Syringomyelia/Chiari Malformation

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Oliver had a bad spell today! He broke my heart.

As it is, he has been having trouble with our unseasonably warm weather. I actually caved yesterday and turned on the a/c as the house was just too hot in the afternoon, and his panting was incessant. I worry about the strain on his heart, and he's been much more comfortable since.

However, today he was impatient and wanted to jump up where I was sitting. It wasn't that far off of the floor, and I didn't think he was going to jump. Well, he jumped up, and in mid-air let out a blood curdling scream of pain. He came right to me, and snuggled as close as possible.

After I finished my sandwich, (food is always a mighty motivator for Oliver ), he crawled into my lap, and then tried to crawl inside me, like he used to do. I held him for an hour and half, and could feel his back end shaking from the pain. Finally, he calmed and moved off of me, but was still touching. We snuggled like that for a while longer. After he had a long nap, he felt much better...thankfully.

I was concerned that he might have injured himself to the point where he couldn't manage the stairs again even. Fortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case. Silly boy! He gave me such a fright today. I am SO relieved that he is back to normal by this evening.

This post is mostly to keep a record of events as we're due back in Guelph in May.

[RayC]

So sorry to hear of Oliver's bad spell. It's so scary to have them cry out in pain and only be able to cuddle them better. Sending my prayers and good wishes that it was only a minor episode.

Best wishes to you all whatever trial you are going through just now.

Ray and Charlie, North Wales

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Ray, that is a lovely new avatar of sweet Charlie! She is SO "your girl"! ♥

Thank you for your sweet remarks. Oliver is just fine again today, and cheeky as ever. That boy is so food motivated, to his own detriment it would seem. I am sprouting grey hairs as I type this.

Truth be told, I am so grateful for the mild winter as it has been so kind to him. He did have an upset tummy this afternoon, which is all part and parcel of his condition. He ate some grass which seemed to do the trick, almost at the wrong moment, but we managed to get most of it outside.

Give that sweet Charlie girl a big kiss from her Auntie Deb in Ontario. There is just something about a Tri face that is so cheeky and irresistible. Henry, and his freckles, capture my heart daily.

I hope this message finds you well Ray! You are such a loyal and wonderful contributor to this thread. I appreciate you tremendously.

[Georgia's Mommy]

I'm so sorry to hear about Oliver's bad spell. Poor boy. It's not fair that he has so much to deal with. I can't wait to shave Georgia down. I feel like her fur in 76* is just too much. I hope she can wait two more weeks. I feel horrible that she is so hot. I'm hoping my dinosaur of an AC unit still works. Every year I hold my breath!

I hope Oliver feels better soon!

Kelly

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Thanks Kelly! Oliver also could use a really good grooming along with some hair loss. I could spin a yarn from the dog hair my vacuum collects.

Oliver is back to his old self again, thankfully. I still have the a/c on as our temperature today at 7:00 p.m. was 77F! I purposefully keep one of the temp. settings on my computer to Fahrenheit, although I live in a Celsius world. We have even had "Humidex" readings over 30C, which is well over 80F. Tonight is supposed to change all that, and we'll be closer to seasonal in the coming week.

My other house had an old a/c unit that rattled and shook, and every summer I would pray it too would work, and it did. The house I am in now is one I had built, so the a/c is only 5 years old this summer. It still works like a charm, thankfully. *touch wood*

Oliver is like the Energizer Bunny....he just keeps on ticking. I hope Georgia is also doing well. ♥

[jacknyc]

Just checking in to see how everyone and their pups are doing. Kelly, I am glad to hear Georgia has been doing well. Deb, sorry to hear Oliver had another "blip" but happy to hear he is back to being cheeky Food is a big motivator for Jack as well, even after his recent tooth surgery and being high as kite on pain killers he still practically fell over himself when I offered him a bit of food.
Ray- your Charlie is a real cutie. Love the new avator too.

Jack has been having some "blips" too or at least I hope that is what they are- He has been scratching at his face a bit more and yelping at his back leg twitches (one of his original signs that I thought had lessened a great deal). I think it may be the warmer weather but will keep a close eye on him. We are scheduled for his annual vet check up in April but not scheduled for his annual neuro check up until August.

I have never had Jack groomed. I always bathe him, cut his nails etc myself. However he is getting a bit more of a coat now that he is 3 years old. I always see cavies in the neighborhood who get shaved but I wonder if that would make him itchy when the hair grows back and doesn't the hair also serve to cool them in the hot weather (I feel like I read that somewhere)? Does anyone just trim the coat ? I wonder if I can do that myself as I am so leary with taking Jack to the groomers due to his sensitivity. Poor Jack will probably end up looking horrid! I still recall my hair cutting skills from a child when I would cut my Barbie doll's hair

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Irene, I am so thrilled to hear from you!

I think the warmer weather has affected our babes. As for Jack's coat, if you are his Groomer, you do an excellent job!!! They do develop a much thicker coat as they age. I would not have either of mine shaved, but trimmed slightly. A good brushing should remove any under coat. Part of the reason why Oliver has not been to the Groomer's is his health, but he is stable once again, so I will try to capture this window as I am not good, and fear, any trimming or clipping. I used to do it until I injured my Golden years ago. After that, I will not use anything other than a brush on my dog. I don't trust myself.

I am not you though and clearly, like Phyrie, you are very good at it. I'm sure whatever you do is more than adequate. I'm glad to hear that Jack is recovering from his surgery. It's amazing how food motivated Cavaliers are.

Henry was a wild man today, full of P&V, and wanting to play with Oliver. Fortunately, Oliver was in the same mood and I enjoyed a lovely laugh watching the two of them play. Henry was so funny, tapping Oliver on the back with his paw. When Oliver turned to see what is was, Henry pounced! A lot of growling and happy, playful barking ensued. I was in fits of laughter at their shenanigans. They do make me laugh.

[Georgia's Mommy]

Hi Everyone!

JackNYC....I'm glad to hear Jack is doing well. Georgia seems to love it when she is given the "puppy cut". She is already panting like crazy on our walks and the temperature in Philly is lovely. I do get very nervous about grooming. I only trust one person to do it. I used to do it myself but my rheumatoid arthritis isn't cooperating. She gets so matted from rubbing in the dirt and against my furniture. My baby looks girlie but she is a real tomboy! The groomer has groomed all of my parent's pets for the past 20 years. He lives 2 hours away from me but he is worth the wait. We'll go over spring break. Georgia has awful separation anxiety (she was kicked out of doggie daycare b/c of nerves). The only place she is somewhat calm when I leave her is with my best friend (and her kids) and my parents. Georgia knows who loves her!!

I had a long talk with the groomer prior to taking her and once again when I arrived. They work on her fairly quickly. He likes to do all these games (to win prizes for future grooming) and keeps Georgia in the back. He quickly figured out that she needed to be with me while I did these games. I find that Georgia has episodes after grooming. Extra head rubbing but I think it is from nerves. She is always quick to greet me at the door when I get home from work....the runs to the nearest piece of furniture and rubs her head all over it. When she sees my neighbor (she LOVES him!)...she will run to him and immediately starts thumping her back leg and rubbing her head. Keeping her calm is key but I can't control everything! I can't shave Georgia down so I need to have it done. My friend knows a groomer locally who says I can take Georgia and stay with her while she is groomed. I'm going to try to do that in the summer when I am off from work.

I'm attaching a picture of Summer Georgia....without her Kramer Crazy Hair. I do think it makes her more comfortable in the heat.

I'm glad to hear that Oliver is doing well, too. Georgia has been barking at the TV all night long. A dog or cat appears on the screen and she goes nuts! I thought it was funny at first...hahahaha!!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Kelly, Georgia looks very pretty in her summer cut.

I don't know if this is common with the Tri's or not, but I have found Henry's fur to be far more downy than Oliver's ever was. Because of that, it tends to mat far more easily. It's like baby hair compared to Oliver's. Mind you, Oliver can work up some terrific mats behind his ears from face rubbing and scratching, much like Georgia I presume.

Whatever makes our dogs comfortable and happy is the right thing to do. Georgia is a bit of a tomboy, but again, my experience with female Cavaliers is most limited. The only other one I really know is also a very bossy little Madam, who manages to keep two Deerhounds in line. Meanwhile, she is the size of one of their heads, but she doesn't take any guff, and hasn't since she was a pup. It seems like the males are more docile, but as I said, my experience is very limited.

I do know that Cavaliers can suffer terribly from separation anxiety. Oliver's Breeder would not sell a pup to anyone who wasn't home all day as she felt, after 40 years of Breeding, that Cavaliers are best suited to a home where someone was in attendance all day. Of course, any dog can be taught to manage. I only mentioned that as I don't think it's unusual for a Cavalier to have difficulty separating from its humans.

I plan on coming out of "retirement" later this year, even if it's only part-time. Oliver and Henry will adjust but they are both much older now.

[Georgia's Mommy]

Deb,

I find that Georgia is fine when she is in her preferred environment (my house). She doesn't like to have her daily routine changed. I'm sure your boys will be happy with each other. Georgia is never truly alone. She has Lola my cat. She is a bossy girl b/c poor Lola isn't allowed to walk on the floor. Georgia chases her on top of the furniture all the time. Lola is a nasty girl so it's kind of funny. The only time Lola is nice to Georgia is when she is sick. Lola is my SM flare up radar.

Most of my friends with boy Cavs say how "laid back" their boys are. Georgia is a fire cracker. Tonight, I caught her barking at the neighbor's door. She wanted them to come out and play with Darla (the puppy). She's a bossy girl....luckily she is sweet

Lots of head banging today. We've had a severe weather change. March came in like a lamb and going out like lion. The holistic Vet is back from her vacation. We're going tomorrow for acupuncture. Life with a Cavalier is never boring

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Kelly, I can't bear to think of Georgia head banging, so I can only imagine what it does to you! (((((HUGS)))))

Georgia does sound like a Pistol! Lola also sounds like a sweetie. She secretly loves her Canine sister. With Georgia, it's no secret. How hilarious that Georgia was barking at the next door neighbour's to invite her friend out to play! She is a darling, full of P&V.

When I was initially looking into having a Cavalier, I wanted a female. I remember being told by one Breeder that the Males were the "lovers". Although I did not acquire one at that time, I still wanted a female. I've ended up with two boys not necessarily by design. They are such love bugs! I do believe the girls have a great deal of spirit, like your sweet Georgia. ♥

Do let us know how she manages at the Holistic Vet. I hope there is some relief for her.

[Georgia's Mommy]

Hi Deb,

Georgia did really well at the Vet today. This was her longest period between acupuncture. Three weeks. The vet sees a noticeable improvement in all of her vital signs. Georgia was funny today b/c she just wanted Cynthia to sit still while she kissed her. She does love the holistic vet!! Georgia is a little out of sorts I believe b/c of the barometric pressure. She is back to eating well. The vet hopes that once we get her to a more stable point, we can decrease acupuncture even more. We now go every 3 weeks and try to keep decreasing as long as she is doing well. I'm thrilled b/c after working a full day, I have to take Georgia 45 minutes each way depending on traffic. The appointment lasts for 1.5 hours. I'm exhausted! It will be worth it in the long run. I truly believe this treatment helped save her. The head banging is very traumatic. Her hair is growing back around her eyes/head, and my neighbors all tell me she has the "spark" back in her eyes. That is music to my ears!

Georgia is both a lover and a fighter!! I guess I got the best of both worlds. When I met with the breeder, I had picked another puppy named Nikki. Nelly (now Georgia), wouldn't leave me alone and eventually crawled into my lap and fell asleep. She chose me She was bossy even as a 4 week old puppy!

Hope all is well!

Kelly

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Kelly, Georgia sounds like such a sweetheart! I can imagine her wanting to sit and kiss and lick more than anything else. I've never heard the story of how she chose you, and I'm glad she did. Special Dogs belong to Special People, not unlike Special Children! (At least, that's what I've been told!)

The old Barometric Pressure wreaks havoc on many of us. It is so frustrating as it is entirely out of our control. The Acupuncture seems to really work for Georgia, and as far as I can remember, you are the only one who has sought this treatment as it relates to SM/CM for their dog, at least for the purposes of this thread.

I am open minded to anything that works, especially things that are relatively non-invasive. Surgery is extremely invasive with no promise of positive results. Your Holistic Vet sounds like a dream. I know there is no one like that where I live, but I live in a smaller City.

Sweet, bossy Georgia! May she continue to thrive and recover, or maintain. I'm also pleased that the neighbours noticed her spark had returned. Often it takes an outsider to see something we may not see.

Thanks for the update!

[cnguyen209]

Hey Deb!

I am so sorry for Oliver and his sickness. It's clearly heartbreaking to see your own down to suffer in your arms . I didn't know Oliver had such Illnesses (illnesses i never knew of).
All his Photos Shows his joy in life which made me happy but, this is so sad. Oliver must be very happy with a family such as yours. A family that Clearly loves him to the point where they fight for his life. With that said I hope for the best For your family Deb, especially, sweet Oliver which, doesn't deserve this pain.

I'll be praying for him to get better soon.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Catherine, thank you very much angel.

If you had an opportunity to read this entire thread, which is HUGE now, you'll see that I have enjoyed the love and support of so many as Oliver and I walk this journey together. This thread started really as a journal for me to keep track of events and that's why I often record any changes on here.

Despite all of the research I did prior to acquiring a Cavalier, no one ever mentioned this, and I talked to "experts" and looked into this Breed for more than 5 years before acquiring Oliver. On one hand, we are blessed in that his affliction did not make its appearance until he was 4, which gave him a good prognosis. He is now 8, and doing very well, considering. His medications cost roughly $200.00/month.

He is my heart! For as long as I am able, and as long as he is not suffering, I will move mountains to care for him. I promised him that the day we met, as I have with every dog I've ever had the pleasure of calling mine. Henry's arrival did exactly what I thought it would do and brought life back to Oliver. Now they are truly "brothers" whom adore one another. So far, Henry seems clear of any Neurological symptoms that looking back, I now see Oliver had. Henry will be 3 in a few weeks, so my fingers are crossed.

I have "met" the most wonderful people thanks to this thread. We are indeed blessed. ♥