Syringomyelia/Chiari Malformation

[Georgia's Mommy]

Hello Everyone! I hope everyone and your furry babies are doing well! Georgia is getting back on track. We've been home for three weeks and she settled into our routine ( well, until I started back to work). She is having issues with going to the bathroom in the morning. She prefers to take a leisurely amount of time to stare at the neighborhood before doing her business...I swear someone will have me on youtube soon standing in my yard yelling, "Georgia you need to go potty!!" She obviously doesn't like my early morning hours

We started back with our acupuncture vet and it has made a HUGE difference in her health. Georgia was so excited to see her vet that it was almost comical. She knows who helps her feel good. Georgia is due for her 6 month check up in October BUT since I had her to Penn in July and she had a neurological eval done then, I'm going to put it off for a while. I took a big financial hit with moving to my parents house and not working this summer. I believe she is stable and happy. Our goal is now to get the weight off to help with the hip issues.

Someone asked me if I regretted getting Georgia. I said an emphatic NO! It's not the life I would have chosen for either of us but Georgia makes every moment better b/c of her kind heart. My job is to give her a happy and comfortable life.

Here she is sitting under the azalea bush that gives her shade (the only reason why I haven't ripped it out). She is adorable but I might be biased.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Kelly, it's great to hear from you! I'm so glad to hear that Georgia is doing well again, and is starting to get back into a routine. She looks so precious in that photo! What a beautiful, beautiful girl.

Like you, I wouldn't trade the love of Oliver for anything! As a matter of fact, I was going to post today as September 1st is the 4th Anniversary of Oliver falling ill. I can't believe it's been 4 years, and he is happy and mostly healthy and more importantly, still with us. I honestly thought he was dying 4 years ago today, and didn't sleep a wink. It was actually Labour Day, and the very last day of School Holidays.

Kelly, I think it's so wonderful that the acupuncture helps Georgia so much. It's yet another alternative, or an additional avenue for those seeking help with this wretched illness.

I would love to hear an update from all of our Cavalier friends, and even our "non-Cavalier" friends. I hope everyone has had a wonderful summer, and is enjoying the last official long weekend.

[Deerie me]

I'm glad to hear Georgia is doing better.

Well done Oliver. Still going strong. Deb, I remember those dark days of worry. I'm amazed it is four years ago.

[Georgia's Mommy]

Deb,

Hearing that Oliver has lived for 4 years with SM actually makes me so happy. It's been a year since Georgia got the diagnosis. I feel like we are somewhat under control but those flare ups scare me so much. My original goal was to get her to age three. We have done that. Our next goal is age 5. I would love to have her longer. I guess I'd rather be prepared for the worst while being quietly optimistic. I read another support group where a dog in England just celebrated her 9th birthday. That made me joyful.

Thank you Deerie me! I'm grateful for every moment ....althought I could do without her constant snoring

She is doing okay with the rain and humidity.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Tracy, it is hard to believe it's been four years! I remember how crucial the first six months were, as they told me that would "tell the story". The first 3 months after his diagnosis were perhaps the worst. Fortunately he has been virtually symptom free for the past 2 years, especially compared to how he was in the first year.

Kelly, I just love that new photo of Georgia in her slicker! She is so cute and that jacket is just precious. You know I love the hair on the top of her head. It makes me smile every time I see it.

Take heart Kelly, because the first year for Oliver was truly the hardest. It was about finding the right balance, as you are doing with Georgia. A lot depended on the weather, unfortunately, as that is totally out of our control. God willing, Oliver's 9th Birthday will be this December 22!!!! ♥

The first 2 years with Oliver were challenging. He had more flare ups, which would seemingly come out of the blue. I was never sure if he had a seizure or not, and he used to have "cherry eye" quite frequently. The "cherry eye" would often be the first indication at the start of a day as to whether or not it was going to be a good or bad for him. He hasn't even had that for 2 + years now. His heart condition has not worsened in a year either. I'm so grateful and feel so lucky, which some people might not understand. Obviously neither one of us would wish this on anyone, but to never have had Oliver would have been worse.

So far Henry is completely "normal". I was terrified of having another Cavalier, but I also really wanted one, so I took the chance. I always wanted 2, a Blenheim and a Tri. I thought I wanted a little girl, but that was not to be. It worked out just fine with Henry and once again, I wouldn't trade Henry for anything. He is SO funny!!!

I'm hopeful that Georgia will continue to do well.

[jacknyc]

Hi Everyone!

I definitely think Oliver is an inspiration to all our dogs who suffer from this horrible disease. Deb, thank you again for starting this thread, it is such a huge support.

I think Jack and Georgia are similar in age. Jack will be 4 years old this December 20th (two days before Oliver's 9th )
I can only do my best to make sure Jack has the best quality of life possible and with luck that will be a long life. I want to see an old man Jack!
Speaking of Jack and this disease. He had his annual neurology visit last week. The doctor said that Jack looked great and was elliciting less pain responses to the areas he had tested last year (no change in meds since) and he said his proprioception is good in all four legs. I mentioned the brief episode of nystagmus and twitching Jack experienced in May. He said that it may have been a lack of oxygen to the brain, basically when people get this they call them TIA's (transient ischemic attacks). He said it is most likely from the pressure on his brain but that it not a worry unless it starts happening frequently (> than 1x in 6 months). He said it also could have just been a random thing. If necessary he would start Jack on an small dose of aspirin if it occurs more frequently as a profolactive measure against a full blown CVA. I kind of freaked hearing that,as I all too familiar working with adults recovering from strokes as my job. However, he was very reassuring and said that he really thinks Jack is doing well. I just hope nothing gets jinxed (I am so superstitious )
These annual visits always make me so nervous and what a relief that it is done and all is OK.
Wishing all dogs and their human counterparts the best from Jack and I in NYC!
Irene

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Irene, you are so very sweet and thank you for the compliment.

I can relate to that feeling of nervousness just before the Neurology visit. Mind you, all in all, it sounds like Jack is maintaining very well. His "episode" was in May, and you've not seen anything like it since, which is the good news. Remember that the first 2 years after Oliver's diagnosis, there were all sorts of hiccups along the way. It is also good to know that by merely adding an aspirin a day to Jack's meds could easily make the difference, which is cost efficient and easy to do.

It sounds like Jack is doing very well, as I said. There is no further pain when manipulated, which is a good thing. I think we would all agree that if our dogs could maintain a happy, relatively healthy existence, that is fine with us. Oliver shows signs of pain in the usual spots, but again, they are not increasing. We simply avoid the things that hurt. He can no longer jump up on anything, but can still manage the stairs (slowly) and going down is also still doable. He is very cautious with himself, and we are very patient.

Oliver certainly comes to life when food or treats are involved!

Jack will be an "old man" one day I'm quite sure. Wow, he is going to be four this year as Oliver turns 9! We're very blessed. From everything that I've been told, dogs that will not do well this illness show that usually within the first 3 to 6 months of diagnosis. The longer they have living with the disease, just with medication, the better. As long as there is no deterioration, it is cause for celebration.

Irene, clearly you have a working knowledge of medicine. Do you mind if I ask what it is that you do? I don't think you've ever told me, and if you have, I've clearly forgotten. If you would rather not say in a public forum, I understand that as well.

Enjoy Manhattan at this time of year as Summer turns Fall. I used to always visit in January and loved it there then. I would go annually from the time I was 10 until I was 30, and we always stayed at the Metropolitan Club on 60th & 5th. Now I haven't been in 20 years and desperately wish to return. Having children and being married certainly stepped all over my ability to travel. It was worth it. I think NYC has changed considerably, as I was there mostly in the 70's and 80's when it was still rather "gritty". I always loved it there. I also attended in July, as my Father had business and asked me if I wished to meet him there. We totally forgot that it was the July 4th weekend, and it also happened to be the 100th Anniversary of the Statue of Liberty Celebrations! I won't bore you with my tales from that sojourn except to say I bought an amazing outfit and had a blast, but it was TOO hot and unpleasant in the City.

I went way off topic there for a moment. I do apologize!

Last winter was so kind to our dogs with the milder winter. Let's hope this coming winter will be good as well.

[virgilsmama]

Just a quick note to all of our Cavalier moms and dads, all of this good news is also good for those like me who don't have your problems. It is the strength you all have and how you share your fears and reactions to the crises that is so helpful to me. We all have panic over the smallest incident and usually for a good reason, that is because we so love our pups.

The greatest part of this note is to say that all of the Cavs are so cute and look so wonderful and it makes me really happy to read the good news. Liz

[Deerie me]

Irene, I can imagine the relief at getting through Jack's neuro appointment with such a positive report.

I haven't had the test kit from the research study so I guess they don't want our help over the pond. I offered!?!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Tracy, now that you mention it, I also didn't receive one. I guess they were only looking for dogs in the U.S. I had actually forgotten all about it.

Liz, it's always good to hear from you angel.

[jacknyc]

Liz and Tracy thanks so much for your continued support of our cavies. It is so kind and reassuring to read your words of encouragement:-)

I am sorry that not one of you received the kits. I actually ended up receiving two of them. apparently they were not very organized. what a shame as this breed needs all the help it can get.

[Deerie me]

It is a shame because I'd passed on the website to a couple of other people with cavies that I met at around that time.

[Georgia's Mommy]

Phew! I've been trying to post for a while and couldn't get it to go through! Glad to be back!

I took Georgia to the Jersey Shore for a mini vacation. My poor girl was anxious (always is when we go somewhere new) but she settled in by day 2. She was funny when sitting near the ocean. Couldn't figure out why the water kept flowing around her. Georgia is not much of a water fan. I carried her over most of the sand b/c of her hip dysplasia. We stayed on the 2nd floor so there were lots of steps, too. We managed (I have rheumatoid arthritis, too). Georgia has been so happy lately. No flare ups (crossing fingers and toes as I type this) and happy, happy, happy.

As a result, I'm smiling, too. Check out Georgia Grace on the beach. Sweet girl has fun.

I hope everyone is doing well and your furry ones are happy and healthy, too!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

OH.MY.GOODNESS!!!! I think that is perhaps the cutest photo of Georgia Grace I've ever seen. It is impossible to look at that happy, happy, sweet, smiling face and not smile back. I love how her hair is blowing in the wind, and of course, her little tongue is just peeking out in a rosebud kind of way. Kelly, that picture makes me SO happy! You should frame that one angel.

I'm glad to hear that you two are having a good time. You've picked a wonderful time to take a break. I'm sure it is far less crowded there in the week during the day with the children back at school. How lovely!

Oliver used to love the Beach. We would take him up to our Lake House on Lake Huron. It's not the ocean, but it's a darn big lake. He didn't like the water so much, but he loved to run on the beach. He would run flat out (pre-diagnosis) with his tail going in circles, smiling the entire time. He just loved it there. We started taking him there at 7 months of age, and because of where our Lake House was, the beach was very secluded, with no access to roads. As it was, we had 5 stories of steps going down to the beach, so once down there we tended to stay for a bit. If Oliver ever "escaped" from the house (as there was also a dog run) he would head straight for the Beach every single time. We've since sold the Lake House but did enjoy it year 'round for quite a while.

Let's hope Georgia has found her balance now and will continue to thrive moving forward. I'm sure she will. ♥

[me123]

Wonderful update and picture. Nothing like a couple of girls at the shore...

We were just at Belmar last Sunday with Caru, dogs on the beach after Labor Day. Awesome. Many people were swimming, it was a bit cold for me. Caru didn't seem to mind it.