Looks like Lucy has SM ;(

[Dublin]

Lucy spent the night in UCD for her MRI this morning, I miss her so much. They have a few MRI's to do today & told me they do the small dogs first so I'm hoping it wont be too long before she's back in my arms.
Sparkys loving the extra cuddles though!

[Kate H]

Whatever the result, at least you'll know what is happening and can start working to make Lucy more comfortable. But waiting's no fun - is the weather good enough to take Sparky and Cass for a good walk?



Kate, Oliver and Aled

[Dublin]

Thanks for your support everyone xxxxx

I have Lucy home (fast asleep on my lap!).

SM has been confirmed but shes not too bad, she has a syrinx at the base of her neck. I didnt get to see the MRI - apparently this isnt possible??? I asked to see images from it & the vet looked at me like I had 3 heads, she did say she might be able to email me some. I dont think seeing the MRI is unreasonable, I've spent over €1500 so far at UCD so I think the least they could do is show me what I've paid for. Maybe everyone isnt ad interested as me but I like to know everything!

We've agreed to keep Lucy on 100mg gapapentin x2 as she has responded well to this so far. Then I just have to monitor Lucy & go from there

[Kate H]

Nag them! They should give you a disk with the full scan on it (all the different angles) so that you can show it to your vet and also take it with you if you consult a neurologist at any point. Your vet may be able to twist their arm, but it shouldn't need twisting - this is normal practice.

Sorry that Lucy has CM/SM but glad her syrinx isn't too bad. My Oliver's been living happily with a small syrinx for 5 years (though he has other symptoms from his CM), and it's only now, at age 11, that the syrinx is beginning to cause problems.

Kate, Oliver and Aled

[Charlifarley]

When I had Bosco scanned I asked my vet for a copy of the report -which he gave me but was surprised that I asked for it. You're right -you've paid for the MRI and I don't think it's at all unreasonable to ask. Maybe they're not used to having educated pet owners!!

[Karlin]

Agree: would politely ask for a CD of images. Sorry you got a confirmation of SM, but glad you are finding this moderate level of gabapentin is so helpful.

[Soushiruiuma]

As the owner of the dog, and the funder of the scan you actually own the MRI data, and it should be provided to you if you want it in a format a normal computer can read, no questions asked.

[Dublin]

I just received an email from the vets at UCD containing an image of Lucy's MRI.
According to the report with it Lucy has a small syrinx between C2&C3 vertebrae

[Dublin]

[sins]

So sorry to read about Lucy,
No matter how prepared you are,it still comes as a bit of a shock.
It's good news that she's responding well to the medication.It's important to be able to see her scan,so you can visualise the situation and I'm a bit surprised you weren't shown this at your follow up appointment.I know she means the world you and she's been so lucky to find her home with you.
Give her a little hug from me,she's had a tough few weeks and must be fed up of vets.
Sins