Does your dog drag its hind legs? Or start to waver? Here’s a quick primer on understanding degenerative myelopathy (DM) and what you could do to help your dog.
Quick facts about DM
What races get it?
Although DM is more common in German Shepherds, degenerative myelopathy can occur in many different dog breeds. Bernese Mountain Dogs, Boxers, Retrievers, Huskies and Corgis are just a few.
![Dog breeds prone to degenerative myelopathy](https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/05/DM_InfoGraphic_Breeds.jpg)
Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spine affecting older dogs, usually between 4 and 14 years old. This results in:
- Lack of coordination and swinging of the back legs
- The dog falls if gently pushed to the side
- Punch and drag
- Loss of mobility with progressive worsening over time
As the disease progresses and the spinal cord deteriorates, dogs eventually experience paralysis.
Degenerative myelopathy is a hereditary disease transmitted by poor breeding. DM is most common in German Shepherds, but it’s also found in Boxers, Siberian Huskies, and Corgis. Degenerative myelopathy is the leading cause of hind leg weakness in German Shepherds.
DNA tests for degenerative myelopathy
DNA tests is available to determine if your dog is at risk of developing or carrying the genetic mutation that causes degenerative myelopathy. A degenerative myelopathy test determines if your dog is free of the gene if he carries the genetic mutation and if he is considered at high risk of developing the disease when he is older. Breeds at risk should be tested before breeding to prevent the spread of DM.
Can young dogs suffer from degenerative myelopathy?
Young dogs can be affected by degenerative myelopathy, but it is rare. DM is usually diagnosed in older dogs between the ages of 8 and 14. THE average age of onset of diabetes about 9 years old.
What are the symptoms of degenerative myelopathy?
![Symptoms and Progression of Diabetes in Dogs](https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/05/DM_InfoGraphic_Symptoms.jpg)
Symptoms of Degenerative Myelopathy will change and get worse over time. As a progressive disease, you can expect a dog with DM to experience significant changes in mobility over time. The key to understanding DM is knowing the different stages of loss of mobility your dog will experience.
Early signs of diabetes include:
- Loss of coordination in the hind limbs
- Back feet hinging and dragging
- Slight hindquarter weakness
Symptoms at 6 months:
- Hind limbs become weaker
- The dog has trouble standing up
- The dog may lose the ability to walk
Symptoms of diabetes at 1 year:
- Urinary and fecal incontinence
- Weakness of the fore and hind limbs
- Possible paralysis of the hind limbs
Understanding the stages and progression of degenerative myelopathy is crucial in determining your dog’s future mobility needs. DM does not follow a strict schedule and the rate at which she progresses varies from dog to dog. Early signs of degenerative myelopathy are easy to ignore, but signs of mobility changes soon become apparent.
Is canine degenerative myelopathy painful?
Dogs with degenerative myelopathy do not suffer. Although DM itself is not a painful diseaseAs dogs get weaker, they put extra pressure on other parts of their body, which can cause pain. As the hind legs become weaker, a dog may experience pain in the shoulders, elbows, and front legs, as he bears more weight on his front legs to compensate. DM dogs that show signs of pain may be experiencing pain due to another health condition, such as arthritis.
How to slow the progression of degenerative myelopathy?
Degenerative myelopathy progresses at a different rate for each dog. Some dogs will experience a rapid decline; others will slowly lose control of their legs over months. Although we have little control over how quickly DM progresses, recent studies have shown that exercise can slow the spread of degenerative myelopathy. For best results, rehabilitation therapy is best done by giving your dog regular, structured exercise tailored to his individual needs.
What can I do if my dog has DM?
There is no cure for canine degenerative myelopathy. Although there is no cure for DM, there are many ways to help and support your dog as his condition progresses. Exercise is key to prolonging your dog’s life and slowing the progression of degenerative myelopathy. Here are some ways to improve your dog’s quality of life:
Assistive equipment to support DM dogs
Your dog’s mobility needs will change over the many stages of DM. Here are some assistive devices to help your dog move.
- Slings and harnesses for lifting support
- Pet boots to protect dragging paws
- Use training tools to aid in paw placement and gait training
- Dog wheelchair
Holistic care and physiotherapy for degenerative myelopathy
![treatment of degenerative myelopathy](https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/05/DM_InfoGraphic_Intervention.jpg)
Work with your veterinarian and rehabilitation specialist to develop a treatment plan that includes a multimodal plan. physical therapy is important for dogs with degenerative myelopathy. The benefits of physiotherapy include improved mobility, slowing the progression of diabetes, and improving overall strength.
- Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy to increase muscle strength
- Massage and acupuncture to help blood circulation
- Laser therapy to stimulate the nervous system
- Balanced diet
Combine natural treatments for degenerative myelopathy with rehabilitation exercises to promote overall physical health. Regular rehabilitation sessions with a certified canine rehabilitation specialist help slow the progression of diabetes. It is essential to follow the exercise guidelines of your CCRP. Excessive exercise in a dog with degenerative myelopathy can lead to muscle fatigue and exhaustion.
Dog Wheelchairs for Degenerative Myelopathy
Eventually, every dog diagnosed with Degenerative myelopathy will need the support of a dog wheelchair. Paralysis is the hallmark of the DM and your dog will need a mobility cart to stay active. Here are some of the ways a dog wheelchair can support your dog:
- Keep animals active and mobile
- Increases strength and reduces the risk of muscle atrophy
- Provides progressive support that adapts to the changing needs of the animal
- Enhance degenerative myelopathy rehabilitation sessions with wheelchair support
- Helping dogs with DM with balance difficulties
- Dog wheelchairs promote mental well-being and reduce the risk of depression due to inactivity.
A dog with degenerative myelopathy will lose strength in their legs, usually starting in the hindquarters. A wheelchair provides a DM dog with the support he needs for walking and exercising. Regular exercise can help slow the progression of the diseaseso helping your dog stay active can really keep him healthier.
![German Shepherd Dog Wheelchair](https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/GSD2-CTA.jpg)
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