POD BLOG: Dr. O'Neill
- The Holistic Feline
- Jun 16
- 6 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
S1. E2. Discussing Milly’s life-saving shunt surgery and hydrocephalus through the eyes of her Neurosurgeon.
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
In Episode 1 we spoke to Milly’s Rescuer Caroline Grace, Founder of Baby Kitten Rescue in Los Angeles, CA. She gave us a glimpse into Milly’s life before rescue and journey through her eyes plus holistic surgical support pre/post op.
| TIP: Read POD BLOG: Caroline Grace for more details and links to all the good stuff mentioned within her episode. LISTEN to her episode on your favorite podcast listening platform :)
In this episode, we speak with Milly’s Neurosurgeon,
Board Certified Veterinary Neurologist - Dr. Jeremy O’Neill. We discuss Milly’s
life-saving shunt surgery
and hydrocephalus through his eyes.
We go deep into
Milly’s clinical findings, congenital malformations, diagnosis', treatment, shunt surgery, revision surgery, all things hydrocephalus, and so much more!
Dr. O’Neill practices out of Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital
(aka MASH)
in Hollywood, CA.
He along with other local long-time Veterinarian leaders of the practice, have recently became collaborating owners and managers of MASH - ensuring its doors remain open!
The most perfect next step and chapter, we are elated MASH will remain a vital role in our community- and with Dr. O’Neill as one of the fore-fronting pieces of the practice!
| MEMO: You can read the public memo "MASH WILL REMAIN OPEN UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT" here.
A little backstory for those who don’t know, we adopted our Milly Moon Bean in August of 2023 from Baby Kitten Rescue, who specialize in neonatal, critical care, and special needs kittens. Milly has congenital hydrocephalus and was 9-months of age when she came to us.
Four months prior to adoption, she had received life-saving shunt surgery 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.
Today, Milly is thriving!
In thanks to her dedicated care and medical team, she lives a ‘normal’ life. We are forever grateful to all the hands and hearts who helped her get to where she is today! Including her online supporters who helped make her life-saving shunt surgery possible with generous donations to Baby Kitten Rescue.. we are forever thankful for your Big Hearts to help her thrive today <3
Individually, I want to deeply thank Dr. O’Neill and the entire MASH Team who played (and continue to play) such a pivotal role in Milly’s life! Thank you to Caroline / Baby Kitten Rescue for giving her the best chance at living a long life and believing in her!
| SHOUT OUT: A special shout out to Milly's 'MOONIES' (online fans) who continue to follow her journey and send well wishes her way. Thank you for loving her and for your support. Milly is an inspiration to all who know her, spreading Milly Magic across the Globe- providing hope, strength, and courage. Showing us all, we too have a resilient warrior within! <3.
As mentioned, Milly was born with a handful of congenital abnormalities.
Amongst them are.. congenital hydrocephalus, radial aplasia, lordosis, a cyst within her brain that was compressing on the cerebellum, a slight overbite, and a kink at the base of her tail! :)
So let’s breakdown a few of them…
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. Dr. O’Neill goes into detail within the episode regarding the different types of shunts available.
It’s important to note, if one does not have access or means to a shunt, providing a pet with hydrocephalus a clean, safe, warm, loving environment is just as well. Everyone has their own journey, including our furry loves. Please don’t be hard on yourself - we are all doing our best <3
With that said, Dr. O’Neill provides an alternative treatment option for hydrocephalus by way of management with medication if a shunt is not viable. Please reach out to a Board Certified Veterinary Neurologist in your area or online for professional consult.
Milly Moon Bean is a special gal in so many ways - and we are lucky to be her people <3
Below are links to MASH’s info mentioned within the Podcast episode!
| MASH NEUROLOGY EMAIL - neuro@mash.vet
| MASH INSTAGRAM -
That’s all for this one! :)
| In Memory With Love: This episode is also dedicated to our friend in Türkiye and her Boy Hayat, who’s experience with secondary hydrocephalus via FIP will educate and help others around the globe. He brought two people together across the sea! <3
Hayat means “Life” and he lives on through our hearts, our connection, and education. We thank you Hayat and love you endlessly! You are so special to me, and your Mommy misses you everyday. May you help heal her heart from the other side of the veil.. a thin veil it is. She loves you to the moon and back! 🤍
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 01/29/25
released 06/17/25
Note: most photos courtesy of Baby Kitten Rescue and MASH instagram profiles.
all original written composition
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