Lessons from a paralyzed dog

A tribute to the fastest runner in the dog park.

Dogs Needed For Advanced Imaging Procedure To Diagnose Degenerative Myelopathy

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Dogs are needed for a grounding breaking study that uses advanced imaging to confirm the diagnosis of degenerative myelopathy in dogs.

If your dog has Degenerative Myelopathy, you’re going to want to pay close attention to this study at Cornell University. Dr. Philippa J. Johnson is trying to determine if a cutting-edge MRI  technique, called diffusion tensor imaging, is able to identify early spinal cord lesions that are caused by degenerative myelopathy. In plain English, this medical jargon means there could soon be a reliable advanced imaging procedure to diagnose degenerative myelopathy. And if that happens, a whole new world of treatment for DM dogs could become a reality.

I had the privilege of interviewing Philippa Johnson, BVSc, MSc, CertVDI, DipECVDI, MRCVS about her study and what it could potentially mean to sick dogs. She also shared how pet owners can enroll their dog in the clinical trial. That information is at the end of this story. [Read more…]

‘New Hope’ Study Will Silence Genes To Cure DM Dogs

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German shpeherds prone to Degenerative Myelopathy can participate in the New Hope study to silence the gene.This story is a little bit of a teaser. I am trying to schedule an interview so I can get the details, but the initial news was too exciting not to share. Cindy Fink, who is President of the nonprofit group, Finding the Cure for DM Foundation (FCDMF), sent me a message about their research project. The “New Hope Study” will silence genes to cure DM Dogs. Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is an incurable, progressive disease of the spinal cord in dogs. It leads to paralysis and eventual death. DM is a heartbreaking condition. 

FCDMF has been contributing to DM research over the years, but the ultimate goal of these clinical trials is to find a cure for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) in humans. ALS and DM have many similarities. Then last year in 2016, a study found a big difference in the two diseases that gives promising “new hope” to DM patients. [Read more…]