weight, muscle bulk, eyes and tongue. (Cats yawn freely frequently, thus providing good access to examine their tongues). Sparshanam included examination of the pulse just above the cat’s front paw. The method of pulse diagnosis used was that outlined in Secrets of the Pulse by Dr. Vasant Lad. Prashanam took place by questioning the owner and by attuning psychically to the cats.

Helpful


Case Presentation A sixteen-year-old male cat, Helpful was brought to me for help with his diabetes. The task requested of me was to focus on reducing his insulin usage, leaving the vet to manage his overall condition.

Pulse diagnosis: Prakruti: V1P3K3 Vikruti: V2P4K4, Udana and samana vaya, ranjak pitta and sleshak kapha showed impaired function. There was excess raw ojas, indicating a blood lipid imbalance. The liver and colon pulses were weak with pitta, the bladder weak with vata and pitta, and the kidneys weak with vata.

Helpful had a long history of giardiasis. In 1999 he suffered a seizure as a result of metronidazole administered for the giardiasis. He had osteoarthritis and was unable to jump. He also had renal disease and chronic cystitis. His fur was dry, lusterless and ragged.