Syringomyelia/Chiari Malformation

[jacknyc]

Kelly how are you doing? Your mom? Sweet Georgia? please let us know when you get the chance.


Deb good luck with Oliver's neuro appt. I cant believe how time flies as I remember
the issues last year. Oliver once again demonstrated what kind of dog je is.

can't wait to hear how it all went. jack's annual neuro is next monthh
thinking of you and Oliver

Hugs to you all!

[RayC]

Debbie, Hope all went well today. Every best wish for all our furbabies.

Ray

[Deerie me]

Deb, how did it go?

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

I am SO pleased to say that Oliver's check up went extremely well!!!!!

He is "maintaining" beautifully, and has once again shown everyone that he is not to be counted out just yet.

On the Neurological side, his medication has been titrated perfectly, so there is no need to change anything. He has maintained a comfortable, stable, good quality of life and so we will continue along the same path. Apparently Oliver is well known in the Neurological community at the OVC as he is one of the longest surviving Cavaliers with his diagnosis, and is studied with each new class of Neurology students at the University.

Even his heart condition is maintaining beautifully.....far better than expected!

Tracy, you said it all so perfectly when you said he would fight with the same contempt when it came to his diagnosis last year as he had in the past. While I never doubted you, the odds have been stacked against him, and yet here he is...smiling, letting his presence be known, and on the way home, giving me the most loving look ever in those sweet eyes of his. ♥

My heart is so full of gratitude for the blessing that is Oliver, as well as all of the wonderful friends I have made while taking this journey with him.

Not only am I looking forward to celebrating his 9th birthday this December, but dare I say, I am even looking forward to planning a huge 10th Birthday Celebration!

Oliver has some tenderness in his spine of course, and a few things generally associated with his age. Remarkably, there has been no decline in him in the past year that isn't just "wear and tear" from advancing years. This is all gravy.

Henry was a titch annoyed with me for having taken Oliver for a "Road Trip" and not him as well, and he's ignored me all night, but I can live with that. I'm sure a biscuit and some cooked chicken will win him back before morning.

I am sending love and hugs to all of our Cavaliers and their humans, and tremendous thanks for the unending support for Oliver. xo

[virgilsmama]

BRAVO!! BRAVISSIMO!! This is news of great joy, with tears of joy for your precious Oliver! I am so happy for your whole family, Deb!

[nezza]

Deb, it is so wonderful to hear how well Oliver is doing!!!! He's a remarkable little fellow
I can envision him looking at you with those sweet eyes on the car ride home....how precious!

Sending love and hugs to you and your family!!

[me123]

Such great news about Oliver. He is a such an ambassador for other pups dealing with this health challenge. His spirit is much bigger than his small body. I'm so glad more research is being done.

Hugs to all of you and your furry friends.

[Georgia's Mommy]

Congratulations to Oliver!! Such wonderful news!

[Deerie me]

Oliver is rapidly becoming a worldwide superstar!!! Fantastic news from a cardiac and neurological point. Well done both of you.
:

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Oliver says a very big THANK YOU!!!

I know if he could, he would give everyone an ear schnizzle. Sometimes to look at him, I wonder if he's even on this planet as he is much smarter than he lets on! I am still amazed at how well he is doing, and so grateful.

Tracy has known me since "dot" on here, and has been on this journey with me from the very start. If ever Tracy tells one something, about anything, trust it!!! She knows of what she speaks. ♥

I appreciate everyone's kind words of support and love for Oliver. You are all so very sweet, encouraging and supportive. I don't know where I would be without all the love that is The Daily Puppy!

Kelly, we've been thinking of you and Georgia and wondering how things are going! When you have a chance angel, we would love an update.

Liz, as always, I know you've been through so much with Levon and yet you are always here with a word of support and love.

Tina, thanks!

Vanessa, he had the most loving expression on the way home, and I was so sleepy driving from the sun and fatigue, that his loving look almost made me want to pull over just to cuddle and snooze! Fortunately we were able to make it all the way home and then relax.

I still marvel at the friends I've made just through this thread, and the encounters I've had with so many who are also dealing with these issues. Oliver gives hope to so many that often an answer can be found. Very few dogs are doing this well 4 years post diagnosis. I can't take any credit for that. This is all down to Oliver and his Doctors. With his "dumb determination" he just soldiers on.

Oliver was quite tired today and feeling extra snuggly. He doesn't often climb into my lap anymore (although he still loves to sleep on my pillow) but every chance he had today, he wanted a cuddle. Henry is still a titch miffed, but food changes all that.

THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE SO MUCH!!!!

Bless all of you, and your pups for a long, happy, healthy life.

[Georgia's Mommy]

Hello Everyone!

I wish I could say things with Georgia were going really well....unfortunately, she is still riding the flare up. Lots of air scratching, scratching, biting, head banging, etc. It's getting better with the increase in meds and addition of benadryl for allergies. We are still living at my parents b/c my mom is still in the recovery process. She is improving but it is going to take a long time. I'm so relieved that I have time off this summer to be here to care for her.

I have found an acupuncturist to work with Georgia while we are here. Her hip dysplasia is also giving her pain due to the humidity. The vet did say that her hips were quite inflamed. Georgia was even visited by a baby blenheim cavalier while we were there yesterday. The clinic rarely gets cavalier's so the staff couldn't wait to see them together. Georgia had her needles in but her eyes lit up when the puppy walked in. I really think she is missing her Darla puppy. I do feel like yesterday's session went really well and Georgia has a little spark today. Yesterday she was on a hunger strike. Not eating treats or food but still eating pill pockets with medication. I'm hoping to get her to eat today. I think a big part is not being home. I feel disjointed so I think she does, too. One of the nurses helping with my mom has a sister with CM and she was explaining how her sister feels (numb face, feeling like her teeth are moving, pins/needles). It give me perspective to help my little girl. She is definitely the sweetest girl and I will do everything for her. It's been a rough summer. Georgia has had some good days but the bad ones are pretty bad. My main focus has to be my mom but my dad has stepped up to help with Georgia. When I'm doing IVs or helping my mom and Georgia has an episode, Dad has been stepping in and petting her. My dad is well known to never pet our pets on a regular basis. He's good to them but not a petter (is that a word??). Georgia has really grown on him while we've been here.

Here is a picture of Georgia getting acupuncture. She can barely keep her eyes open. It does truly relax her. She curls up on my leg and starts snoring. I do love her so very much. You can see the "pink" marks on her face from face scratching and dragging This is getting a lot better. This photo was from 2 weeks ago.

Continued good health to everyone and their furry babies!
Kelly

[jacknyc]

Deb- I was so thrilled to read your post regarding Oliver's appointment. it was the best news I've heard in a long time I just know in my heart you will be celebrating Oliver's 10th bday!
The two of you have been such role models for Jack and I as we deal with this disease. I can't tell you what hope it gives me for Jack that he too will continue to be ok with medication management vs surgery.
Be sure to give Oliver a big hug from jack and I.

Kelly I just want to let you know I am thinking of you during this stressful time. you sound like you have a good handle on things and are doing the best you can given the situation. I am sure some of Georgia's symptoms are do to the situation and will subside as she becomes more settled. Im sure meeting the Blenheim cavalier at the accupuncturist will also cheer her up.
hopefully it will also be enjoyable for you two. I have to say watching cavaliers meet and greet is one of life's simple pleasures for me.

best to everyone!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Kelly, thanks for the update angel. Clearly if you are feeling disjointed, Georgia will be as well. Cavaliers are our emotional barometers, whether we wish it or not. Most of the time, that's a good thing, but in Georgia's case, I am sure she is worried about you. Add to that all of the other elements that cause "flare ups", and it's no wonder she is having a tough time.

She looks so sweet in that picture! ♥

I can't bear the thought of her banging her head, and it must be extremely difficult for you to watch as well. I know how much your love your little girl. I love her too! I did smile reading how she has wound her way into your Father's heart. It must help when you are tending to your Mother when your Father steps up and tends to Georgia. Bless!

I hope your Mum is doing as well as can be expected. Good for you for finding an Acupuncturist in the area. It seems like those treatments work really well for Georgia, and she does look extremely relaxed. Hearing from a human with Chiari must have been enlightening. That does explain a great deal of the behaviour and gives a glimpse into how our dogs must feel from time to time. This summer has been rather unkind to many dogs, especially those with allergies. The extreme heat and humidity don't help at all. I've been lucky with Oliver, and have kept him inside as much as possible which seems to be working.

When I read that Georgia has no appetite on certain days, that tells me that she isn't feel at all well. Cavaliers are always hungry! I'm sure she is missing her friend at home, but I'm glad she was able to meet a new friend where you are, even if it was during her treatment.

All I can do is send you giant hugs, and let you know that I'm keeping you and your family in my prayers. I wish there was more I could do. Thanks for taking the time to post. We really do want to hear from you when you have a moment.

Kelly, through all of this, please remember to take care of yourself as well. You won't be any good to anyone if you become ill. I know the more peaceful you become, the more peaceful Georgia will become, but that is easier said than done.

Oliver and Henry are sending along huge Cavalier hugs for Georgia, and I'm hugging you too! ♥

xo

[Georgia's Mommy]

Hi All!

The good news is that this last acupuncture treatment seems to have really helped Georgia. She seems to be coming out of this bad flare. I'm not going to decrease the gabapentin until I'm certain she is feeling better. Georgia has been playing a little bit and eating much more. I caught her barking at my mom while she was eating today. I can almost hear her saying, "hello, do you see me sitting here?? Where is my food?" All good signs. When Georgia is naughty she is feeling well

Her hips are giving her difficulty so I'm continuing to limit her walks. I do love this girl so much.

One day at a time.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Irene, I didn't see your previous post as I was probably typing mine, rather badly I might add , at the same time as you were responding. I am pleased to hear that Oliver gives you hope for Jack. Medication versus surgery would always be the first place to start for me, and new medications, and generic ones are starting to become available now, thereby lowering the cost.

Lyrica is due out in generic form any day now, thankfully! That should cut my monthly prescription bills for Oliver in half.

Kelly, I'm glad to hear the acupuncture is helping Georgia, once again. Cheeky is always a good sign.

I'm sure we've discussed this a few times, but Oliver was initially on Gabbapentin and it didn't help him at all! Has a change ever been considered to Lyrica? That has been a miracle for Oliver, and over time has reduced his need for the Prednisone. He hasn't even required a dose of that in 2 years now.

It's always worth revisiting these issues I think as medicine changes. Oliver is four years (on September 18th) post diagnosis, and I honestly didn't think he would make it that long 3 months into it. He was still having seizures, paralysis, pain, and all sorts. As the winter set in here in Canada, he was becoming worse and worse. We went back to his Neurologist and she said let's try a different medication. At that point, we had very little to lose.

For now though, I'm glad she is talking to your Mum, especially over food! I know how much you love your sweet girl. We love her too! I hope your Mum is on the road to recovery as well, and that your load is being lightened slowly, but surely.

Thanks for the update!!! I always want to hear from everyone.

Irene, Jack seems to be maintaining extremely well also, which is terrific.