By Rupert’s owner, Nicki

Rupert was born on 11th June 1996. He came to live with us at 8 weeks, our first Cavalier. He was a wonderful character, he loved everyone and everything and made friends wherever he went.

At the age of 2, he sadly went deaf (following a reaction to the Kennel Cough Vaccine). We were working obedience and competing locally, and we switched over to hand signals and carried on, he was still able to beat Border Collies

Later that year he had an episode of neck pain – he could not pick up a biscuit from the floor, which was hard to witness in a dog who would normally hoover up the slightest crumb!! He would scream if you picked him up.

The vet gave him anti inflammatories and pain killers and we made him a warm collar out of the sleeve of a jumper – these are both completely the wrong treatments for Syringomyelia but we did not know any better at the time, this is why forums and websites like Cavalier Talk, Cavalier Matters and researcher Dr Clare Rusbridge's site are so valuable – the Internet has become an amazing resource for disseminating information.

Rupert got better – despite the treatment! - but had recurring episodes, generally about 12 months apart where he would cry when you picked him up, gradually peaking to screaming in pain, hiding away etc over a period of a few weeks. He would not want to go for a walk. In between he was amazingly well and really enjoyed his walks, playing in the garden, chasing up the stairs etc.

He had always been sensitive around the head, neck and front legs and found grooming difficult, disliked having his nails cut, was not as affectionate as other Cavaliers etc – all things now which would start to ring warning bells. He would also experience mild seizures.

My vet eventually showed us a very small clipping from the veterinary press, describing a condition exclusive to Cavaliers – Squeakers and Squealers. It was thought at the time that the dogs were anticipating pain, much like we do when we have a stiff neck

My vet did later give us the web address for Malcolm Burley's website. As you can see Rupert's story eventually appeared on this site after I made contact with Malcolm.

At the age of 7, Rupert had a very severe episode of pain – he just stood in the kitchen, didn't want to move, wouldn't go out for a wee, wouldn't lie down or anything. As he was deaf, his comfort when upset was to be stroked. Wherever we touched him on his body caused him to scream – it is the most awful noise I think I have ever heard, it goes right through you and you will never, ever forget it. It was so distressing to witness.

We managed to get him into the car, sitting in a large bed surrounded by pillows and took him to the vets – really to be euthanised, as by this time we knew what the condition involved and really thought he would not improve.

By the time we arrived the adrenaline kicked in and he was heaps better. He came home with pain relief and steroids. He didn't leave the house and garden for some weeks. When we did start going out he was very unsteady, which continued for some time. He was put onto Frusemide as well and that really helped.

He slowly regained his mobility – we tried a disabled cart but he did not adapt to it very well – I now think it was the wrong thing to do as it would put pressure on the neck and spine.

He developed urinary incontinence but this was treated homoeopathically with complete success!

We celebrated his 8th birthday with much joy – and he actually lived another 4 ½ years, eventually taken from us with Acute Pancreatitis.

He was never MRI'd but was diagnosed from his clinical signs and family history.

Rupert's SM Symptoms:

1. ◦He did not do the distinctive Syringomyelia scratching {which is generally in the air with no skin contact}
   

2. ◦Pain - cried out when touched or for no apparent reason; when picked up {during a pain episode. In the severe episode, we couldn't touch any part of his body}
   

3. ◦Pushed {mushed} his face into the carpet - both sides, slid face along floor.
   

4. ◦Intolerance of grooming - front legs, neck and shoulder region.
   

5. ◦Sought heat sources - such as the solid fuel stove {I know now that that is really unusual, most affected dogs always seek cool areas}
   

6. ◦Licked paws and lips {smacks lips} excessively
   

7. ◦Excessive tearing from eyes and formation of plaque on teeth
   

8. ◦Haunted look in his eyes, and ears are held lower and back.
   

9. ◦Occasionally he would have a slight loss of balance, but would corrects himself and not fall.
   

10. ◦Mild {focal} seizures.
    

11. ◦Subsequent to a really bad pain episode, Rupert developed difficulties with walking. His rear right leg turned inwards, after about ½ to ¾ mile. He later improved but would ride on the mobility scooter when he had had enough!, especially after running
    

12. ◦Seizures - 1-2 times per month. His head and the whole of his front {including legs} would tremble, for 10 to 15 seconds, whilst he was standing. He would recover immediately with no after effects, no loss of bladder or bowel control, he would remain conscious throughout - he just had a vacant expression. Sometimes his eyes would flicker. At other times his head would just nod. If lying down, he would sometimes appear to be rocking. He had no control over these movements.
    

13. ◦Occasionally he would have severe shivers down his spine and rear leg trembling {longer episodes, up to 30 seconds} - these appeared to affect him more, he would want to be comforted afterwards.
    

Sadly Rupert was attacked and pinned to the floor by a Border Collie at the age of 8 1/2, no physical damage but he was very shocked. Subsequent to this episode, his seizures increased dramatically. He was on steroids for a while and later homoeopathic remedies for seizures which helped to control the frequency and duration.

Despite his problems and our worries about him we were very fortunate to enjoy Rupert for so many years - he was generally a happy boy and a lovely introduction to this wonderful breed.

A true comedian

Who was also incredibly naughty!

Our laid back wee pup

A party for a special birthday

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who struggled with syringomyelia (SM)