SM In Cavaliers - Lack of Knowledge

[misty]

Our vets have a brand new computer system.

When you take your dog for a consultation, they print off lots of health info. for the breed. Listed are the most common health problems in the particular breed.

So, for Cavs they listed firstly MVD (fair enough), then eye problems, ear problems, diabetes and various other problems but NO MENTION AT ALL OF SM.

I asked the vet why Syringo wasn't mentioned - apparently it's mass-produced software for the veterinary business. She said that obviously the condition wasn't common enough in Cavaliers for it to be included in the software, although she acknowledged it was getting more common ????

Amazing, isn't it?

[Celticharmony]

Pretty amazing considering the publicity the disease has been getting of late. So how early can this disease be detected? Can it be passed from as far back as Grandparents? When shall we know the outcome of the Symposium in UK? Sorry about all the Q's and just wondered if anyone knew the answers. It would be of huge help to me when discussing my future puppy's health with any prospective breeders. Thanks a lot.

[Karlin]

I have plenty of background information as well as summaries of recent presentations on research here:

www.smcavalier.com

Fran, yes it is kind of depressing that there was no information there, but things are slowly changing.

I don't know if anyone is taking formal notes at Rugby, as I did at the last event -- I think the preferred idea was that people would submit questions they themselves would ask by attending. Instead as more questions were received now those extras will be asked by the question collectors -- but it makes it a lot harder to get answers back to people as I personally don't know who submitted what, for example, and I'll be doing some other things during that event besides taking notes for a formal write up. I don't know what arrangements have been or will be made.

[Cathryn]

I agree! Most of what my own vet knows about SM is what I have personnally told him!! Incredible isn't it when your own vet is asking you for up to date info on a condition, OK rather flattering too!

[Cathy Moon]

The database my vet subscribes to has SM info:
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Con...EVetID=3001496

But I notice the links at the bottom of the article do not include Karlin's SM website, which has the most information!!

[Nicki]

oh that's such a shame Fran - it is essential for all vets to know about Syringomyelia.

WOuld your vet contact the manufacturer and explain that they need to upgrade this?


Other than missing such an important condition, this sounds an excellent idea.

[blue_star]

I must admitt that it wasn't until I came on this site I had heard about SM and MVD. Having Toby so late in his life I didn't have the chance to do the normal 'research' I would before getting a puppy. Uncle James the vet is very clued up about SM as he has cavaliers of his own, although I'm not sure about the other vets at the practice.

[Bet]

Ive put in a question to SM Symposium nexy week .

Guess what about !!!!!

Has the altering of Cavalier Heads in the early 80's ,any-thing to do with SM appearing about the same time in the Cavalier Breed .

Bet

[Karlin]

Bet, I know you can't be there (a shame; it would ne nice to say hello) but I will be! So will listen for the answer. I've put in a similar question.

[Bet]

Thanks Karlin ,

I know Ive got this bee in my bonnet about Cavaler Heads and SM ,but there are so many Cavalier Breeders at the moment saying how the Cavalier Heads do have an altered look from about 20 0r so years ago .

In the 60's and 70's the Crisdigs ,Pargeters, Maxholts ,to mention a few had stronger looking heads ,particularly the Cavalier Dogs ,but now-a- days ,even the Cavalier Dogs have ,what is now being termed The Pretty Look .

Bet