What is Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)?
Degenerative Myelopathy is a spinal cord disease common in the following breeds:
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German Shepherd Dogs
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Boxers
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Pembroke Welsh Corgis
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Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
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Rhodesian Ridgebacks
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Bernese Mountain Dogs
It's a progressive, irreversible neurological disease that causes muscle weakness and loss of coordination. These difficulties can cause paralysis in their hind legs as it progresses. It is inherited and passed down to the next generation. German Shepherd dogs are known to be predisposed to this medical condition.
However, chances can be greatly reduced if bred properly, as well as increasing/decreasing certain environmental factors.
Signs and Symptoms
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Some of the earlier signs you may notice in your dog are their rear foot dragging, a wobbly gait, or occasional missteps.
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As the disease progresses, it can lead to the dog swaying, falling to the side, losing coordination, wear on back nails, walking on their knuckles, and/or difficulty getting up. The dog may also start to lose control of bowel and urine movements. If your dog does not pee for 24 hours, they need to be taken to a vet.
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As the muscles in their legs and around their spine continues to weaken, this can lead to paralysis in their back legs. The paralysis can move forward all the way to their head.
How it can be Genetically Passed Down
The chart gives a visual as to how DM may or may not be passed down. "Affected" means that the dog has two copies of the gene; it DOES NOT mean the dog is affected with DM.
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in most dogs, DM is caused by a genetic mutation in the SOD1. Dogs with two copies of this variant are considered to be at a higher risk of developing DM. However, it is still not guaranteed that they will develop the disease if they do have two copies of the variant.
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A dog that only has one copy of the variant (carrier) is still at risk for developing DM, but for the most part, the progression is significantly slower compared to a dog that has two copies.
How to Treat DM
As of now, there is no cure for DM. However, there are ways to help your dog if they start showing signs of DM or are already in the later stages.
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Physical therapy
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Maintaining a healthy weight
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Putting down rugs or matts on hardwood/tiled surfaces
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Adding pet ramps/steps where needed
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Sling/harness to help with standing​
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A wheelchair to support the hind legs
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Wearing dog booties to help with scuffed paws and to reduce sliding on smooth surfaces​
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Addressing other aspects, such as arthritis, that could contribute to DM
While there is no cure for DM at this time, the AKC Canine Health Foundation announced funding to collaborate on a project called Project DM. The project is looking into the effects of Riluzole, a medication used to treat ASL in humans, to see what kind of effects it may have on DM in dogs since it is similar to ASL in humans.