Syringomyelia/Chiari Malformation

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Irene, I hadn't realized you were that ill last Fall! Oh that is so hard when we have a living, breathing, "dependent" and we are so ill, we can barely move ourselves. You should have called someone to come over and give you a hand! I'm sure Jack was contented just to take care of his Mummy though. ♥

Thank you for your kindness regarding Elliot. He is much, much better by today and I still feel as though the time was not wasted. I could never forgive myself if we had not gone, and he had been worse off by morning. Oliver however, gave me the fright of my life late last night, and I thought I was going to spend Sunday night/early Monday morning at the Emergency Vet!

He was fine all evening, and even a bit cheeky. It was late, after midnight, and I was still putzing around on my computer. Oliver was being silly and "asking" for a biscuit, which he didn't need. After I checked him out and tried to placate him several times, all the while thinking this is a ruse for a biscuit, I realized he was dragging his hind end. I thought he was suddenly paralyzed again. I woke up my older son, Ben to come and help me assess Oliver. (Ben has been there from the beginning with Oliver and often is able to take a step back when I can't.)

I was then able to view Oliver from a different angle, and realized that he had caught one of his hind toenails (that need to be trimmed) in his long, long belly fur. We extricated the paw, and Oliver was thrilled. I told Oliver to stop "crying wolf" over "Biscotti's" as I was unable to see that he was caught. I think I'm still edgy from Friday and just generally hyper-aware since Oliver's last bout which seemed to come out of nowhere.

Kelly, I was hoping you had posted by now. We are all anxious to hear how Georgia is managing. As Irene said, Georgia is such a sweetie, her little "moptop" just begs to be kissed, along with her teeny snout. You know I love the "Tri Bed Head" look.

Hopefully when I check back later you will have posted an update. If your hands are too full, I understand that as well. Please just know that we are all anxiously waiting to hear. ♥

[Deerie me]

Silly Oliver frightening you like that Deb. Bless him. Did he get his biscuit?

[jacknyc]

Oh what a fright Oliver caused. I am so glad it was just a nail. Gotta love that cavie hair:)

[Georgia's Mommy]

Hi Everyone,

I apologize for not updating on Georgia sooner. She is much better. Still head banging when she gets excited but her eye is much better. I think she was getting an eye infection (if it's not an ear, it's an eye!!) I started her on her eye meds and viola...all better. We see the holistic vet on Wednesday night for acupuncture. She is now taking an herb in addition to her meds. We started it on Sunday. I can't read Chinese so I don't know what it is called but it is most often used for brain issues like migraines and hydrocephaly, etc. Time will tell if helps or not. I don't see the neuro until April. I know it seems a far away but Georgia is have far more better days than the week of Christmas. If she has another episode like she did in December I will take her back to Penn. She is even eating her dog food and her appetite has doubled. She is sooooooo bossy when she wants a treat. I'm trying to limit her treats b/c of the extra weight causes the hip dysplasia to worsen. She actually sits and barks at the treat container!!! She's lucky she's so cute!

I am feeling guilty that I had to miss her acupuncture last week but I've been so sick. I do have three autoimmune diseases and some of the medications that fight the diseases lower my ability to fight infections. It's an ugly circle but for the most part my diseases are manageable. I fear people with colds/flu. I am grateful that Georgia was such an angel while I was sick....other than chasing the cat and barking at everything that moves, she's been very good. She's snoring away on my lap now. I am feeling positive about the acupuncture sessions overall. I wasn't really expecting to see a change but I think missing this past week helped me to see her slip back a little bit. As I said, the vet is also treating her ears (to fight infection) and her stomach (to help with her eating) in addition to her brain. My goal is comfort for my bed-head beauty!

I'm attaching a pic of Georgia and Lola(my 8 year-old Calico). I would love for them to snuggle but Lola won't have it. The only time that happened was last August when Georgia was so very sick. Lola is my meter for when to take Georgia to Penn. If she is nice to Georgia than something is really wrong (or frozen over! hahahahaha) I also finally figured out how to post smaller pictures!

I hope all is well. Thank you for all your continued support! I hope everyone is doing well and your furry (and human) family members are all healthy and well.

Kelly

PS: Georgia just did the same thing as Oliver. I freaked out until I got a closer look. Cavalier beauty can be dramatic at times!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Kelly, that picture is adorable and says so much! I did have a chuckle at your Post Script. Meanwhile, you aren't well, and I'm on "hyper-alert". YIKES!

I do think that Georgia either needs to see her regular (family) Vet or the Neurologist prior to April. I can't bear the thought of her banging her own head. That needs attention darling, and I know you are sick. Is there anyone who can help you right now?

As much as you need to rest, Georgia needs to have medical attention. You aren't fit enough angel, so please call on someone to lend a hand. If I lived near you, I'd be there in a heartbeat. While the Neurologist may not be available for a week or two, at least or too far away, I'm sure your Family Vet can see Georgie within 24 hours. I really think she should be seen, sooner rather than later, and by a Veterinarian, although I do not discount the good that other forms of medicine may provide.

I do hope you both feel better soon, and I'm sending all of my healing vibes and loving your way.

[Georgia's Mommy]

Deb,

I see the regular vet and the holistic vet (who is also a licensed vet) regularly. None of them (including the neurologist) want to change her meds b/c every time she has had a flare up there has been a corresponding eye or ear infection. I've had her to an ER, her regular vet and the holistic vet 4 times since Christmas. All appointments are documented with her neurologist. Don't worry, if I felt she needed to go to Penn I wouldn't hesitate.

Don't get me wrong...I hate the head banging but it is DRAMATICALLY less since starting gabapentin and even more so since acupuncture. I won't let her suffer.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Kelly, I know you are doing everything you possibly can for sweet Georgia. I wasn't sure if she had been seen by a regular Vet for an ear/eye infection. I miss things sometimes, so please forgive me.

I also know that you would never let Georgia suffer. I can't imagine how hard it must be for you to see her banging her head. My heart truly goes out to you. I'm glad to hear that her symptoms have lessened since being on the Gabapentin. With the added infections, and the hip issues, you do have your hands full.

I hope you don't think I was criticizing you, as that is the last thing I would do. I know Georgia is in good hands with you.

Hopefully, you'll feel better soon too. ♥

[Georgia's Mommy]

Hi All!

I took Georgia to a Superbowl party yesterday. This same group of people saw Georgia over the Christmas holidays. They couldn't believe the change in her for the better!! It's so wonderful that others are seeing what I am seeing (I'm so afraid I'm wishing things to get better)...but her improvement is noticeable. We are currently doing acupuncture 2x a month and bio-energy healing, combined with herbs. I think all of this in addition to her regular meds is doing the trick for now. This is the first that I have been hopeful about anything regarding Georgia's SM. I am praying that we continue on this upward swing or stay the same. I don't doubt that we will have flare ups, too.

I'm just so relieved that she is doing well. She has her spark back again (and being naughty again...digging up treasures all around the house like the garbage and unopened boxes of treats!!)...and the hair above her eye is getting stubbly...meaning it must be growing back I'll take a naughty Georgia any day over sick Georgia.

Kelly

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Kelly, that is such terrific news! It is harder for us to see improvements, that we wish to see, than for others who only see our dogs once in a while. The fact that her improvement was so noticeable, especially by others, is such a positive sign.

I will take cheeky over ill any day too! They really are quite funny with their expressions and antics. Stubbly hair over Georgia's eye is also good news. It sounds like you are discovering what works, and Georgia couldn't be more loved. ♥

[RayC]

Poor Georgia, how cruel, being taken to a Superbowl party - that strange North American method of wasting several hours (the game, not the party) Now Charlie sat quietly at my side while we watched Wales beat Ireland in the Six Nations Rugby Championship

Seriously, I'm so happy to hear of the improvement seen in dear Georgia. You both deserve a bit of good news. Stay positive; it's a big part of the process.

I hope everyone else is keeping well

Prayers and best wishes from Ray and Charlie in North Wales

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Ray, you are amusing! While I don't watch American Football often, I enjoy the Super Bowl. Watching Cricket matches is like watching paint dry. I remember seeing parts of a 5 day "Test Match", and at the end of each day I would ask who is winning. Apparently no one was, and I am of the understanding that after a 5 day match, it could end up without a winner. (Canadian football is slightly different from American Football, bigger field, less downs but fun to watch especially in the stands of the University Teams).

Your advice about maintaining a positive attitude is excellent, and does work.

Hugs to you and Charlie! ♥

[Georgia's Mommy]

Ray you are funny!! hahahaha I'm sure Georgia was upset b/c her favorite team was not in the Superbowl!

I do have a question. Winter has finally hit Philadelphia. Small snow storms and extremely cold weather. Georgia has been doing relatively well but I did see excessive head rubbing yesterday during the snow storm. I gave her a tramadol and it stopped. I don't think it is a true flare up b/c she seems much better today and has no signs of discomfort.

My question stems from a problem I had with Georgia last night. She has always been a very well house trained dog. Rarely relieves herself in the house. She will poo sometimes in the basement but never urinates. The past week has seen a lot of urination in the house (always on something....cheeky girl drags plastic bags off a low shelf and goes on that!!). I was out last night. Typically, when I come home Georgia goes outside. It was bitter cold and windy. I bundled Georgia in a warm sweater but kept the hood down (you've seen how she gets it over her eyes). She refused to stay out and wouldn't go outside later in the evening. It's not like her but I didn't push. While getting ready for bed, Georgia got her normal treat and I heard her jump up on the bed. When I came in to the bedroom she had urinated all over the bed and was sitting on the floor. She didn't even seem nervous or shy (which is normal when she does something wrong). I rarely reprimand her since she has been ill....but I also don't let her get away with being naughty. She slept in the kennel last night and seems fine today. I've texted the holistic vet to see if it could be from the herbs. Waiting on her reply.

She has always been so easy with regard to house training. This is a big shock. I'm guessing it's a combo of being cold and not wanting to tolerate the cold and not feeling her best. I'll have to bundle up with her and make sure she goes before bed time. She was urinating in the house in September when she was still getting used to the meds (she was too sleepy to go before I went to work). I'm hoping it is a fluke but again, will be checking with the vet. Is this common?

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Kelly, I've not encountered that issue with Oliver, except when he was a puppy (over six months but before 12) and in unfamiliar surroundings. I'm glad you've contacted the Holistic Vet as I'm sure she will have an answer for you, of some sort.

I have noticed, as we are having relatively the same weather you are right now, that Oliver hasn't been 100% this weekend. He's fine, but moving very slowly, and has had more "red" eye than normal. He hasn't had a Cherry Eye in ages, but he has been face rubbing a bit more frequently on the carpeting. Oliver has always loved the snow, but the dramatic shift in weather doesn't love him. He goes outside happily, and does his business quickly.

I also noticed that his breathing seemed more laboured again yesterday, which is due to his heart condition. He is alright today, but the changes are noticeable. I'm sure when the warmer weather moves back in, he'll be even better still. I'm sure Georgia will feel better too once the warmer temperatures resume, or they level off.

Were your ears burning this morning, as I was talking about sweet Georgia's Bedhead, because Henry had a terrific Bedhead? Honestly, I was thinking of Georgia this morning, and I also wondered how she was managing, as well as Irene's Jack in New York with these weather changes.

I enjoy everyone's updates.

[Georgia's Mommy]

Hi Deb,

I feel like Georgia was out of sorts b/c I went out for the evening (how dare I leave her! hahaha) and it was sooooooo windy and bitterly cold. She did appear to have some head discomfort. I'm thinking it was a combo of all of the above. I did speak at length with the vet. I forgot that Georgia had that earlier bout of urinating in the house last September. We did just add some new herbs and I panicked. The vet said it would be unlikely but if I see the urinating another time to take her to the local vet for an urinalysis. Two days since the bed wetting and she has been very good all throughout the house. I've been more vigilant with making sure she goes when she is in the yard. Typically, I can just put her outside and she'll come back in after she finishes her business. She LOVES to be outside and I often refer to her as the Mayor of our street. I was so shocked on Saturday when she didn't go outside.

Right now I'm in the wait and see stage. I'm hoping that I don't see this behavior again but if I do, she will head to the lab for tests. She is much perkier since Saturday and eating better. I think she had a rotten headache on Saturday and was annoyed that I left her....if you couldn't tell by now....Georgia is a tad bit spoiled! ahahaha

I hope everyone's family and furry friends are doing well. Right now, Georgia is in a good place. These little blips just freak me out!

Thanks for your support!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Kelly, as I was reading your post, I thought "a-ha...that's it!" I'm sure it was a combo plate for Georgia over the weekend, and how dare you think you can have a life and perhaps go out to dinner, or somewhere with friends for a couple of hours without Georgia!

I also hope her accidents were a "one off" and due to all the factors you mentioned. I often say Oliver is much smarter than he lets on, and I think Georgia probably is as well. I am so relieved to hear this was a blip, and I don't think you overreacted at all. In these early months, every thing they do is worth note as we have no idea what comes next. No pattern has been established, if one ever develops at all.

As for spoiling Georgia, why not?! Isn't that one of the reasons why we are attracted to Cavaliers, to love and spoil them? Henry and I had the bestest cuddle late this afternoon. He loves it when we make a low, humming sound against his chest, while he puts his paws on our shoulders, and tries to cover our faces with his wee face. That's how one ends up having their eyeball licked with the underneath side of his tongue! Those are "boo-woo-wooey" cuddles and all I have to say is that phrase, and he's all over me. I make that sound against his chest in a low, quiet voice and he melts.

Oliver is still a bit stiff today, and a bit out of sorts, but nothing major at all. He isn't complaining and he doesn't seem to be in any real discomfort. He's been a bit restless, which is all relative when it comes to Oliver. He has asked to go out more times today then usual, and yet once he is out there, he has nothing to do and wants to come straight back inside. I need the exercise anyway.

Kelly, I am pleased by your post. The weather is supposed to improve as the week progresses...well the temps are rising, which should hopefully be beneficial to our beloved Cavaliers.