CM/SM Very Simple

This is frustrating me so much because I can not get this adobe flyer on my website. If ANYONE can please help me I would appreciate it because it is so helpful. Some of this can seem confusing so Rachel had an idea to make an flyer that is easier to understand. I am going to take the information from the flyer until I can get it right.

What you should know about Syringomyelia (SM) and Chiari-like Malformation

What is is SM?

A malformation of the skull which is too small, and of the brain, which is too big and squashed and pushed out the back of the dog’s skull into the vertebral canal.(CM) This blocks the normal flow of fluids in the brain and spinal cord so that cavities develop called syrinxes which affectthe nervous system(SM). A syrinx can develop as young as 3 months or more slowly over a period of years. CM/SM is rarely fatal but can be increasingly painful and debilitating. Suffering is such that affected dogs may need surgery or early euthanasia.

How do I know if my dog has it?


Many dogs never show signs but could be a ‘carrier’ passing on this serious condition to offspring. Others may only show discomfort on occasions such pain onjumping or be unwilling to exercise. However in some dogs the pain is severe and they may have a twisted back or walk with a characteristic scratching movement. The only way to confirm diagnosis is an MRI. (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
 
Do I have to do anything?


Yes – because it is impossible to get rid of this painful condition unless EVERYONE helps the breed. Breeders have particular responsibility for health. It is devastating to worry and watch a much loved pet suffer and your dogs may inadvertently be contributing.

• You need to get an accurate diagnosis of whether your breeding dog is affected or not. There is going to be a new BVA/KC* scheme for MRI testing with universal standards.
• Do not breed from any dog that has symptoms.
• Ideally only breed with dogs that do not have SM at 2.5 years but mildly affected

Is it a problem in particular breeds?


CMSM has been shown to be inherited and has been most researched in Cavaliers and Griffons. However it is also found in King Charles Spaniels, Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Boston Terriers, Miniature Dachshunds, Miniature/toy poodles, Chihuahuas, Bichon Frisé, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Pomeranians, Papillons,French Bulldogs a Pekingese, a miniature Pinscher and several Cross Breeds. Research is looking for the genes that cause it. Dr Rusbridge at the Stone Lion Veterinary Hospital, UK, is the leading neurologist involved. She suggested breeding guidelines which have been recognized by the *BritishVeterinary Associationand the Kennel Club and used in a proposed MRI scheme to reduce the incidence of inherited CM and SM.
 
If I use the breeding guidelines will I get rid of CMSM in my lines?


Because SM can develop after a dog is used for breeding, breeding clear to clear may produce affected offspring but breeding affected to affected almost certainly will. Until the gene/s are found it isn’t possible to get rid of the condition entirely.
 
How can I help research?


It’s simple, join the group who MRI their breeding dogs Contact Dr Clare Rusbridge

http://www.veterinary-neurologist.co.uk/
 
This was taken from the flyer that I am trying to post on my website :(
 

Karma

I just wrote the post about the dog stroller and the best thing happened. Beth who is a wonderful person contacted me and said she had a dog stoller I could use! It could be passed around to people in our group in Charlotte that needs it. The sad thing is that even though there is already another dog in Charlotte with SM, I am sure they will not be the only two in the future. Oh well!

So I dug up all my change in my couch and went to our local coin machine at the grocery store and I had $40. What did I do with it, well not pay off my care credit for Ella's surgery but I was feeling in a good mood, so I went to Office Max. It was closed so CVS so I could go into work and print out these awesome Syringomyelia awareness posters the Rachael made. I will post it in just a moment I am just excited about the stroller. I made little cards that said thank to Gemma the Graphics Designer "Support the Queen City "Little Kings" and we are off to day to spread the word.

Dog Stroller- then and now

You know when you buy something thinking it will motivate you to exercise, cook etc. That is what shopaholics do. Two years ago I got this wonderful dog stroller, the kind you can take running in a hope that somehow I will make myself exercise. My idea of working out is walking up the three flights of stairs to my apartment. So the dog stroller collected dust along with my pilates equipment, Wii fit, all the things I used to buy.

I am big in giving to charity. Ella would volunter as a therapy dog and go to the nursing homes, we would do things around the community anything to give back. Each year I got involved in PetPalooza which is a fundraiser for charlotte's Humane Society. I organized a silent auction so I could raise money and put some things that I did not use to raise money.

My dusty dog stroller that was top of the line was one of the items which I had no idea i would need so desperately now. The stroller I spent several hundred Dollars for raised a only $20. My finances have changed since last year and so has my need for a dog stroller.

This weekened Charlotte had Bark in the Park and I wanted to go but Ella needs to be careful with how much exercise she does. Where is my dog stroller? With someone that thought it was "cute". I went home and got a baby stroller my mom had and off we went to Bark in the Park. I have always felt it is important for dogs to socialize so Ella needed to go. I know I got looks or people said how cute, but I wished we were like the others. No worries, just fun which we had but I felt isolated.

The stroller worked and Ella liked being outside but the one table we wanted to find, the dog stairs, we couldn't. We did see Kim at club k-9 where she used to go to day care so overall we had fun but we are very tired!

Holding Ella Hostage

I love Ella and I know how everyone that gets to know her falls in love with her too.  Everyone says their dog is special but I really think she is.  Sometimes I get a little mad because people will only want to hang out if Ella is with me.  Do you want to see me or the dog?  It's always Ella.  Oh well, at least she has people that love her :) Last night I went to my friend Gemma's house to see her dog Corey that I talked about who just got diagnosed with a severe case of SM.  My friend who LOVES Ella came along.  That night we were in seperate rooms watching TV and I could not find the remote.  I said "I'll give you Ella if you give me the remote".  The funny thing is I knew that was my only bargaining tactic. 

I went in the room to check up on them and Ella was being guarded.  She was being held hostage!!! I think that they were scared she would come back to me because she is a mama's girl.  Well I eventually got her back after searching for another remote to swap.  It is funny how much people want to be around her.  Ella loves my friend but she is still a mama's girl when it comes time for bed. 

Now if you did not already think I was crazy, you will now.  I sing to her at night before we go to sleep.  She has a special song.  I have been doing it since she was a puppy.  Once she hears that song she comes to bed.  So I have the ultimate trick card.

Spread the Word- Cavaliers and Griffons are in the Together

I got an email from Rachael Harvey who is actively trying to bring awareness to SM.  It is important for people to understand that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not alone.  There have been research studies on Syringomeylia in Brussels Griffons and information learned in these studies are also helpful to Cavaliers.  Rachel told me she had three of her girls scanned and Mia was diagnosed with SM.  She sent me an awareness flyer to hand out and once she gives me the authority I will put it on my blog.  So now my prayers include Mia.