Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a disease that affects the spinal cord in dogs, causing progressive muscle weakness and loss of coordination. It acts similarly to Lou Gehrig's disease, or ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), in humans.
Sadly, most dogs with degenerative myelopathy eventually lose control of their legs, bladder and bowels completely, and need to be put to sleep. The average life expectancy of a dog with degenerative myelopathy is 1-2 years from diagnosis.
Degenerative myelopathy, sometimes called chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy, is an autoimmune disease that arises late in life and attacks the myelin, the “insulation” on the nerves. Dogs with DM may exhibit progressive weakness and lack of coordination in the hind limbs leading ultimately to paralysis.
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).
However, in breeds where the SOD1A variant is associated with DM risk, carriers should not be bred to other carriers (or at-risk dogs) as this will lead to the production of at-risk puppies.
There is no cure for DM—only supportive care.
Your primary veterinarian or neurologist can direct you to rehabilitation centers near you. Dogs that receive physical therapy can typically keep walking longer than those who do not.
In general, DM is not a painful disease. However, having a weak hind end can put stress on other areas of a dog's body — such as the neck, shoulders and front limbs — and cause pain. DM typically comes on very gradually, so you may not see the very early onset.
There is no effective treatment for degenerative myelopathy at present. Treatment of other concurrent problems such as arthritis or hip dysplasia may provide some relief from pain or discomfort. It is important to avoid obesity, so diet and exercise (walking and swimming) are vital components of treatment.
Degenerative Myelopathy has a slow, insidious onset with a slow progression of weakness. It is not uncommon for the signs to progress slowly, plateau, and then start to progress again.
DM in most dog breeds is caused by a mutation in the SOD1 gene (SOD1A variant). Dogs with two copies of this variant are considered at a higher risk for developing DM, although it is not guaranteed that they will develop the disease.
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 ...
The dog will also lose its balance and topple over if you will move the dog side by side using your while the dog is standing. You will also notice exaggerated movements from your dog. There is also a rare wagging and activeness in the dog's tail.
This neurological disease affects the spinal cord of adult canines, meaning it's one that targets the peripheral neural system of your pet. This condition degenerates and impairs proper function in the subject's lower extremities, leading to weakness, incontinence, shaking, and paralysis.
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.
Generally, the following screening tests are performed when diabetes mellitus is suspected: a complete blood count (CBC), a serum biochemistry profile, and a urinalysis.
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.
Dogs inheriting a single copy are considered carriers of DM and will not typically show signs of the disease, but can have affected puppies if bred with another carrier of the same mutation. Interestingly, DM is the canine equivalent of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
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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.
The disease can progress quickly, often getting worse within a few months. It's common for dogs to start dragging their hind legs after being diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy. Ultimately, they will find it challenging to walk or even stand on their own.
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.
Degenerative myelopathy is a debilitating spinal disorder that is most commonly recognised in the German Shepherd Dog, although other breeds such as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Boxer, Rhodesian Ridgeback and Chesapeake Bay Retriever may also be affected.
Is walking good for dogs with DM? 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.