Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM).
This disease unfortunately affects the spinal cord which results in a hindlimb weakness and eventually total paralysis. The white matter of the spinal cord begins to degenerate, with the human version of the condition being called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Sometimes this disease can be mis-diagnosed in the early stages as osteoarthritis as the symptoms are very similar, however the later progression of the disease is ataxia and extreme weakness.
Similar conditions show the same symptoms so should also be ruled out; spinal injuries, spinal tutors, lumbrosacral stenosis, discospondylosis, myasthenia graves and fibrocartilaginous embolism. A DNA test can test for the gene SOD-1 mutation which can tell if your dog is a carrier and potentially at risk of DM. You should not breed from a dog who is a carrier of DM, reckless breeding and lack of testing unfortunately allows dogs to have this condition. Make sure to only support breeders who test their dogs to ensure the puppies are as healthy as possible.
Is there a treatment?
Unfortunately there is no treatment to cure degenerative myelopathy. Physiotherapy can help to provide pain relief to the dog and can help to prolong quality of life as well as preserving muscle mass. It is important to keep the dog as active as possible for as long as possible, even if this includes using a harness to support the hindlimb. The progression of clinical signs has been shown in some cases to be slowed with a combination of epsilon-aminocaproic acid, N-acetylcysteine, prednisone, vitamins B, C, and E, and exercise therapy. Hydrotherapy can also help keep the dog active without having to having to weight bare.
How do I care for a dog with degenerative myelopathy?
You may need to buy your dog special shoes, to help it walk better. A harness may help with rear support. Physical therapy for your dog has been shown to lengthen its life substantially. Changing its bedding, from a bed with sides to a flat bed may ease its effort in getting out of bed. Your dog may need diapers, so keep this in mind to avoid messes that will be stressful for both of you.
How long can dogs live with degenerative myelopathy?
Once your dog has been diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy, it will only have from six months to three years to live.
How fast does degenerative myelopathy progress?
Unfortunately, this illness progresses quite quickly. Dogs generally become paraplegic within a year of diagnosis. As the spinal cord begins to degenerate the dogs mobility will become very restricted and a mobility aid can help such as a harness or wheels.
Breeds commonly found with DM are: German Shepherds, German Shepherd crosses, Siberian Huskies, and Collies. Several other breeds have been identified as at risk for developing DM, including Bernese Mountain Dog, Boxers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Kerry Blue Terriers, Miniature Poodles, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Pugs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Standard Poodles, Welsh Corgis, Welsh Corgi Cardigans, Welsh Corgi Pembrokes, and Wirehaired Fox Terriers).
