
Originally Posted by
Tania
My reply wont be much help but I thought excessive licking and chewing feet was a sympton of sm!
The problem is, of course, that many things could be symptoms of SM, but then again may just be ordinary dog behaviour.
Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the syrinx ( pocket of fluid ) within the spinal cord.
Scratching, scooting, licking, and nibbling can all be symptoms of SM, it is more common in cavaliers than most vets have realised and I'm sorry to say I know of quite a few puppies that have been diagnosed with it.
It is always possible for a pet person worried by the odd little bit of 'quirky' behaviour to join in with one of Mark Marshall's low cost scanning day, but this would not really be a diagnostic test, it would only tell you whether your cavalier had a syrinx in the neck area, which is where they usually show up first.
There would be no consultation or treatment advice if your dog did have SM, but for some people it may put their mind at rest.
If you are seeing a lot of quirky behaviour, then you need a consultation with a neurologist and a full diagnostic scan. That is expensive, which is why all pet owners should insure their cavaliers.
Of course sometimes feet nibbling and licking can be due to something like rabbit mite ( some dogs can be much more affected than others in the household ) and scooting can be a slightly sore and itchy backside. Smearing a little vaseline ( my cure all remedy ) on the anus for a few days will help.
Margaret C
Cavaliers......Faith, The Ginger Tank and Woody.
Japanese Chins.... Dandy, Benny, Bridgette and Hana.
Remembered with love......... Tommy Tuppence and Fonzi
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