Basically,if a dog shows symptoms,we should really investigate it fully, in the best interests of the dog and then manage the condition as appropriate.
I say this to so many people,but a diagnosis of SM will not change the way you feel about your dog,they're still the same loving little companions that they always have been.
I know what you mean about the dark thought of SM being there...but fear of the unknown is far worse than dealing with an actual diagnosis,if that makes sense.
Scans,either the low cost ones or the full scan done through your insurance are safe and quick and will give you a definitive answer once and for all.
I would agree with all of this and Brian, I agree that as hard as it may be to consider, you need to be looking a wider picture -- sadly SM figures are extremely high for the breed -- as an upcoming study is about to show. It could be a disk problem but the fact that you are also seeing repeat scooting even after anal glands are confirmed as not being a problem -- a common SM sign as it is a way for the dog to address discomfort in hindquarters, often an area affected by SM -- and feet chewing, ditto -- means you are actually reporting a broad range of typical SM signs -- scooting with no reason, feet chewing, some immobility that comes and goes (very typical), some scratching, definite high back/shoulder area pain (the most common region for syrinx pain).
The symptoms all sound like they could be SM, and the exam and diagnosis all sounds sadly too similar to the endless misdiagnosis by vets. How could a vet evaluate SM based on 'stance'? If only this were a remote possibility!! We could all save a lot of money on MRIs.
More seriously, this is why the breed ends up suffering for an average of over 18 months for misdiagnosis for every case of SM. Vets are mostly, very ill-informed about the condition and often therefore make some odd guesses about what would likely reveal the condition or not. Stance is simply not one of them.
Many dogs with SM, including extreme syrinxes, show only a single symptom, too, so dogs needn't show more than one -- it is so important for people to understand this. SM is not necessarily a multiple symptom condition. MOST SM dogs actually do not scratch or air scratch, according to LIVS. It is a strange and enigmatic condition.
It is worth getting a basic scan I think, if you can. Better to eliminate a worry if at all possible, or to correctly diagnose and treat a condition, than wrongly diagnose.
Metacam, steroids and almost any painkiller will help SM symptoms too so people really need to be careful if they see a return of symptoms after meds, not to accept 'recurring back pain' as the answer in this breed but to investigate further.
So it's not impossible for Rosie to have a spinal problem that is nothing to do with SM, as well as possible SM - but only scanning will sort that out.
Also true and a good point.
The great plus for Chestergates in my eyes is that they don't use anaesthetic, and scanned Oliver with a very minimal dose of sedative
It is perhaps worth noting that actually Chestergates is a bit controversial for NOT using anaesthesia for scans. Many would consider this statistically a riskier and more complications-prone way of putting a dog under. I believe it costs less to sedate rather than give a GA. Some neurologists would not find using a sedative like this good practice. Others feel it is fine. Almost all neurologists I know of will not sedate and prefer GA. I think there's a misconception that sedation is safer but I think if people look at the evidence it actually is somewhat riskier. I have had 6 scans done on my dogs using sedation with no issues, but also have never heard of a complication with GA.
People in the Uk are at advantage in being able to get a low cost scan. The issue though for those finding they have dogs needing treatment is that a low cost scan will not generally include adequate long term advice and care from a neurologist, as they are really just one-off scans for breeding dogs. They are also generally not suitable for surgery. So if there's insurance I would start with a clinical exam and then consider a proper full scan if warranted rather than a low cost scan.
Many of us face these confusions and difficulties and quandaries about what to do. There's a great support group and many experienced friends here for advice and ideas.
