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.
The early stages of Degenerative Myelopathy in dogs video
Check out more of our videos on the Lessons From A Paralyzed Dog YouTube Channel.
Here is a list of breeds prone to Degenerative Myelopathy
- American Eskimo Dogs
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Borzoi
- Boxers
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
- German Shepherd Dog
- Golden Retriever
- Great Pyrenees
- Kerry Blue Terriers
- Pembroke Welsh Corgis
- Poodle
- Pug
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers
- Wire Fox Terrier
Additional articles about DM
Skye’s Sory of Degenerative Myelopathy
Dogs Needs for Advanced Imagine Procedure to Diagnose DM
Degenerative Myelopathy Dogs Got Good News
Degenerative Myelopathy Dogs Have New Options and Diet
Products to improve daily living with a DM dog
If you’ve cared for a dog with Degenerative Myelopathy, please share your story below in the comment area.
We determined my baby girl, Ellie, has DM a year ago (She is 10 now). The beginning signs were so subtle that no one else agreed with me that she was walking different. Over time and with tests, trials, medicines, etc., her walking issues started becoming obvious to those not as in tune with her. When I look back, I think she began showing hints a few years ago when she started randomly kicking a back leg out, almost in a spasm when she would run or play.
Once we determined DM was the only plausible reason for her change in walking, we started electro acupuncture, chiropractic, laser, and herbal therapies. We also changed her diet to include more beef, turkey, chicken, spinach, sweet potatoes, beans, peas, and few other foods as it’s believed these help. We also began taking 3 short walks every day instead of the long walks she use to take, as I read that was better for DM dogs. Does all of this help? Honestly, there is no way to know for certain, but it doesn’t seem to hurt and I don’t want to risk changing something up if it is what’s has allowed her freedom this long.
As she has progressed significantly in the last couple months, our short walks have gotten shorter. I let her decide how far to walk. But we still do 3 a day. I also still make her was the stairs (I assist, but make her do most of it on her own).
Her left rear leg is losing functionality quicker than the right. We introduced a wheelchair a month ago and use it for walks or outside time. Our floor plan is not open enough to use it in the house plus, she can’t lay down when she chooses when in it. Although I heard a bean bag is an option for them to roll up to, to rest. I haven’t tried it yet. I have her wheels set so she still has to use her back legs.
I’ve noticed she seems to get frustrated that her body won’t do what she wants it to anymore, so she lays down a lot more than she use to.
It breaks my heart that I can not fix this and make the disease go away, but dogs are resilient and I’m sure it’s been harder for me watching her slowly become paralyzed than it has been for her to be going through it. I will continue to do anything and everything for her as long as she is happy and has a good quality of life. This site has been a great resource for me. *thank you!*
Some products we use:
Ruffwear GripTrex boots. These hold up longer than most we tried and don’t get pulled off her feet from dragging. They have rubber grip over the toes, which was great when hardwood floors started becoming too slippery for her.
Help ‘em up harness. Ellie is a petite 40lb boxer, so it’s easy to just pick her up, but this harness is great for our dog sitter who we wouldn’t ask to pick her up.
Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair. It seems to be good quality and sturdy. No complaints so far.
Baby wipes – she seems to collect more “gunk” in the pads of her paws and these are a gentle, easy way to clean.
Dog beds (with memory foam stuffing) that concave to the middle. I think she likes that the sides kind of support her.
Rugs on hardwood floors. We use multiple smaller “runner” rugs as most of our hard surface is hallways. It’s easier to wash one in the machine if there is an accident.
Tammie, I’m sorry to hear about your boxer. DM is a terrible disease and it’s awful to watch your dog’s health decline. It sounds like you have been taking very good care of her for the past year. You should be proud that you’ve been able to keep her symptoms from getting worse during this time. I appreciate you sharing the products, devices and treatments that have helped Ellie. If you find that her Help Em Up harness is becoming a challenge for her, please check out a rear lifting harness. I like the Airlift One from Walkabout Harnesses. I used it for my dog once she could no longer use her back legs. And I have to say that your idea of using a bean bag chair for your dog is brilliant. It is a great height for a large paralyzed dog and the bean bag chair will wrap around her and not let her fall out of bed. You mention that one leg is deteriorating faster than the other. Please know this is common for dogs with DM. I hope you’ll join Lessons From A Paralyzed Dog on Facebook. You will be able to communicate with other pet owners. Best wishes to you and Ellie.