Syringomyelia/Chiari Malformation

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Kelly, I am so happy to hear that Georgia is going on vacation with you! You'll all have a marvelous time. The faces our Cavaliers can make when they aren't "thrilled" is what gets us. Oh, they can look so pathetic and put upon. They should all be "movie stars"!

I'm sure Georgia will be just fine with her "Grandparents" but I also think it's a good idea that you are going to spend time there with them first. A weekend is manageable. There are not many people with whom I would leave my dogs, and certainly not my Mum! I love her dearly, but she is far too "cavalier" with their well-being for my liking. She lives in the country, but not too far from major roads, and I could see her deciding to just "let them out" as "they'll be fine!". No thanks! Besides, she would never let them sleep in her bed, so that's that.

Many years ago, we left Oliver (before Henry came along) with my friend's parents. They took excellent care of him, and he was allowed to sleep in their bed, along with their little Lowchen. Since then, I have not gone away without someone being in my house to take care of the dogs.

Enjoy your holidays!!!

[jacknyc]

Hi All

I hope everyone is doing well. Jack is doing ok. He had a mini seizure last month, it was quite scary for ~ 20 seconds he had horizontal nystagmus and his head was twitching. He has been fine ever since (well back to his usual self). We go for our annual neurology visit next month so I will be sure to bring it up. Other than that just trying to keep him cool, as the heat and humidity really slow him down.
I wanted to share an e-mail that I received from a SM yahoo group I belong to. It contains a link for participating in a study. I answered the quick questionaire for Jack and will be receiving my free saliva kit (with free return postage) in a few days. I figured anything I can do to help this precious breed. Thought I would share it here. I hope that is not against any rules on this forum, if so let me know and I will take it down immediately. The orignators of the e-mail give permission to cross post and share (see below).

NEW CAVALIER HEALTH SURVEY - PLEASE HELP! Super easy!

Many of you are aware of the recent request for DNA samples from us. This was in conjunction with the Van Andel Research Institute’s project on early onset deafness in Cavaliers. The purpose of our request was to determine if there was enough interest for the research lab to pursue genetic based studies for other diseases affecting our Cavaliers, such as Syringomyelia, Mitral Valve Disease and Epilepsy. We’re thrilled to announce that there was a terrific response.

Dr. Mark Neff, Ph.D, is the Director of the Program for Canine Health and Performance at the Van Andel Research Institute in Michigan.

New emerging technologies can now be applied in Dr. Neff’s laboratory to help rapidly identify genetic markers associated with disease. This is a unique opportunity for our breed to benefit directly by collecting information and DNA samples from as many dogs as possible. The more information received -- and the more diseases that can be studied at one time (using new multipurpose platforms) will allow researchers to cost effectively investigate and advance research for Cavaliers!!

This is a unique opportunity – if the lab can receives enough responses from Cavalier owners – our breed may be the next breed studied in depth at no initial cost to us!

Please fill out this short 2 MINUTE, CONFIDENTIAL, online survey at:



http://projectdog.org/4c1e9daea834b53efb3da68cac960d2d

ALL CAVALIERS ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE! EVERYONE CAN HELP!

This quick, simple, short survey has been developed for us to enter information about our Cavaliers. Both healthy controls (Cavaliers who do not have SM or MVD) and affected Cavaliers are being sought. The survey will be active for ONLY 3 weeks. The researchers are hoping to collect information from a broad spectrum of Cavaliers, so please fill the survey out as soon as possible. Your participation will allow us to stay involved in cutting edge research!

At the end of the survey you will have an option to request a free DNA kit which can be mailed to your home if you would like to participate further.

**Even if you have already contributed a sample in the past to Dr. Neff's research projects, they request that you please take the simple survey to answer questions and update information about your Cavaliers.**


Please distribute this announcement and the above survey link to all your Cavalier websites, friends and forums! It will take widespread dissemination to owners everywhere to meet Dr. Neff's goal- which is to have 3,000 responses! All survey responders will be the first to receive feedback and research updates!

Please contact us if you have any questions. With the participation of the Cavalier Community you can look forward to updates from Dr. Neff on this survey and other research results!


PLEASE ENROLL YOUR CAVALIER NOW!

Thank you,

CKCS Liaison Committee

Susan Shidler sevenwoodsckcs@sbcglobal.net

Linda Baird lynwoodstudio@yahoo.com

Piera Brown westgtecav@earthlink.net

PLEASE CROSSPOST- THANK YOU!!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Irene, thank you for that fantastic post. I will click on the link and see if I can participate from Canada. As you know, Oliver has already been in one study working to that end, although I didn't recognize any of the names of the people involved in this study. However, the more the merrier if it helps our beloved Cavaliers, and eradicates through genetic markers, these horrific afflictions.

I am so sorry to hear that Jack suffered a seizure recently. I really have been concerned about Oliver, especially with the heat so far this summer, but he's been doing really well. I am glad Jack is seeing his Neurologist shortly, as I literally just booked an appointment for Oliver at the OVC in Guelph, Ontario for the 25th of this month today!

I'm glad Jack is back to his normal self, but it must have been so alarming. Both Oliver and Henry have a regular Vet visit scheduled for next week. I am hoping this summer won't reveal any new issues like last summer did. Quite frankly, I am surprised that Oliver is doing as well as he is considering his prognosis from a year ago at this time.

Don't even worry about posting links such as the one you posted. Only advertising links are unacceptable. You are a "known" member, so it will most certainly stand, and I hope those with Cavaliers will participate, if allowed, from everywhere. After checking the site to see if the study is worldwide, I may send PM's to all the Cavalier owners on this website that I know asking them to please take a moment to participate.

As always, it's good to hear from you Irene. Big hugs to you and Jack! ♥

[Phyrie]

Have completed the survey and the swab kit is on it's way to me! I'm happy to help anyone who is trying to help our wonderful breed! Thanks for letting me know about this, Deb, and of course Irene!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Thanks Phyrie!

I haven't sent a message to Teeny as her hands are so full with the baby, but I might in a wee bit, although I realize the window for this is quite short. We haven't heard from Ray in a while. I hope he and Charlie are doing well. He is such a sweet man.

I did send a message to Kelly as well. I know that so many people are on holidays at this time of year though, so they may not be near a computer, and I don't blame them.

Irene, thanks again for posting this. I think it's brilliant! Oh...perhaps I should send Tracy a head's up and maybe her Mum would be willing to participate with Libby as they want "healthy" dogs as well, obviously.

[Deerie me]

We have enrolled Libby in the study, so are eagerly awaiting her cheek swab. We have to help this breed in any way we can.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Tracy, you are a doll!!! Thanks for doing that. I was all set to send you a message as I wasn't sure if you looked at the thread all the time, and then Ray mentioned that you had participated, in a message he sent to me today. He was having trouble making his address fit into their boxes, but was going to try since you were able. I ran out of time last night, so I am very pleased you are doing this as well.

I do hope that the kits are sent to those of us who are non-US residents, especially after we have taken the time to complete the survey. More than that, I hope that the identifying genes can be found so that in the future, a blood test will be all that's required to determine "at risk" dogs so that they won't be bred!

[Georgia's Mommy]

Hi Everyone,

Sorry to have been out of touch. I've had a serious family emergency. My mom is quite ill and I had to move two hours away to help my dad while she is in the hospital. Dad has a bad heart/diabetes/asthma, etc. This has been quite a shock to all of us and Georgia is showing some stress. She is head banging/thumping/face rubbing....I'm so overwhelmed trying to care for her and spending time with my mom and helping my dad b/c he can't do every day chores due to his health. I did find an acupuncture vet in my parents area but it doesn't seem to be helping. I will do my best with the survey but I'm quite overwhelmed with my mom's care. She is coming home soon with IV antibiotics and an open wound in her neck that must be protected and cleaned. It's horrifically gruesome and my poor mom is the bravest person I know. I might not be able to complete the survey quickly. I'm home briefly tonight to gather more clothing and doggie/cat supplies and will head back to my parents tomorrow. I have to figure out how to keep Georgia away from my mom b/c she can't be exposed to any potential infection causes. I'm posting a pic of my mom with Georgia. They love each other. It's going to be impossible keeping them reasonably apart. Please send positive thoughts my families way. I'm not the only one to go through this but it sure is scary when your parents health is in jeopardy. I'm moving in with them for the next several weeks. I apologize I can't get to the survey quickly.

Kelly

[jacknyc]

thanks so much to all of you for doing what you can to help the cavie breed. I do hope they get enough responses to warrant a full study being conducted. they say it's not limited to the US so I hope all of those who live in Canada, Europe etc get kits.
I know the breeders who are promoting this are deeply concerned about the breed.
I hope something comes from it.
you are all such wonderful and caring people!

georgia's mom I am wishing lots of healing thoughts your mom's way. I can only imagine how overwhelming this must be for you and your family. keep us posted on your mom's recovery.

[Deerie me]

Georgia's mommy, I hope your mum gets better soon and you can get your life back to normal. I'm sure Georgia will be a good girl for you. The survey does literally only take two minutes to complete. I was quite surprised.

Ray, I had trouble with the address too. It's because the box for "state" only allows two letters and our counties aren't abbreviated like that. In the end I added the county to the line above and put UK in the "state" box. It accepted that.

[RayC]

Geogia's Mommy
So very sorry to hear of your mom's ill health. You really have got your hands full with your family's (furry and otherwise) problems. You must feel you're being torn apart by it all. Sending my best wishes and positive thoughts to you for a speedy resolution.

Deerie Me
Thanks for the tip on entering a UK address; I'll give it another try if the deadline hasn't yet passed. I do hope and pray for some good results from the survey.

Debbie
Thanks as always for your continued support and efforts in monitoring this and other topics in DP.

Best wishes from Ray and Charlie in North Wales

[Georgia's Mommy]

Thanks everyone! To make matters worse, I had to rush Georgia to the University of Pennsylvania Vet hospital this morning. She had a big flare up of symptoms and rubbed her head/face so much that her poor little face swelled up twice its normal size. I almost had a heart attack when I saw her. I was so busy doing laundry and packing that I didn't see what she was doing. They think she has allergies in that aggravated her SM. She is now on an antihistamine and her gabapentin is increased. I was only home for the night to gather more clothes, etc. to move back to my parents. Thankfully, I was close to Penn and her neurologist.

My mother also had a setback today while I was in Philadelphia. My nerves are frazzled but I saw her tonight and she seems okay but we don't know now when she will be able to come home.

Thanks for the kind thoughts.

Kelly

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Kelly, that is a beautiful photo of your Mum with Georgia! Clearly they love one another. Don't even worry about the survey or participating. You have far bigger fish to fry right now!

I am SO sorry to hear about your Mum, and your Dad. God bless you for stepping in. I know it is overwhelming, exhausting, tiring and difficult, but I also know there is no where else you would be. I'm sure your Father is extremely grateful for your assistance, as is your Mum. Georgia will sense and know, as it sounds like she is already feeling "it", so she'll be gentle with your Mum and probably not insist on cuddling as much. Of course we will summon all of the "DP Force" and send it your way, with positive thoughts and best wishes. ♥

It seems as if many people are having major life "issues" (for lack of a better word) at this time. Everyone I know it seems, is facing a difficult challenge right now. Remember to take care of yourself in all of this, or you won't be any use to anyone. I hope your Mum will make a speedy recovery. I will most certainly be keeping you in my prayers.

As for Georgia, you can only do so much while you are there. I know you are doing the best you can, and that's all you can do. My heart goes out to you angel. Thank you for keeping us informed, and especially for posting that lovely photograph!

Tracy, thanks for helping Ray with the address bit. While the study said they wanted participants from all over the world, they didn't make the address completion compatible for that. It did accept my "Postal Code" which often won't happen on a US site, as they are expecting 5 digits, and not six number and letters. We'll see what happens, and at least we all tried.

Ray, you also take care sweetie! Thank you as well for doing what you can with this study.

Oliver has already participated in a similar study that was in conjunction with McGill University in Montreal, as well as the UK, and the Ontario Veterinary College, at the University of Guelph. Hopefully one day, these identifying genes will be found so a simple blood test will eradicate or eliminate these horrific afflictions.

Everyone, take extra special care please. ♥

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Kelly, we haven't heard from you in a while. I hope things are going as well as can be expected.

Tomorrow, I am taking Oliver back to Guelph for his annual Neurological check-up. At this time last year, his Advanced Heart Disease was discovered, and I honestly didn't think he would make it this far. Neither did they!

I am confident, and hopeful that tomorrow will be "de rigeur"...business as usual.

It's hard to believe this whole thread, that is now over 100 pages long, all started because I couldn't find anywhere else to discuss this on the Internet at that time. The Daily Puppy was a very welcoming community of Dog Lovers and I have received such tremendous support over the years. ♥

To all of my amazing friends that I have made through this thread, I pray for your Cavaliers, and all afflicted dogs, all the time. It is my heart's desire to see the day where identifying genes are found so that a simple blood test will rule out certain dogs for breeding and we can eradicate these horrible diseases.

Give all of your furbabies a hug, and I will post again shortly about our visit.

[virgilsmama]

Deb, best of everything to you and Oliver tomorrow! Prayers for a really good report!

Love and hope from, Liz, Daisy, Buddy and Levon