Syringomyelia/Chiari Malformation

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Thanks Ray! ♥ This is the perfect place to share your kind thoughts as this is our "gathering spot". Since it is "my" thread, it is more or less up to me, and whatever you wish to post in here in regards to all of us is just fine. So far, no one I know has been too badly affected, other than minor inconveniences, and minor damage, thankfully. However, tens of thousands of others have. It was one of the largest storms since record keeping began as it stretched over 1,000 kms. in size.

Sharlyn, SM and CM tend to go hand in hand and often it is not clear if the pain or symptoms are caused by one or the other. I suggest you read about SM as well as CM. When I started looking for answers 4 years ago, it seemed almost no one was talking about it, with any breed. People still aren't for the most part, here in North America. Since this is more prevalent in the UK, it has become mainstream media, but not here.

Even in the Breeder's Guides that give a full description of each breed and it's potential risks, I have not seen the mention of SM/CM yet!

Lastly, and most importantly, do not feel guilty that you didn't know! Oliver wasn't diagnosed until he was 4, but fortunately his symptoms were minor. It wasn't until I knew more and looked back on certain events that I understood what it was that I had seen. Be kind to yourself!

It sounds as if you've certainly been in touch with a lot of the "right" people so far. If you manage to get through this thread, there are one or two members who opted for the surgery (and not necessarily with Cavaliers). There is no guarantee with the surgery that a 100% clean bill of health will be achieved. I think it's more like 70% better than they were. The surgery is extremely invasive, very expensive and your dog would be in Hospital for several weeks (nearly 2 months). For me, and this is a very person and difficult decision, I had decided that if medication did not work, I would not make Oliver suffer any further trauma.

It takes a while to find the right balance of medication. As Toby's Mom indicated, the drastic weather event we just had could have adversely affected our Cavaliers, or sufferers of SM/CM as the changes in pressure can often trigger an event, or increased pain. Oliver seems to have sailed through it as well thankfully. Henry was just concerned about the storm itself.

[Georgia's Mommy]

Thanks Ray! I came through the hurricane fine. Many of my friends in New Jersey and New York did not. I spend my summers at the New Jersey Shore. Places I loved to visit are now gone. I feel blessed and sad. The devastation is astounding. The good thing (for pets/families) is that most of the shelters all allowed for pets to come to the shelters during evacuations. New York/New Jersey public transportation are also accepting pets on board in a time of emergency. I think the U.S. learned their lesson after the Katrina hurricane disaster where so many pets were left behind (b/c shelters would not take them). I had my own carriers by the door in case I had to evacuate. Thankfully, I did not and Georgia snored her way through the storm. I was scared but grateful she was calm.

.

[jacknyc]

Hi Everyone,

I apologize for being MIA. I do check the thread often, but I have not had a chance to post until now. I hope everyone is doing well!
Sharyln welcome, I am sorry you're having to join a thread like this, however, I think you will find everyone here extremely supportive. This thread Deb started is full of helpful information, it was a lifesaver for me when I first received Jack's diagnosis. We definitely still have "bumps", but overall I truly feel Jack is a happy boy.

He actually suprised me during hurricane Sandy. I didn't notice any significant increase in symptoms. I thought for sure with the pressure changes he would be a mess! I think my cat Penny was acting more crazy and out of character. Luckily we are in an area of NYC that was not very affected. Sadly, many of my friends and co-workers lost their homes. Many in my family in the areas outside of Manhattan are without power and have had to evacuate due to flooding. As always it has been a great comfort to have my two babies Jack and Penny with me.
Thanks Kelly for your pics of Georgia;, they are uplifting, she looks so adorable and I am very proud of her for getting all that media coverage
Deb, I am glad to read Oliver is doing well and no big "blips"have occurred. Just think our boys will be celebrating their birthdays next month. I can't believe Jack will be 4, it seems like only yesterday he was a puppy.

[Georgia's Mommy]

Jacknyc....I'm glad you made it through the hurricane okay!!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Irene, I'm so glad you posted and that you are safe and sound! I can only imagine the devastation facing so many right now, and with another Nor' Easter predicted, it could become worse before it becomes better.

What a relief that Jack was also unaffected. While we did not have the flooding here, we had major changes in pressure and extremely high winds. The storm stretched over 1,000 kms and went through Ontario and up into Quebec. It is hard to believe that our babies will be celebrating their birthdays next month. A year ago at this time, I honestly didn't think Oliver was going to make it this far.

He will be 9, and was diagnosed at the age of 4! I'm so glad Jack is maintaining so well. My older son will also be turning 21 early next month. I can't believe that. It will be a big month of celebrations indeed.

Perhaps our wee ones have all finally found the paths they should be on in this journey because if anything could have upset the applecart lately, that storm was it! Georgia is fine; Jack is fine and Oliver is fine. ♥

[Deerie me]

Glad to hear everyone is doing ok or as ok as can be expected.

[Georgia's Mommy]

Well, our good luck has run out a little bit. Georgia is going through a nasty flare up. I haven't gotten a good night sleep in days b/c she is thumping/rubbing/scratching non-stop. I had to give her some pain medicine. The first I've needed to do this in quite a while. My poor girl. I have to remind myself that she is so much better than she was a year ago....but these flare ups just kill me. The pain pill seems to sedate her so she can rest and feel calm. I hate giving her these drugs but without them, I feel her life wouldn't be of good quality. I just wish I could take this horrible disease away from her.

We did an acupuncture session on Thursday and usually, she resets and is as right as rain. Not this time. She is still eating well and likes to be outside but she isn't chasing the cat and the cat is being nice to her. Never a good sign. Fingers crossed that this flare passes quickly.

Sending good health to all of you and your furry loved ones

[manitwo]

I am so sorry little Georgia is going through such a bad patch at the moment,i feel abit guilty that my two are so well and all i have to contend with is Mimi licking her paws at night.
Sending lots of love and well wishes for Georgia and all the other little ones with this painful illness.
Shirley,Mimi and Badger.

[Jazzgirl]

Hello,
I signed up for the website 'The Daily Puppy', and saw your post about your
Cavalier having Syringomyelia.
Our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, who we got from a recognized breeder in Seattle, had the disease, and NONE (that we know of ) of her siblings, parents etc got the disease.
Our dog was diagnosed at about 4-5 years old too. We didn't go to a Vet Neurologist at the time, but instead, our vet put her on prednisone .
Email me if you have more questions. I'm so sorry to hear about your beautiful Cavalier.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Jazzgirl, thank you very much for your post. Perhaps you should have a look at the starting date of this thread, and the number of replies received in the meantime.

Sadly, it is not just our Cavaliers who are afflicted with this horrific illness, but many other Toy breeds as well. I even know of a Border Collie that was diagnosed, as well as a Beagle. Without an MRI, SM can't possibly be accurately diagnosed, nor can a Chiari Malformation.

I'm glad your dog is doing well solely on Prednisone. Oliver only has to take that for extreme flare ups, of which he has not had any in two years now.

Everyone is welcome to participate in this thread, so by all means if you have new information, or other information, or just wish to share experiences, we would all enjoy hearing from you.

[CodyzmomCA]

Hi All,

My name is Stephanie and I have the sweetest most wonderful little guy in my life. Cody is about 4 years old and the love of my life, besides my husband . He started itching a lot a few years back, and I thought it was allergies to corn, or that he had fleas. We changed his food and I give him flea medication every 4 weeks. My vet said that dog's get allergies like humans and not to worry, that will just be him. So i didn't worry and i looked at his morning itches as Cody and his allergies as there are times when its more intense.

Yesterday I happend to see a video on youtube and the dogs were doing all these things that Cody was doing, that's when i put two and two together. He doesn't yelp out in pain and his itch spells when they happen once or twice a day aren't that bad. He doesn't hop and only every once in a while will yelp when being picked up, usually by the guys, he has never yelped when i pick him up. However I am terrified that things could get a lot worse. I was in panic yesterday and researched all I could, some saying that eventually he could become paralyzed. This crushed me, I will not let my little man be in pain.

Is it possible for him to just have his itches and not progress? Like i mentioned he has had this for about two years now, and things haven't changed. But he does have his morning sessions of itching on the bed while I am trying to sleep, but other than that is the greatest little gift ever. Any advice any thoughts, would be greatly appreciated. I have called a neurologist, but I don't know what that will do.

My Best, Stephanie

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Hi Stephanie! Sometimes a little information can be a dangerous thing. Since you mentioned your fellow is almost 4, it does sound more like allergies than SM/CM.

First of all, if you live in North America, especially the northern part, our temperatures are changing, the heat is being turned on and every one gets a little itchy or drier at this time of year. Secondly, your Cavalier may be itchy from TOO much flea medication or too many baths. He could have ears that need to be cleaned more frequently, or any number of different things.

All dogs scratch, some a little more than others. Make sure that his skin (which includes his ears) is healthy, and avoid over bathing as that can strip the natural oils from a dog's coat.

Unless your fellow has had extreme lameness, partial paralysis, seizures, sudden crying out in pain when not being touched (and if he is crying when someone picks him up, that someone better learn to be more gentle ), "air scratching" after activity, or any number of very unusual symptoms, I wouldn't worry.

Most dogs are diagnosed between the ages of 1 and 3. Oliver was out of the normal range, and thankfully it means his case isn't as severe as others. Since your dog is already 4, and only likes a good morning and evening scratch, I really don't think you have anything to worry about.

Lastly, Oliver will be 9 next month and has lived happily and pain free with his diagnosis since he was 4 and 3/4!!! He never had surgery and is on daily medication. He is active, silly, sweet, funny, cheeky and ever so loving. Just because a dog may eventually be diagnosed with SM/CM it isn't necessarily the end of the world for them.

I'm glad you asked some questions as I said at the start of this, sometimes a little information is a dangerous thing!

Good luck to you!

[Georgia's Mommy]

Hi all!

Georgia seems like she is coming down from her flare up. Hoping this isn't a trend in the cold winter months. Ugh....I hate seeing her so miserable. She hasn't eaten in 3 days. It's making me crazy. She did eat her biscuits tonight so that is a good sign. We're traveling for Thanksgiving (U.S) next week. I'm hoping she is calmer by then. Next acupuncture is 12/6....seems far away!

I read Stephanie's post. My dog was treated for allergies for a long time. She still has them and I give her benadryl (always check with your vet). Benadryl has helped with some scratching of her face and eyes. I swear her eyes were always goopy no matter how much I clean/wipe them. I think it was a combo of scratching/rubbing her face was causing eye infections. The allergy medicine has helped a lot with decreasing the face rubbing/swelling from allergies. I took her to a neurologist b/c of lethargy. She was a tired, tired girl and no longer a playful puppy. No yelping or crying in pain when touched or picked up (that came later from hip dysplasia). As Deb said, the Internet is a scary place regarding SM/CM. Always check with your vet. Deb is an awesome resource, too!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Kelly, thanks for the compliment! I must apologize as I totally missed your post on Sunday about Georgia! I don't know how I missed it, but I did. I do hope Georgia starts to feel better soon. Oliver's first winter was the hardest, and the second one wasn't that easy either. He had a lot of flare ups in those days, but thankfully they have lessened. Last Winter was so mild, it was wonderful for our babies.

I know how hard it is to see our pups not being themselves. I hope each time Georgia has a flare up, they become shorter and shorter in duration, and their frequency becomes less. I know you don't wish to give her the medication, but as you said, the alternative is not an option. As you two navigate this journey together, each season will bring different things, but you'll learn to recognize signs sooner, or have more of an idea as to what may have set her off. I'm quite sure the recent weather systems have not been Georgia's friend. They are completely out of your control. The only thing you can do is be alert to the possibility that a severe system may affect Georgia and keep an eye out for signs, as you already do. It is so hard. ♥

Lastly, I know next week will be busy for all of my American friends. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family. We had our Thanksgiving in early October, so it's just another week for us.

Still, I can give thanks for all of the wonderful friends I have made on The Daily Puppy as well as give thanks for our beloved companions whom we all adore so much. May you all be happy and healthy, and enjoy your holiday season.

[Georgia's Mommy]

Deb,

She is chasing the cat and barking like a maniac as I type! She is feeling better. It was a rough 5 days. Today she wants to play. Then she gets hyped up and starts rubbing her head into everything. She knocked over everything on the coffee table. As I always say, "thank goodness she is so cute!" I just hope this winter is better for her. Last winter was so rough but I do believe the medication is truly in her system and doing it's job.

Here is a picture I submitted to People Magazine for best Thanksgiving photo. Oh, if I could win a prize to put towards her medical bills, I would be so thrilled! hahaha My friends all call her an "Internet Sensation" now! I'm working on her Christmas picture now. I always joke that I am so obnoxious with all of Georgia's pictures. Can you imagine how bad I would be with two legged children??!! I do love being Georgia's mommy...and Lola's, too.

Glad to hear that all is well!