Molly has SM :(

**Molly's mom** · 10th January 2007, 08:31 PM

I just got a call from my vet who just received the radiology report. All I know right now is that Molly is considered moderate to severely affected. The closest neurologist is in Virginia and they are overnighting him the MRI/report and get his recommendation. Does anyone know if they even do surgery in the US for this?

Because she has such few symptoms, I really didn't expect to hear moderate to severe. I should have the neurologists report by Friday afternoon if not earlier.

Molly is just shy of 20 months and I did email the breeder that I bought her from to inform him.

Thanks again for all of your kind words.

**Karlin** · 10th January 2007, 08:59 PM

Lots of places do the decompression surgery in the US. I'll look into some more info for you and PM you later on. However the single best place to go for the surgery is LIVS: www.livs.org. They have a very high success rate with the form of surgery they are doing.

**rory** · 10th January 2007, 10:09 PM

I'm so sorry to hear your Molly has SM.

That's really good that her symptoms are so mild. Rory has severe SM and malformation, but mild symptoms as well and was diagnosed at 20 months, too. This, combined with the rapid progression, made him an excellent canidate for surgery. I had it done in Tacoma, WA by Dr. Harrington - who is excellent. I've heard good things about Dr. Dewey at LIVS, too. I'd recommend talking to as many neurologists as you can and going to whoever you feel most confident with if you do decide to pursue surgery. I spoke with more than 5 neurologists before deciding to pursue surgery for Rory.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I'd be happy to talk with you more about why I decided to pursue surgery, etc. Everyone has different opinions and decisions about SM and treatment is a very personal choice.

Hugs to you and your Molly!!

**Molly's mom** · 16th January 2007, 02:11 AM

Molly is scheduled to have decompression surgery on Feb 21, by Dr. Dewey at Cornell University. It is thought that since she is young, and at this point has little neurological deficit, she is a good candidate for surgery. Dr. Dewey uses a titanium mesh skull plate and screws to avoid any scar tissue growth. I am greatful that Dr. Dewey is now at Cornell, as it is only 4 hours away from me.

In the mean time she is taking 50mg of gabapentin, 3x a day. Any tips on how to "hide" the powder?

**rory** · 16th January 2007, 03:11 AM

Just sent you an email. I'm so glad you've come to a decision. I know that wavering over the decision to pursue surgery or not was the hardest part of this whole thing. I'm sure you'll feel some relief now that you have a plan and know what you need/want to do.

Rory is on 100mg two to three times a day, so I don't have to split the pill. He also thinks they're candy (shhh, don't tell!!) so it's quite easy to give them to him. Maybe you can convince Molly they're treats, too!!! Have her do a sit, etc. and make them look supppppppppper yummy.... Or maybe Rory's just "Special". lol!

**Cathy T** · 16th January 2007, 04:43 AM

Wow. Well, I'm glad you've made a decision and can now move forward. I just look at how well Rory has done and he gives me hope for the future. Glad also you've found someone you trust. Please know I'll be thinking about you and praying for the best possible outcome.

**rory** · 16th January 2007, 05:08 AM

Bev - I looked up the threads from last year on Rory's diagnosis and surgery. Like I said, we had a little relapse at Christmas due to over exertion, I think. Emphasizing the importance of restricted activity. Better 8 weeks of boredom followed by a lifetime of running and playing rather than ever seeing your baby scream....

Thankfully he recovered and is doing fantastic now.

**Karlin** · 16th January 2007, 06:00 PM

I was really impressed hearing Dr Marino talk about this procedure and you are in great hands at LIVS.

I used to split Leo's pills and just divided them carefully using a thin piece of card, like a business card, then I worked the pwder for each dose into a bit of meat paste or soft cheese. Or just put it directly in wet food meals. he ate it right down, no problem.

**Zippy** · 17th January 2007, 02:51 AM

I'm sorry to hear that Molly has SM and do hope that her surgery goes well.

Thread: Molly has SM :(

Thread Tools

Display

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions