Degenerative myelopathy is an autosomal recessive genetic disease, meaning inheriting one or two copies of the gene (SOD1), increases the risk of developing the disease; however, not all dogs who carry even both genes will develop DM.
This disease is not uncommon in some pure bred dogs with an overall prevalence rate of 0.19%. Although the German Shepherd Dog is the most commonly affected breed, DM has been reported in other breeds and most recently in the Pembroke Welsh Corgi (PWC).
While any dog can suffer from degenerative myelopathy, by far the most common dog breed to be diagnosed with DM is the German Shepherd. Other breeds that face an increased risk of this disease include: Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.
DM is an inherited neurologic disease typically affecting dogs around eight years of age or older. It causes gradual muscle wasting and incoordination in the hind limbs, and then progresses to an inability to walk after six to twelve months.
The only way to prevent degenerative myelopathy in dogs is to selectively breed. Before purchasing an at-risk dog, ask the breeder to show you the results of SOD-1 gene mutation testing on the parents, proving that both carry two copies of the normal gene.
A genetic mutation, SOD-1, has been identified as a major risk factor for DM. DM is considered a disease of middle-aged to older dogs including German Shepherds, German Shepherd crosses, Siberian Huskies, and Collies.
Unfortunately, degenerative myelopathy cannot yet be prevented. A genetic test is available to screen for the genes responsible for degenerative myelopathy.
DM may be painless, but most dogs with severe chronic pain will display no signs. Therefore, I have also seen cases of severe hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament rupture or arthritis get mistaken for DM. Degenerative myelopathy is described as a diagnosis by exclusion.
14 Disorders that often mimic and coexist with DM include degenerative lumbosacral syndrome, intervertebral disc disease, spinal cord neoplasia and degenerative joint diseases such as hip dysplasia or cranial cruciate ligament rupture.
Degenerative myelopathy is a particular concern in Boxers, Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Wire Fox Terriers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Borzoi, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Golden Retriever, Great Pyrenean Mountain Dog, Kerry Blue Terriers, Poodle, Pug, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Shetland ...
For just $75, AffinityDNA will test whether your dog carries the genes associated with Degenerative Myelopathy. Using a simple swab from the inner cheek of your dog, we will ascertain whether or not your dog carries the genetic mutation that is likely to develop into the condition.
Since DM occurs in the spinal cord of the back, we classically observe rear limb weakness and incoordination as primary symptoms. Signs of degenerative myelopathy typically observed at the time of examination include: Slow onset and progression. Weak back legs that are wobbling, scuffing, or crisscrossing.
How long do dogs live with Degenerative Myelopathy? Dogs generally live with DM for anywhere between six months and three years. Rehab therapy and regular exercise can help improve the quality of life for dogs with DM. Unfortunately, Degenerative Myelopathy has no cure at the moment.
Degenerative Myelopathy in dogs can progress quickly, especially when it reaches its final stages. Signs of late-stage DM appear to happen overnight or within a few days.
Yes, dogs with Degenerative Myelopathy should stay as active as possible. Keeping a DM dog active can actually help slow down the progression of the disease. Physical therapy and regular structured exercises, including walking, can help dogs with DM maintain muscle strength and minimize their risk of muscle atrophy.
Stem Cell Therapy for Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs is showing encoring evidence in slowing the progression of this tragic neurological condition and possibly even reversing it.
Diagnosis of Myelopathy
Diagnostic tests your doctor may include are: A spine X-ray to rule out other causes of back or neck pain. Spine MRI or spine CT, to show areas of pressure on the spinal canal. Myelography, to determine location and presence of abnormalities of the spinal cord.
Most dogs with degenerative myelopathy initially present with clinical signs of spasticity and general proprioceptive ataxia in the pelvic limbs. This varies from patient to patient based on the stage at which the dog is brought in for clinical evaluation.
Fecal and urinary incontinence inevitably follow. The rear legs become so weak that your dog will need help getting up. She'll have trouble holding a position to pee or poop. (Dogs with degenerative myelopathy often walk and poop.)
There's still much to be discovered and learn about DM and its causes. The genetic test isn't 100% foolproof, but it provides a common-sense prediction of which dogs are at risk—and the degree of risk—and which dogs aren't. The classic clinical signs of DM are: Sudden onset of clinical neurological signs without trauma.
The disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion with incomplete penetrance, and is caused by a mutation (c. 118G>A) in the gene SOD1. Thus, two copies of the SOD1 mutation (DM/DM) confer increased risk for DM but not all DM/DM dogs across breeds will develop the disease.
STAGE 4 – LMN tetraplegia and brain stem signs (~ over 36 months) – At the end of the disease, the degeneration can progress to involve neck, brain stem, and brain. Patients will not be able to move all four limbs, have trouble breathing, and have difficulty with swallowing and tongue movement.
Symptoms of Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs
With progression of the condition, a severely affected dog will lose the ability to stand on or move the hind limbs. If able to stand on the hind limbs, a patient's legs may shake due to weakness.
Unfortunately, DM tends to progress very quickly. Most dogs that have been diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy will become paraplegic within six months to a year.