A degenerative neurologic disease initially described in 1973.
Canine Degenerative Myelopathy can almost be described as Multiple Sclerosis in humans. It is an inflammatory spinal cord disease that disintegrates the myelin sheath which acts as insulation, protecting the nerve fibers in the spine.
In German Shepherds, it is unique as it is considered dog autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks the central nervous system which leads to a loss of the myelin. Without these nerve connections, the muscles cannot work and the dog is unable to walk.
Other dog breeds that can develop the same type of DM as seen in the GSD are:
It is unknown whether the exact condition exists in other dog breeds.
DM appears to have genetic factors. Since it appears relatively frequently in GSD's, there is a supposed genetic predisposition.
Usually occurring in dogs aged 5-14 years, signs of spinal myelopathy can initially be difficult to spot. It is gradual in its progression. Any combination of the following symptoms can appear, possibly disappear, only to reemerge:
In its final stages, it leads to paralysis and incontinence.
Conventional medicine offers nothing for DM.
Roger Clemmons, DVM, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Small Animal Clinical Sciences, at the University of Florida, has been researching canine degenerative myelopathy for most of his career. He has come up with a four step program to slow the progression of canine degenerative myelopathy.
It consists of:
Using his method, one German Shepherd owner was able to increase the quality of her dog's life and extend it from the 2-3 months she was given to 13 months.
Another German Shepherd's struggle with this disease can be found here. Read Noel's story of degenerative myelopathy.
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