The Early Stages Of Degenerative Myelopathy In Dogs Video

Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive neurologic disease in dogs that is caused by a degeneration of the spinal cord. Dogs diagnosed with the condition typically pass away after 2-3 years. Many times the warning signs that something is wrong with your dog go unnoticed. But thanks to a German shepherd named Roscoe and his generous family, we are able to share the early stages of Degenerative Myelopathy in dogs video. It is the best video I have seen about this terrible disease.

A brief review of Degenerative Myelopathy

We’ve talked about DM many times on this blog and you’ll find a list of additional reading material at the end of this post. Here is a really short, description of the disease.

Degenerative Myelopathy typically strikes dogs between the ages of 8-14. The symptoms begin with a loss of coordination and weakness in the hind legs. That progresses to complete paralysis in the back legs. Eventually the paralysis moves to the front limbs and to the respiratory system. At this point in time DM is a fatal condition, but as I write this story there are two critical clinical studies being conducted at Cornell University, the University of Missouri.