Degenerative Myelopathy
What is Degenerative Myelopathy?
Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spinal cord in dogs. It begins with a loss of coordination (ataxia) in the hind limbs. The affected dog will wobble when walking, knuckle over or drag the feet. This can first occur in one hind limb and then affect the other. As the disease progresses, the limbs become weak and the dog begins to buckle and has difficulty standing. The weakness gets progressively worse until the dog is unable to walk. The clinical course can range from 6 months to 1 year before dogs become paraplegic. If signs progress for a longer period of time, loss of urinary and fecal continence may occur and eventually weakness will develop in the front limbs. DM is not a painful disease, but it is heatbreaking to watch the physical deterioration of your pet as the mind stays sharp and determined.
Degenerative myelopathy is a devastating disease causing progressive paralysis in a large number of dog breeds. Research has identified a gene that is associated with a major increase in risk of the disease.
Through genetic testing, breeding dogs can be paired such that no pups will be in danger of developing DM.
Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spinal cord in dogs. It begins with a loss of coordination (ataxia) in the hind limbs. The affected dog will wobble when walking, knuckle over or drag the feet. This can first occur in one hind limb and then affect the other. As the disease progresses, the limbs become weak and the dog begins to buckle and has difficulty standing. The weakness gets progressively worse until the dog is unable to walk. The clinical course can range from 6 months to 1 year before dogs become paraplegic. If signs progress for a longer period of time, loss of urinary and fecal continence may occur and eventually weakness will develop in the front limbs. DM is not a painful disease, but it is heatbreaking to watch the physical deterioration of your pet as the mind stays sharp and determined.
Degenerative myelopathy is a devastating disease causing progressive paralysis in a large number of dog breeds. Research has identified a gene that is associated with a major increase in risk of the disease.
Through genetic testing, breeding dogs can be paired such that no pups will be in danger of developing DM.
