Ventral Slot Experiences

[gentess1]

Another long car journey, but worth it to get Todd. He is still very out of sorts, but hopefully it is just him getting settled again. The other dogs gave him a big welcome. He is at or local vets tomorrow to get his staples out, then back to the specialists next Monday to work out the next step. Thanks for concern and best wishes

[Karlin]

I am going to again very strongly advise you get Todd's MRI read by Clare Rusbridge for a second opinion.

I am just really alarmed that the vet sees NO CM -- this is, and I stress it -- virtually impossible.

As Pat mentioned in an earlier post, the kind of problems you are seeing may have nothing whatsoever to do with what he has had the surgery for and it would also alarm me that they are even considering further surgery without getting a formal neurologist consult. I just don't really understand how a mild disk problem could produce the symptoms you saw before surgery or after and I'd want that explained.

Some of these decisions do sound as if the people involved do not know very much about CM/SM (believe me -- if you had a cavalier with NO CM, the researchers would want to know -- only a couple have been found out of over a thousand MRIs). You are fortunate to have several of the leading neurologists/researchers in this area in the UK -- before you spend more money of any other treatments, I'd get a second opinion. You can get Clare Rusbridge by talking to Stone Lion. At least then you will either have eliminated a major worry that you are not treating for the right condition, or you will find a correct way forward for treatment.

[Pat]

I wasn't going to post again, but I must say one more time that I strongly agree with Karlin's last post. Again, you've never said what kind of specialist this is - neurologist, orthopedic specialist, surgeon or something else. I sure would want a neurologist to review the MRI and to review this case especially because of all of the inconsistencies between the MRI and his symptoms, the serious nature of the symptoms, and discussion of more surgery that could be harmful if the diagnosis is incorrect.

Pat

[gentess1]

The surgeon is an orthopedic and soft tissue specialist. I hear gushing praise of Clare, how would I contact her. The hospital we are using is part of a big group, should I call and insist on a second opinion from a neurologist, or should it be a specific type of specialist I need to ask for. I am already over my insurance limit, but I want my little Todd back, and all his puppy like ways.

Thanks, hopefully you will come back to me.

Regards Steve

[Sabby]

Just wondering if there is any news on little Todd.

[Karlin]

Sorry Steve, I missed this -- there are a lot of daily threads and posts and I don't get to all of them -- always feel free to PM me if you need a contact.

Information on Clare and contacting her are on her website:

http://www.veterinary-neurologist.co.uk/