Cathy Moon
Well-known member
I've just returned today from spending 3 days at Ohio State University with Geordie and India. Geordie took part in the PSOM study, and India will probably join the study in February.
I'm feeling heartbroken because I found out on Thursday that Geordie's heart murmur has increased to grade 3 (it was grade 1 in Aug 2007). Then yesterday they found a syrinx in C1-C2, mild hydrocephalus, and bilateral PSOM. He had the myringotomy/middle ear flush surgical procedure yesterday for PSOM and came through that well.
The neurologist found the syrinx in Geordie's CT scan, which usually doesn't happen. But they told me it is a syrinx, so we don't need an MRI to confirm it. I have been suspecting SM, as Geordie has been having symptoms: scratching at the left side of his neck and sometimes twisting to the left while walking (as though he wants to stop and scratch.) OSU has a new neurologist, so I will call her next week to discuss medications. (She also knows about Charlie, so I will discuss his meds too)
Geordie had an heart echocardiogram on Thursday, and he doesn't need heart medication yet because he isn't showing any signs of congestive heart failure. I have to take him back in 9 months for a re-check.
Charlie has not been doing well during the past month. We were planning to put him in the PSOM study, but his SM causes too much pain in his ears to have them scoped without sedation, and our vet doesn't want him to undergo anesthesia right now, which is required for the CT scan and other testing, as being handled under anesthesia could make things worse for him. Charlie prefers to lay in his bed most of the time, but still has a good appetite. He has discomfort when posturing to go potty, both #1 and 2. We have been giving him Tramadol every 8 hours in addition to his SM meds and acupuncture. The acupuncture is not as effective as it was initially. His neurologist has doubled his dose of Tramadol, and we have another vet appointment for him this coming Tuesday.
I'm feeling heartbroken because I found out on Thursday that Geordie's heart murmur has increased to grade 3 (it was grade 1 in Aug 2007). Then yesterday they found a syrinx in C1-C2, mild hydrocephalus, and bilateral PSOM. He had the myringotomy/middle ear flush surgical procedure yesterday for PSOM and came through that well.
The neurologist found the syrinx in Geordie's CT scan, which usually doesn't happen. But they told me it is a syrinx, so we don't need an MRI to confirm it. I have been suspecting SM, as Geordie has been having symptoms: scratching at the left side of his neck and sometimes twisting to the left while walking (as though he wants to stop and scratch.) OSU has a new neurologist, so I will call her next week to discuss medications. (She also knows about Charlie, so I will discuss his meds too)
Geordie had an heart echocardiogram on Thursday, and he doesn't need heart medication yet because he isn't showing any signs of congestive heart failure. I have to take him back in 9 months for a re-check.
Charlie has not been doing well during the past month. We were planning to put him in the PSOM study, but his SM causes too much pain in his ears to have them scoped without sedation, and our vet doesn't want him to undergo anesthesia right now, which is required for the CT scan and other testing, as being handled under anesthesia could make things worse for him. Charlie prefers to lay in his bed most of the time, but still has a good appetite. He has discomfort when posturing to go potty, both #1 and 2. We have been giving him Tramadol every 8 hours in addition to his SM meds and acupuncture. The acupuncture is not as effective as it was initially. His neurologist has doubled his dose of Tramadol, and we have another vet appointment for him this coming Tuesday.