How to know for sure if the dog has CM or SM?

I have a 2 1/2 yr old male Blenheim. I did not know anything about CM/SM until a few days ago. My dog does not have any pain but he scratches his ear from time to time, rub his face down the rug sometimes so when I read the article about CM/SM I am so worried. Should be checked nw or wait until he has pain? I live in Orange County, Southern California. Do you know of any good vet here?
Thanks
Kitty

The only way to know for sure is with an MRI, however, I would like to know more. A lot of dogs scratch and can rub their head its more of the frequency along with other things. Usually scratching tends to be on one side and is described as "air or guitar" scratching by not making contact. Ella actually scratched on one side but I didn't notice the second part. Is it worse on a lead?

Www.sm.cavaliertalk.com has some information on common symptoms, etc. The first thing to do would be rule out other things with a vet like, ear mites, etc. How long has this been going on? Unfortunately CM is extremely common and SM is estimated on more likely than not BUT many don't show clinical symptoms and I would recommend first ruling out other things. There is great information sheets to print out and give to your vet. Many vets are still not familiar with the condition. Www.cavalierhealth.org has a list of board certified neurologists in each state.

From what you are describing it doesn't seem frequent so I would not jump to assume cm or sm is the cause. Maybe others can have a better answer.

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Also scratching is usually with the hind legs at the side. It varys but might want to get ears checked. I hate to say wait for pain because I could tell that from looking at ellas eyes. If its not frequent and you just read about it, were you concerned before?

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pkt89 said:

I have a 2 1/2 yr old male Blenheim. I did not know anything about CM/SM until a few days ago. My dog does not have any pain but he scratches his ear from time to time, rub his face down the rug sometimes so when I read the article about CM/SM I am so worried. Should be checked nw or wait until he has pain? I live in Orange County, Southern California. Do you know of any good vet here?
Thanks
Kitty

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Kitty, the best way is to take video and show a vet. That was my experience. My dog just recently got diagnosed and if you don't have pet insurance get it because MRI's are expensive and the only way to diagnose SM

There are a lot of people here who know a lot about this disease.

If I were you that is what I would do first.

If it is only scratching an ear from time to time, that is pretty normal. Lots of dogs rub their faces -- including my two SM clear, scanned cavaliers.

There are videos on www.smcavalier.com which might help you decide if you are seeing *excessive* behaviour and any other symptoms, or not.

If your dog scratches at the ears, it is best to see a vet anyway. There could be any number of reasons from earmites to ear infections to fleas to allergies.

The only way to diagnose SM is with an MRI but these are very costly and really there is no point in doing this unless you are seeing clear symptoms and have ruled out all other possibilities.

You could ask your vet about the condition and have them see if your cavalier seems to have any body sensitivity or other potential signs, if you are worried.

That said, vets especially in the US are very unfamiliar with the breed generally, and with SM (a specialist condition rarely seen in a vet surgery normally). They can be very sure a dog doesn't have SM when a non vet familiar with the condition could easily tell a dog does have it -- cannot tell you how many times this has been the case with people on this board alone! So if signs persevere it is worth investigating further. The problem is what one person describes as 'mild' or 'occasional' signs may actually be more serious so it is worth viewing the videos to get a better context for the condition.

Thanks so much for your info. I took Bee to the vet recently and was told it is allergies and he gave Bee prednizone for 5 days. It did not help. Do you know any good vets here in Orange County California?

When he scratches, it is actually touches his skin. I looked at the videos and am even more worried. I am looking for a new vet, if you have any leads, please let me know.

Thanks

Updates

I just want to thank you all for helping me.I took my Bee to see neurologist, Dr. Sammut in Woodland Hills. She is very knowledgeable and helpful. She did an MRI on Bee and he does not have SM but he has PSOM on both ears.It was a big relief for me and Bee got his ears flushed, we are waiting for a culture test.

Hopefully Bee will be feeling better after the PSOM flushing - and what a relief to find out he doesn't have SM. It's always nice to find out what's wrong, when you know in your heart that there really is something going on. Good job perservering with finding out what was wrong with him and getting him the help he needed.