Thanks Peggy Sue I was very surprised too to hear how rampant this is in the Cavaliers. I thought Danes were a heartbreak breed (mine was terribly unhealthy and I lost him at 6) but Cavaliers might have a step up from Danes in the health department. I know many are lost to mitral valve disease at a pretty young age. And have issues with PRA too I believe.

I am so sorry for your friends Cavalier...I am afraid though to ask specifics about her symptoms! Hallie is feeling better today and I keep trying not to think of what is going on but just enjoy it but the thought keeps creeping back.

Thank you for offering to ask your friend about this I'd really like to hear what she says. This has not been labeled as syringomyelia thus far for Hallie, the neuro said it was a "different ballgame" than that, I am calling it that only because that is what I googled before he told me that wasn't it. She does not have the typical neck/head pain or any neurological deficits in her limbs thank goodness, which are often signs I've read in Cavaliers but I imagine nothing is set in stone.

She is sitting in the kitchen right now letting out a big BARK now and then wanting me to come running to get her attention or a treat...which I always do so I don't see that behavior stopping anytime soon! (for Hallie or me!)

Yes stress has been a major player in this, I was being tested for a possible heart problem that took my brother during all this, (which turns out I most likely don't have) and diabetes (which also turns out I don't have) and I couldn't get a deep breath for 11 days straight. Hallie went bad right in the middle of this so stress has been off the charts. But we're doing better than we were that's for sure.