Syringomyelia/Chiari Malformation

[jake's mom]

This sounds like such a horrible thing to have to go through. I feel so bad for Oliver, you and your whole family. Jake and I are here for you too and we're thinking the best thoughts we can for Oliver. I know he has everyone's prayers (mine included). Keep us posted.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

I had to post today because Oliver has had 2 really good days in a row!!! He's been playful and happy and silly and oh so goofy. He's been trotting around without a care in the world and not having the same itching issues after play. Oliver is really good at the kissing game (I try to kiss him before he can lick me) and he's been winning We both play "possum" and pretend that a kiss is not imminent and see who can get theirs in first It's almost like he knows he has an appointment on Monday and is bound and determined to be as "fit" as he can be. Whatever it is, I'm counting my blessings and thanking everyone for their unending support.

[Deerie me]

Good for you little guy.

I don't think I could play the kissing game with Pokey Paws. He'd likely take my eye out with his long nose

Good luck for Monday

[cavalove]

Hi. I have been following this thread and joined the forum with it in mind.

I too would like to say my thoughts are with you, Oliver's Mummy, and with Oliver. You are doing so well by your boy. It is wonderful that he is loved so well.

Many Cavaliers with SM live to wonderful old ages almost unaffected by the condition. Unfortunately some do not, and I have been doing all I can to learn about this condition since a good friends dog was diagnosed a couple of years ago. He is doing well thanks to medications and management.

I wanted to provide a couple of links that might interest Oliver's Mummy. There is a UK based forum, Cavalier talk board, which is very informative about Cavaliers with SM, and offers wonderful support for owners.

http://board.cavaliertalk.com/

There is also a site called Cavalier Health Org which keeps up with all the current research on SM and other Cavalier ailments.

http://www.cavalierhealth.org/

Last, there is a documentary being aired in Canada on Monday on CBC at 10 p.m. ET. It is called Pedigree Dogs Exposed. It played on the BBC in the UK in August to about 5 million viewers and raised a bit of a fuss there. As its title expresses, it is an expose of poor breeders of pedigree dogs, and some of the problems that follow, but it spends a good amount of time on the Cavalier breed, syringomyelia and MVD. There are heartwrenching moments, but I believe it is something most Cavalier owners would be be interested in watching.

Best wishes for you and your little boy. My Cavalier always wins in that kissing game too. They are such loves.

[mollie1]

So happy and smiling with you Deborah because little Oliver is enjoying such a good spell...awesome! Cavalove, your posting for my friend is EXCELLENT!

[Doggymommy]

Keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you and Oliver.

Cinder and I play the kissing game too!

[jake's mom]

I'm so glad to hear he's doing well. We'll all be doing doubletime good thoughts and crossing everything crossable for Monday's appointment. Jake and I do the kissing game too and he pretty much always wins- size does matter

[Doggymommy]

size does matter

That is not what they taught us in Health in school ( )

[Phyrie]

Yay, Oliver! I'm so glad he's feeling better. Silly games are fun... Kiba likes "peek-a-boo", believe it or not!
We will be waiting anxiously to hear how the doctor's appointment goes...

Phyrie and Kiba

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Cavalove....thank you, thank you, thank you for that information!!! Everyone has been so wonderful, as you can see. It has helped me tremendously. We are going to record the show you mentioned...thank you again!!!

I'm glad I'm not the only one who plays silly games, like the "kissing game". I do know that size matters; they lied in health class! LOL I can just picture sweet Kiba playing peek-a-boo...Cavaliers are easily amused.

My deepest, most sincere appreciation to all of my friends on here. Initially I was so hesitant to even bring up Oliver's condition as I didn't want to appear to be a whiner but I am so glad I did now. I received a telephone call today from Guelph confirming our appointment on Monday, so we are all set to go. Oliver didn't have a great day today, but a decent one. I should mention though that our temperatures are dropping drastically and that may be the cause. I feel hopeful because of all of you! A million hugs of thanks from Oliver and his Mummy xo

[Kody's Mom]

I wish you only the best on Monday. I will be sending all of my positive thoughts your way.

________________________________________
RHONDA

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

[jake's mom]

size does matter

That is not what they taught us in Health in school ( )

By chance, was your teacher a male
I'll bet the cold is getting to Oliver. The bottom is supposed to fall out on the weekend, might want to get him some booties. Jake loves it but he's got alot more hair and way bigger feet. Keep the faith, Oliver knows he's loved and that's a big part of wellness

[Doggymommy]

Thinking of you and Oliver as always, especially this weekend. I hope he has a good one and please let us know what the vet says Monday

[elmer23]

Hi, I just noticed this post. Like cavalove I saw that programme on BBC. Id never heard or syringomelia until then and was shocked it was common but unheard of. A dog I groom has a mild case of it. As hes walking along he stops to scratch. I was washing him in special shampoo and all until the owner saw the programme too. It says its caused by the brain being too large for the skull and causes pressure on the skull.

My thoughts are with you, especially over Christmas. Really hope Oliver is ok. Blue sends him wet beard kisses! Keep us informed, you know where we all are if you need us. Hugs

[Deerie me]

Hi, I just noticed this post. Like cavalove I saw that programme on BBC. Id never heard or syringomelia until then and was shocked it was common but unheard of. A dog I groom has a mild case of it. As hes walking along he stops to scratch. I was washing him in special shampoo and all until the owner saw the programme too. It says its caused by the brain being too large for the skull and causes pressure on the skull.

My thoughts are with you, especially over Christmas. Really hope Oliver is ok. Blue sends him wet beard kisses! Keep us informed, you know where we all are if you need us. Hugs

Wet beard kisses -they just sound delightful.