Syringomyelia/Chiari Malformation

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

On September 18th, it was confirmed by MRI that Oliver is suffering from a Chiari Malformation (CM) and/or Syringomyelia (SM). He is currently under the care of neurologists at the University of Guelph in Ontario (one of the top veterinary colleges in Canada). Initially he responded well to medication (Gabbapentin) for the first 30 days or so, but in the past 2 weeks, since November 1, Oliver seems to be declining rapidly. He will be 5 in December and was virtually symptomless until Labour Day of this year on September 1. The seizures he suffered initially have been attributed to the CM, however now he is displaying all the symptoms of SM. He has not had another seizure since Labour day.

If anyone knows anything about living with SM or CM, I would appreciate hearing from you. My local veterinarians have been so amazing, as have the doctors at the University of Guelph. Oliver has also been accepted into a study of Cavaliers specifically designed to create a blood test for SM and his results are being studied by several universities in Canada. Oliver's breeder is also participating in this study. I called his neurologist today and were it not for a snow storm, he would have been seen immediately. Due to the weather, and the fact that his "regular" vet is less than 5 minutes away, he has an appointment on Thursday of this week. (I live in another city, namely London, Ontario so highway travel in bad weather not recommended).

Oliver is just the sweetest little chappy ever. I can't bear the fact that he might be suffering in any way. Please, if anyone has any information they can share, I would appreciate it greatly.

[Sandy, Cheyenne's mom2]

I have never heard of either condition, but just wanted to know that we're wishing you all the best, and strength in the coming weeks to bear whatever is coming as they look for an effective treatment. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and an extra tummy rub from Cheyenne and me! Take care, all of you, and be careful driving on icy roads!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Sandy, thank you so much for your kind words and thoughts. We will be extra careful I know Syringomyelia is relatively new in North America and I am so blessed to be able to take Oliver to the best facility in Canada AND to have him included in a study. He actually has a "team" of doctors and they have told me that these are "first steps" in managing this condition and to be hopeful and positive which I am. With all the canine experts on here, I'm sure someone will have some insight. Thank you again, Sandy...your comments mean a great deal. Deborah

[caramel]

I have never heard of these conditions,they sound scary. Sending you warm positive thoughts, and hope for some good news.

[sassanik]

I imagine that most of the information that you can find on this will be on websites based out of England, where I believe the problem is more prevelant.

I am so sorry that your dog has this problem. I hope that he is able to find relief.

[Doggymommy]

Hi Oliver's Mummy, I am sending you a link that should help you out with information

I am sorry to hear this news, lots of hugs and kisses to both you and Oliver!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Thank you everyone for your words of encouragement. As you can imagine, I had read absolutely everything I can get my hands on, and yes this disease is far more prevalent in the U.K. but unfortunately becoming increasingly so here in Canada and the United States. I did view his MRI with the neurologist and was able to actually see the CM where his spinal cord meets his brain stem. It appears as though a tiny pressure point may be there, only from time to time. I also saw the SM appear just behind his shoulders on the MRI. She (the neurologist) indicated that it was very small and may or may not be SM. I think we have the answer to that now. Doggymommy, thank you for the info...very helpful indeed I am going to stay positive and upbeat because if there is a solution, we'll find it. Now if only I could control the weather....(another storm forecast for this evening into tomorrow). Thank you again so much everyone. I'll keep you posted after our visit tomorrow. Hugs from Oliver and his Mummy xo

[kian]

I too haven't heard of this condition. Sending best wishes from the states and clear roads for your travel!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

I woke up to a blizzard this morning, with storm warnings in effect along with dangerous driving conditions expected. The storm let up for a little while this afternoon, but is expected to return anytime this evening with up to 50 cm's of snow!!! (more than a foot) Needless to say, we were unable to keep our appointment with Oliver's neurologist and have re-booked for the 8th of December, weather permitting.

The good news...after leaving a voice message for Oliver's doctor, she actually called me back within an hour!!! Humans do not receive that kind of medical attention usually (in Ontario). Apparently the weather is a major contributing factor to Oliver's symptoms and we have increased his medication by one more pill mid-day. She has 49 other Cavaliers in her study and all of them are experiencing similar issues as Oliver. She didn't sound at all worried about him and I find her positive, friendly attitude makes a big difference in my attitude. As busy a doctor as she is, I always feel as though she has all the time in the world for Oliver.

Thank you again everyone for all your kind words and thoughts. I appreciate the support tremendously

[Phyrie]

Oh, poor Oliver! As a Cavalier owner, of course I am aware of these conditions. I am lucky in that my breeder has not had a single case in any of her lines. It's now up to your breeder to find out where in the line this is coming from, and making sure she doesn't breed to it anymore. From your comments about your breeder, I'm sure she will be vigilant.

It sounds like you are getting the best of care that Oliver can get. You are lucky to live so close to so much help. I have the choice of only two vets near me, and one is terrible. Luckily I really like the other one, and he keeps well up in his education.

I have no first hand knowledge of either of Oliver's conditions, but I concur that the internet is a great tool, as far as research goes. I wish you both the very best. Love up on your little guy, and learn all you can. Forewarned is forearmed.

Good luck,
Phyrie

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Thank you Phyrie As you may well know, at the time Oliver was bred, this disease had not yet been discovered in Cavaliers (or identified) in North America. Oliver's breeder has been involved with Cavaliers for more than 30 years and has worked diligently to avoid all of the other known health issues involved with the breed. You probably also know that both the sire and the dam must be carriers of a certain gene, which creates a perfect "storm" causing Syringomyelia. She too is participating in the same study and because of that, Oliver was accepted. She is having every one of her bitches tested with an MRI at her own expense.

Oliver's condition at this point is relatively good considering. He is enjoying life and being as goofy as ever. As far as I can tell, he is not in pain...that I could not tolerate. Oliver has been exhibiting such symptoms as "air scratching", face rubbing, head shaking and itchiness in his hind end. None of these signs were present prior to Labour Day of this year and he is nearly 5 (Dec. 22 is his b/day). Occasionally he has weakness in his hind end, which has been attributed to the seizure activity that occured which is caused by the chiari malformation. The other symptoms I mentioned are attributed to the SM (syringomyelia).

I have started this thread to not only garner more information for myself, but also to provide information for others. Chiari Malformations are becoming more prevalent in "tea cup" breeds, whereas Syringomyelia has been mostly identified in Cavaliers, although I've read, not limited to them. Unless a dog has an MRI, both of these conditions can not be diagnosed with any certainty. The goal is to change that as MRI's cost a great deal of money ($2,000.00).

Again, I appreciate your positive thoughts and well wishes. It really does make this journey a little easier to walk

[Phyrie]

Well said, Oliver's mummy.

I truly hope that all goes well with Oliver's treatment, and he has much more time with you. I can sense that you are also willing and able to make the decision to take his pain and suffering from him if it should become too much for both of you to bear. If that day should ever come, I do have some words of comfort I can offer, as I have gone through that myself.

Until, or IF, that terrible day arrives, keep your chin up, and be grateful for that goof. Aren't they just the most lovely dogs?

Phyrie

[mollie1]

As you know, you and Oliver are so in my thoughts and prayers and since I live minutes away from you, I am here to give you whatever extra help you may need. We will continue to hold very positive thoughts for Oliver in the hope that the Neurologist discovers a treatment that will arrest Oliver's symptoms. Missy has demonstrated some of the same symptoms as Oliver so I well understand what it is like to observe, nurse and care for a pet that is unwell and how helpless it makes us feel. Oliver is such a sweet baby and our hope is that you have many more years with him...I know you will stay positive and we know, firsthand, that the support offered by all of the participants here brings such comfort, support and encouragement. We are all rooting for Oliver and for you. Take good courage my angel.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Thank you Phyrie and Debra In a panic yesterday morning, I called the vet because it appeared as if Oliver had somehow hurt his right eye during the night. He was keeping it closed, it was red and he was blinking a lot. After observing him for about 15 minutes, I noticed his left eye rolling back in his head. I had never seen this behaviour before, on any dog. Other than his eyes not appearing normal, the rest of him was fine, i.e., no air scratching, head rubbing etc. Within 20 minutes of me making an appointment, which was about an hour from that time, he was completely symptomless!!! His eyes have returned to normal and there appears to be no lasting effect. I even wondered if he had somehow, although I don't know how, contracted "pink eye" (conjunctivitis). Since he no longer had any symptoms to observe, we did not attend the vet's after we spoke on the telephone.

My question is did I witness a petit-mal seizure? I know what a grand-mal looks like and this was not that. From what I've read about seizure behaviour, I am still unclear as to how to identify a "small" one. We have a dose of valium on hand, given to me by my vet should he have a seizure, as that is the only thing they can do for him at this point. Once the seizure is over, rest and a careful eye are what is required. I did not administer the valium as I did not think I was witnessing a seizure. Today to look at Oliver, one would never know there is anything wrong with him at all. I only think it was perhaps a seizure today because he is entirely back to normal.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Everyone has been so kind and supportive, I can't express how much I appreciate it. Deborah

[Phyrie]

I'm sorry, Deborah, but seizure is totally beyond my experience. What did the vet think when you told her (or him) the symptoms? I know it's difficult for them to try to diagnose over the phone. I'm a little surprised the vet didn't insist on seeing Oliver anyway. Although I can understand the frustration of taking a symptom-less dog to the vet only to be told to bring him back when there's symptoms! Oh, and that'll be a hundred dollars, please... *sigh*

Phyrie