Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs
Key takeaways
Degenerative myelopathy (DM) in dogs is a genetic disease of the spinal cord resulting in progressive dysfunction and paralysis.
- DM shares many features with human ALS disease: it is an inherited disease which is most common in various purebred dogs
- Typically seen in dogs over 8 years old with symptoms of weakness or ataxia of the hindlimbs, progressing to the forelimbs
- Most dogs are unable to walk a year after onset, the disease progresses to fecal and urinary incontinence and death from respiratory arrest 3-4 years after diagnosis
- Diagnosis involves physical examination, laboratory testing and advanced diagnostic imaging
- There is no cure and treatment focuses on supportive care
- Humane euthanasia is the expected outcome due to poor quality of life
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A closer look: Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a progressive and fatal disease with no treatment. DM is uncommon but is usually seen in older, pure breed dogs with a genetic predisposition. DM is not a painful condition but dogs with signs of ataxia or weakness on the hindlimbs require urgent veterinary attention.
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Risk factors
At risk breeds include Welsh Corgi dogs, German Shepherd dogs, Boxers and Bernese Mountain dogs.
The initial presentation includes mild symptoms, normally confined to the hindlimbs. Symptoms progress to the forelimbs, resulting in an inability to walk, before affecting the nerves controlling urination, defecation, swallowing, and breathing.
The specific genetic mutations for DM have been found. Carriers of the mutations are at risk of DM but not all carriers develop the disease.
Main symptoms
Testing and diagnosis
There is no specific test for DM. Diagnosis focuses on eliminating other conditions and includes:
- Physical examination
- Neurological examination
- Blood work
- Urinalysis
- Electromyography (EMG)
- CT scan
- MRI scan
Steps to Recovery
There is no specific treatment for DM. It is not a painful condition however, it is a fatal condition and the long term prognosis is grave.
Treatment involves supportive care of dogs struggling to walk, urinate, and defecate, such as;
- Soft bedding to prevent pressure sores
- Physiotherapy
- Deep tissue massage
- Boots to reduce trauma to the toes while walking
- Care of urine scald
- Assisted walking
Treatment of secondary disease such as antibiotics for urinary tract infections may also be required.
DM progresses quickly in the initial stages and most dogs lose the ability to walk approximately 12 months after onset. Most dogs are humanely euthanized due to declining quality of life. Respiratory failure is fatal and normally occurs 3-4 years after diagnosis.
Prevention
Since the genes related to DM have been identified, it is possible to prevent occurrence with selective breeding practices.
Steps to reduce DM include:
- Testing for the mutations
- Not breeding dogs that have the mutation or whose parents developed DM
Is Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs common?
DM is most common in purebred dogs with the specific genetic mutations that are predisposed to the disease.
Commonly affected breeds include:
- Welsh Corgi dogs
- German Shepherd dogs
- Boxers
- Bernese Mountain dogs
Typical Treatment
- Soft bedding to prevent pressure sores
- Physiotherapy
- Deep tissue massage
- Boots on of the feet to reduce trauma
- Care of urine scald
- Assisted walking
- Antibiotics
- Humane euthanasia
