Syringomyelia/Chiari Malformation

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Oliver so appreciates the kisses He had me up last night, again around 1:00 a.m. for about half an hour. It's always around the same time, so I think it's a medication issue. I'm sure his doctor will have help for him (us). It's my older son's birthday today and Oliver seemed to sense it was a "party day" and was very happy to help unwrap presents and I think was distracted from his own issues for a bit.

I too bet that health teacher was male LOL

Jake's Mom...Oliver loves, loves, loves the snow and has never had an issue with cold feet (he's never out for long). He loves playing in the snow and using his nose as a wee plow, but I appreciate your concern for the vertically challenged one Remember, he's Canadian eh LOL

Again, I appreciate you all so much and I'll never stop saying it. Deborah & Oliver xo

[Phyrie]

Hi Deborah,
I have another suggestion, if you don't mind. The talk about cold, and Oliver at 1:00 a.m. and things you need to ask the doctor...

May I suggest you start a list of all things you want to ask the doctor? I know that when an issue arises, we say, "Oh, we'll have to ask the doctor about that." but when we get in to see the doctor, things tend to leave our control and we forget that we are the dog's advocate and end up feeling like bobble-headed ignoramuses, nodding and agreeing, and forgetting what we needed to know.

I find that a list of all questions does a few things for me.
It lets the doctor know right away that I am there to DISCUSS my dog's condition, not only be told what he thinks.
It keeps me on track. If I'm at the vet and I'm sidetracked by a discussion about fleas, my list helps me get back to real issue.
It reminds me of times and dates of symptoms. A comprehensive list of these kinds of things can be valuable to a vet.
It is a record of my dog's life. If he decides not to eat today, or didn't want to play yesterday, this might be of value too.

I am so wishing for a great outcome for you and Oliver. You are a very gracious lady (yes, I read what you said to the boxermama) and I hope you can use any help I can offer.

Phyrie

[Doggymommy]

Hi Deborah,
I have another suggestion, if you don't mind. The talk about cold, and Oliver at 1:00 a.m. and things you need to ask the doctor...

May I suggest you start a list of all things you want to ask the doctor? I know that when an issue arises, we say, "Oh, we'll have to ask the doctor about that." but when we get in to see the doctor, things tend to leave our control and we forget that we are the dog's advocate and end up feeling like bobble-headed ignoramuses, nodding and agreeing, and forgetting what we needed to know.

I find that a list of all questions does a few things for me.
It lets the doctor know right away that I am there to DISCUSS my dog's condition, not only be told what he thinks.
It keeps me on track. If I'm at the vet and I'm sidetracked by a discussion about fleas, my list helps me get back to real issue.
It reminds me of times and dates of symptoms. A comprehensive list of these kinds of things can be valuable to a vet.
It is a record of my dog's life. If he decides not to eat today, or didn't want to play yesterday, this might be of value too.

I am so wishing for a great outcome for you and Oliver. You are a very gracious lady (yes, I read what you said to the boxermama) and I hope you can use any help I can offer.

Phyrie

Great post Phyrie, lots of folks feel insecure with Doctors and vets, so a list is a wonderful idea.

[Doggymommy]

It's my older son's birthday today and Oliver seemed to sense it was a "party day" and was very happy to help unwrap presents and I think was distracted from his own issues for a bit.

I too bet that health teacher was male LOL


Again, I appreciate you all so much and I'll never stop saying it. Deborah & Oliver xo

Happy belated B-day to your son and yes...the Health teacher was a male

[Sandy, Cheyenne's mom2]

Dear Deborah, Just a note to let you know Cheyenne and I haven't forgotten you. I loaned my computer to my daughter for a bit (hers was in the repair shop), so have been out of touch. I have been thinking and praying about your appointment on Monday and hope things go well, for both of you! Give Oliver a quick kiss from Cheyenne and me (OK, maybe not Cheyenne - Oliver wouldn't need a bath later!) Keep warm, and drive safe, and we will be remembering both of you on Monday.
Sandy & Cheyenne

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Phyrie, I have a HUGE list, complete with dates, episodes, weather conditions, timing of medication, etc. Well armed is well prepared and I agree it easy to be sidetracked when so many issues are being discussed, particularly ones with which I am least familiar. Thank you for the compliment regarding my response to another poster in another thread.

Sandy, thank you angel for your kind thoughts and best wishes. As I sit here this evening, we are having yet another storm, which is unusual for this time of year. However, the forecast for Monday is a good one, relatively and no matter what, I'll be at that appointment.

Staci, I knew that teacher was male! I'll not tell the joke about why women are such bad judges of length or distance

My son Ben did enjoy his 17th birthday (I can't believe my baby is 17!!!!!) very much and thank you for your best wishes for him. He is very close to Oliver and was a huge help when Oliver first became ill initially. Ben was so strong and so grown up and a huge comfort to his little buddy Oliver. I have been mightily blessed indeed.

Thank you everyone...I'll keep you posted

Deborah

[rexandbaby]

I can't believe that tomorrow is Sunday, good luck Monday, I have been keeping track! Happy Birthday Ben!!

[caramel]

Thinking of you Deborah and Oliver with fingers and toes crossed. Happy birthday Ben, ahh 17 I remember........

Wet beard kisses -they just sound delightful.

I'll take all kisses I can get.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Thanks everyone for your kind words I am very anxious this evening awaiting our visit tomorrow. To offset my anxiety, I went shopping for Oliver and bought him a lovely new collar with matching leash. They also had a new chest harness that doubles as a seat belt harness which is lovely. Oliver has been for 3 walks so far this evening and just loves it!!! He adores the snow and it's up past his belly. We had not walked him before on a harness and he thinks he's "unattached" and roaming freely (in the woods). Oliver was so playful in the snow and was so well behaved. He is resting comfortably on a blanket, on the couch in front of the fire.

My anxiety about tomorrow is more anticipation than fear or worry. I can't wait to get there and talk to the doctor.

I will be taking along everyone's good wishes and holding them tightly to me and Oliver. Thank you so much!

[Kody's Mom]

Please let us know as soon as you can how it goes tomorrow. We are all thinking of both your and Oliver. Hugs!!

_______________________________________
RHONDA

Mommy to…
Max 3/24/92 – 4/30/01
Sammy 3/16/01 – 9/6/08
Kody 7/6/08 -

[Doggymommy]

It is very early Monday morning and thinking of you and Oliver, please post when you can and let us know what is going on. What time is your appointment

Wishing you the best news possible today.

[rexandbaby]

Good Luck today!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jake's mom]

Best of luck today Oliver!!! Please let us know how everything goes today. Warm, warm thoughts for all of you on this cold morning

[mystic]

Hi Olivers mom,

I am sorry to hear about your boy. What you have described is not what I see when my guy has a flareup, he does not have seizures. You must ask Dr Wolfe what severity Olivers CM (mild,moderate,or severe)is and whether or not his cerebellum is leaking, and also if he has a syrinx the location, size and which direction the syrinx is expanding in his spinal cord if he does have a syrinx.To confirm SM central canal dilation or a syrinx of 2mm and greater. This will help you understand his syptoms knowing the position of his syrinx, and also about his cerebellum

Here is a link that might help there are to documents there. http://cavaliercanada.com/content/view/100/105/

Weather is a key trigger with syptoms - darastic highs and lows in pressure. Do not have a collar on him this is very important, if you walk him use only a harness. Make sure his food & water dish are raised, I use a snow fleece blanket for my little guys crate bed and fluff it up he can sleep with his head raised.

Your in good hands at OVC...

Should you need support, or have any questions please do contact me.

Wishing the best with Olivers visit today.

[Moosey]

Dearest Deb--please post as soon as you can to let everyone know what you find out today at the doctors. My prayers have been with you and our little buddy, Oliver! God bless and lots of hugs, Cheryl P.S. Happy belated, Ben!!!