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What You Need to Know About Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs

Having your pup diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy (DM) can be challenging in many ways. Whether you’ve just found out your dog has DM or your dog has been living with DM for a while, taking the time to educate yourself on the disease and its progression can empower you to help your four-legged family member achieve the best quality of life possible.

Anatomy and Function

DM, which is similar in some respects to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease), is a spinal cord disorder that progresses over months or years and results in hind limb weakness and paralysis. Beginning in the thoracolumbar region, the white matter of the spinal cord degenerates over time. This results in lost communication between the brain and the hind limbs. Eventually, the disease progresses in the opposite direction toward the head, leading to loss of front leg function.

Signs and Symptoms

Early to intermediate stages:

  • Loss of coordination in the hind legs
  • Wearing down of the toenails due to dragging the hind feet
  • Bearing weight through the knuckles of the hind paws, or the tops rather than the undersides of the feet
  • Difficulty getting up from a lying position
  • Difficulty climbing stairs, walking, or jumping into the car
  • Swaying of the hindquarters when standing still
  • Urinary or fecal incontinence

In the advanced stages, Degenerative Myelopathy leads to paraplegia, or paralysis of the hind limbs, as well as weakness of the front limbs.

While it can be distressing to see your pup struggle with daily activities, know that weakness, rather than pain, is the main problem. Typically, dogs remain alert and energetic with a full appetite, no matter how far along the progression.

How is it diagnosed?

Degenerative Myelopathy is a diagnosis of exclusion, which means that the way it is diagnosed is through ruling out other diagnoses. Other conditions to rule out include intervertebral disc disease, trauma, infection, tumor, hip dysplasia, and arthritis. This is often done via diagnostic testing including blood and urine testing, advanced imaging (such as MRI or CT scan), spinal fluid analysis, and physical and neurological examination performed by a veterinarian. The way to definitively diagnose DM is through a spinal cord biopsy, which can be done only post-mortem.

Who can get it?

While Degenerative Myelopathy is an inherited disease, no exact cause is known. Typically, middle-aged and older dogs are affected, however it is possible for a younger dog to be given the diagnosis, albeit rare. Breeds most commonly affected include German Shepherds, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Boxers, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks, among others.

How is it treated?

Currently, there is no cure for the disease, however there is some research to support the use of intensive physical therapy as a means of increasing the lifespan. Physical therapy combined with paw protection, nursing care, pressure sore prevention, and urinary infection monitoring can all improve the quality of life in our four-legged family members with DM. To aid with mobility, you may consider the use of adaptive equipment such as slings, harnesses, booties, and doggy wheelchairs. Keep in mind that not all dogs are open to the use of wheelchairs like you may have seen in cute videos online. The nature and temperament of the dog will determine if the use of a paraplegic cart will be helpful or not.

Given the progressive nature of DM, pet parents often experience emotional distress that can be quite difficult to manage alone. Pet parents of dogs with DM shoulder consider coping methods such as joining an online support group or speaking with a social worker or mental health professional who addresses grief resulting from pet loss.

If you’re caring for a dog with DM, know that you are not alone, and there are actions you can take to make your pup as mobile and happy for as long as possible. A certified canine rehabilitation professional can educate you on ways to maintain your dog’s mobility via exercises, stretches, and mobility aids. They can also teach you how to use good body mechanics with the lifting and carrying that come with caring for a dog with DM to keep your own mobility intact.

Please do not hesitate to get the help you and your loyal friend need if your dog has DM. Contact a certified canine rehab professional in your area to learn more about how you can help your dog live their best life during their golden years.

~TheK9PT
Dr. Francisco Maia, PT, DPT, CCRT

In collaboration with:

Dr. Aliya Bahjet, PT, DPT
Professional Writer and Physical Therapist