POD BLOG: Caroline Grace
- The Holistic Feline
- Jun 2
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 5
S1. E1. Discussing Milly’s journey and hydrocephalus through the eyes of her Rescuer plus holistic surgical support for pre/post surgery.
Welcome to the POD BLOG! Where we take pertinent information discussed in each episode of THE HOLISTIC FELINE & FRIENDS PODCAST and link it all in one place!
Each Podcast episode has a corresponding blog post!
When I decided to create this Podcast, I knew we had to chat with the person(s) responsible for saving Our Girl, Milly’s life. I also knew I wanted to kickstart this heart-led Podcast by having them as Our Guests for Episode 1 & 2.
…..and so in honor of Milly and the unwavering dedication of her Care/Medical Team, the first two episodes are dedicated to Earth Angel’s, Caroline Grace - Milly’s Rescuer and
Dr. O’Neill - Milly’s Neurosurgeon. They both are so special to us, without them we wouldn’t have our Milly Girl <3
Without further ado, let’s dive into Season One’s Very First Episode with Founder/Director of Baby Kitten Rescue - Caroline Grace. Discussing Milly’s hydrocephalus and journey through the eyes of her Rescuer plus holistic surgical support for before and after surgery.
In this Podcast episode, we dive into Milly’s life before Rescue and how she found her way to Caroline; as well as her diagnosis’ including hydrocephalus and other congenital abnormalities; the tests and meds Milly experienced; pre/post op precautions and care; shunt surgery and recovery; shunt revision surgery; and holistic healing support pre/post surgery.
Baby Kitten Rescue (BKR) is a Los Angeles, CA base rescue specializing in neonatal, critical care, and special needs kittens. They believe these kittens' lives matter, and that they are worth the extra time, energy, and expense it takes to help them survive and thrive. They aspire to promote diversity, inclusivity, and compassion, and to show that animals with disabilities can live full, rich, and happy lives. {source: Baby Kitten Rescue}
We adopted our Milly Moon Bean in August of 2023 from BKR. She was 9-months of age when she came to us, on the heels of just having had brain surgery four months prior to place a programmable shunt within her brain to relieve excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and pressure accumulation. Three months prior to adoption, she underwent shunt revision surgery to re-adhere the abdominal catheter that became dislodged.
Her uniqueness doesn’t stop with her essence or her personality… Milly chose to enter this world with a few congenital abnormalities - touching every life that knows her! Inspiring humans across the Globe! Along with Milly’s congenital hydrocephalus, she has a cyst within her brain that was compressing on her cerebellum; radial aplasia; lordosis;
a slight overbite; and a kink at the base of her tail! :)
You would have no idea she has all this going on by being in her presence. By looking at her… she looks like the cutest cat in the world (she is! I’m bias!) living her best most healthful beautiful life.
So let’s breakdown a few of her congenital abnormalities.
Lordosis is an excessive inward curvature of the spine, typically in the lower back (lumbar region). Milly’s resides in her upper back, in between her scapulae (shoulder blades). Lordosis can be a normal variation in spinal curvature in some individuals.
Radial Aplasia is a rare birth defect and condition where the radius bone in one or both forelimbs is absent, resulting in shortened and/or twisted forelegs. In Milly’s case the radius bone is absent in her right foreleg, causing her right paw to curve inward.
It gives her the cutest permanent 'cross paws' affect when she has them aligned :), and doubles as a perfect mold to the curvature of her face- making it her preferred and perfect choice for face washing :)
Hydrocephalus is a condition where there is an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain's ventricles (cavities). This buildup of fluid causes the ventricles to enlarge and puts pressure on the brain tissue. There are several Types of Hydrocephalus
classified based on the underlying cause and mechanism.
To control the pressure along with the fluid and to extend Milly’s lifespan - Caroline with Baby Kitten Rescue chose to provide Milly with life-saving shunt surgery. A shunt is a surgical procedure that creates a passageway for fluid to flow from one part of the body to another. It is typically used to drain excess fluid or relieve pressure in a specific area.
Milly has a programmable valve Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Pediatric Shunt - a thin, flexible tube (catheter) delivers excess cerebrospinal fluid from her brain ventricle through a one-way valve and along her side into her abdominal cavity, where it is then re-absorbed into her body. The valve is adhered along the back of her neck.
There are different types of shunts, Milly’s is a programmable shunt that allows her setting to be easily monitored or adjusted by a portable handheld device and magnet by simply hovering the device over the valve. It’s pretty progressive! This programmable shunt also allows for non-invasive/non-surgical shunt setting adjustments if needed. We go into detail about the different types of shunts in Episode 2 with Milly’s Neurosurgeon, Dr. O’Neill :)
| TIP: LISTEN to Dr. O'Neill's episode on your favorite podcast listening platform or click the link :). For more details, photos of Milly's surgery, and links to all things MASH visit POD BLOG: Dr. O'Neill.
Today, Milly is thriving! She is one very special Galactic Girl - created in the ethers of the Universe amongst the moon and the stars!
She zooms around the apartment, jumping on couches and (tall!) headboards.
Loves to be brushed, and greets us every time we walk through the door.
She loves to flip stuffies and move her bed around. Doesn’t care for blankets or soft things and is obsessed with static! LOL.
She LOVES her Viva Raw food and often waits in location where meals are served.
She’s THE BEST (baby) spoon! Cuddling on the couch for tv time or naps with us.
She’s Daddy’s Girl and he's wrapped around her little toe bean - he turns to mush! <3
She’s Mommy’s Baby and Littlest Princess. She always has her eyes and ears out for the both of us and will come out of nowhere to be by our side.
She loves to give nose-to-nose kisses with her ears back and often follows us from one room to the next- usually beating us there!
She loves back scratches and belly rubs!
Still loves to play crinkle and picked up a new game - ‘ring’ (the ring from a milk jug).
She loves to hang with us when we record the Podcast - she will either be on the back of the couch with me, in her bed across from me, or in the closet next to me. She’s just as a part of the Podcast as we are! <3
She’s such a special gal in so many ways - and we are lucky to be her people. We must have done something right in this life, to be blessed with her presence and spirit <3
Now for the links!
Below are important links to products or entities mentioned within the Podcast episode.
Enjoy!
| ARNICA - homeopathic “medicine” for pre/post op support, physical/emotional trauma, swelling from injuries, bruising, minor muscle pain, stiffness.
| ASSISI LOOP - targeted Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (tPEMF) technology - accelerates healing. Great for post-op recovery; pain; (chronic) inflammation including internal inflammation from conditions such as kidney disease and cystitis; wound care; spinal/nerve disorders; age-related conditions; bone/joint/soft tissue injuries; separation anxiety; and more! Note: not to be used on individuals with hydrocephalus!
| PMFT THERAPY/MAT - Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy - non-invasive treatment that uses low-frequency, pulsed magnetic fields to stimulate cellular activity and promote healing. Great for bone healing; wounds; pain management (muscle/arthritis); nerve regeneration; fatigue reduction. Note: not to be used on individuals with hydrocephalus, epilepsy, pacemakers or other implanted electronic devices, or whom are pregnant.
| BRUCE'S INFO - the angel who made Milly & Otter’s helmet to protect their brain before surgery.
About Donate Adopt Foster
That’s all for this one! :)
Thank you for listening to THE HOLISTIC FELINE & FRIENDS PODCAST!
I hope you enjoyed this episode and learned a little (or a lot!) along the way!
Please share your new knowledge and Our Podcast with others <3
When we know better, we do better.
With Love,
Angela Warrick, CARM, CAFTP
The Holistic Feline
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The Holistic Feline & Friends Podcast is created, hosted, produced, and released with Love....Please show your support by following or subscribing on your favorite podcast listening platform…. and follow us on Instagram @theholisticfeline!
See you in the next episode! <3
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all content is for informational purposes only.
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recorded 01/14/25
released 06/03/25
all original written composition
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