Cathy and Winston
Member
Hi, my name is Cathy, and while I don't have a Cavalier, I do have a pug named Winston, who on June 3rd was diagnosed with severe SM, COMS and a moderate hydrocephalus.
As far as I can tell, Winston is not in pain, yet. Although from reading some of the stories here, which I have been doing for about a week now, he probably will be later on in the course of this disease. Before Winston was diagnosed, he would drag his front feet to the point where he scraped the dark pigment off of them and the tops of his feet would bleed if he walked around the block. He also had difficulties going up and down the stairs. Since he's been put on prednisone, he's gotten much better about going up and down those stairs. He's also undergoing acupuncture.
What I need to learn from all of you more experienced SM owners, is there a standard protocol for treating SM and COMS? My vet has never had a case in her practice before and the neuro is 2 1/2 hours away, so it's not easy to get there and just ask questions. Other than the pred, are there any other drugs or therapies we should be looking at?
Thank you so much for your answers and any support you can give me as I start the journey in this terrible disease.
Cathy and Winston
As far as I can tell, Winston is not in pain, yet. Although from reading some of the stories here, which I have been doing for about a week now, he probably will be later on in the course of this disease. Before Winston was diagnosed, he would drag his front feet to the point where he scraped the dark pigment off of them and the tops of his feet would bleed if he walked around the block. He also had difficulties going up and down the stairs. Since he's been put on prednisone, he's gotten much better about going up and down those stairs. He's also undergoing acupuncture.
What I need to learn from all of you more experienced SM owners, is there a standard protocol for treating SM and COMS? My vet has never had a case in her practice before and the neuro is 2 1/2 hours away, so it's not easy to get there and just ask questions. Other than the pred, are there any other drugs or therapies we should be looking at?
Thank you so much for your answers and any support you can give me as I start the journey in this terrible disease.
Cathy and Winston