I must admit, discussing degenerative myelopathy in dogs (DM) doesn’t top my list of enjoyable topics to write about. In fact, it doesn’t even make the list. I wish this post weren’t necessary, but here we are. And it’s a crucial subject to address.
Why discuss DM? Well, for one, it’s a daunting and overwhelming diagnosis. I aim to shed light on the realities of DM and offer tips on how to make the disease’s progression more manageable for both you and your canine companion, though it’s never an easy journey.
Another reason is personal: our family is currently facing our second case of DM. My beloved Emmett succumbed to DM about five years ago, and we recently received a probable diagnosis for Cooper. Given my personal experience, I’ve conducted extensive research, consulted experts, and gained valuable insights. I want to share this information in the hope that it might assist others in similar situations.
A quick disclaimer: I’m not a veterinarian, vet tech, or therapist. I’m a writer, researcher, and devoted dog mom. Everything you find here is for informational purposes only. Always, without exception, consult with your veterinarian!
What You Need to Know About Degenerative Myelopathy
First and foremost, let’s tackle the fundamental question: What is degenerative myelopathy (DM)?
Surrounding the spinal cords of both humans and dogs, there is a region of white matter. The primary function of this white matter is to transmit and process nerve signals up and down the spinal cord. DM occurs when this white matter begins to degenerate. In its early stages, DM is often misdiagnosed as osteoarthritis due to their similar initial symptoms. However, as DM progresses, the spinal cord deteriorates, ultimately leading to hind-end paralysis in dogs. DM primarily affects older dogs, with very few cases reported in dogs under four years old. The typical age of onset is around nine years. The prognosis post-diagnosis usually ranges from six months to a year, but if detected early, it might extend to around two years.
A common comparison to DM in humans is Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Dog Breeds Prone to Degenerative Myelopathy
German Shepherd Dogs are the breed most frequently affected by DM. However, numerous other breeds can also be afflicted. Here is a non-exhaustive list of dog breeds prone to degenerative myelopathy based on clinical data:
- American Eskimo Dogs
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Borzoi
- Boxer
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- German Shepherd Dog
- Golden Retriever
- Great Pyrenees
- Irish Setters
- Kerry Blue Terriers
- Pembroke Welsh Corgis
- Poodle
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers
- Wire Fox Terrier
It’s important to note that while some dog breeds, like the ones listed above, are commonly associated with DM, there can still be cases in breeds not typically on this list. For instance, even though Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Bull Terriers aren’t commonly cited as affected breeds, genetic research has shown that “Degenerative Myelopathy is an inherited neurologic disorder caused by a Mutation of the SOD1 gene known to be carried by Staffordshire bull terriers.”
If you’re unsure about your dog’s breed or if it’s not listed here, you can simply search online using the formula: “{your dog’s breed name} + Degenerative Myelopathy” to see if there’s any relevant information.
Causes of DM
Unfortunately, the exact cause of DM remains unclear. Research points toward a genetic mutation, specifically the SOD1 gene, as a potential factor. However, some dogs carrying two copies of the SOD1 gene have not developed DM. For breeders, there is a screening test available for SOD1, which can help minimize the risk of passing on the disease to future generations.
Symptoms of DM in Dogs
Now that we understand that DM involves the degeneration of white matter around the spinal cord and that specific dog breeds are more susceptible, how can you recognize if your dog has DM? The initial signs are often subtle and can be confused with other conditions. Common early symptoms of DM in dogs include:
- Swaying in the hind end when standing
- Tendency to fall easily when pushed (though this should never be attempted)
- Paw knuckling, where the hind paws turn under, causing the toes to drag upside down
- Feet scraping on the ground while walking, which can lead to unusual wear patterns on the toenails
- Difficulty in walking or, in advanced stages, an inability to walk altogether
- Struggling to stand up from a sitting or lying position
As DM progresses, dogs may experience hind-end paralysis and incontinence.
Our experience:
With Emmett, we first noticed something was amiss when he began knuckling. While walking, his back toes would sometimes turn under. As his disease advanced, he encountered difficulties walking and maintaining control over his bladder, although he never exhibited the characteristic swaying or wobbling often seen with DM. Towards the end, Emmett required assistance to stand up from a lying position and could only walk a few feet with aid. (I’ll provide more information on helpful tools shortly.)
In the case of Cooper, we initially suspected arthritis due to mild discomfort in his hips. At 12 years old, he had been a long-distance runner his entire life, so it seemed plausible. However, arthritis treatments did not yield any improvement. Consequently, we conducted X-rays to investigate further. In the meantime, I mentioned to our vet that I had noticed Cooper leaning heavily to one side in his hind end. The X-rays ruled out arthritis, leading to a probable DM diagnosis.
In situations where there is no specific test for DM, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian to rule out other potential conditions such as arthritis before considering DM as the likely diagnosis.
Treatment for DM
To address the most challenging aspect upfront: there is currently no treatment for DM.
The disease will progress, and there is no way to halt it, which is an incredibly disheartening reality. I extend my sympathies to those dealing with this situation. It is undeniably difficult, and I’m truly sorry for the challenges you and your dog face. While it’s difficult to come to terms with this, there are strategies that may help prolong your dog’s well-being. Please note that these suggestions are anecdotal rather than clinical. Here are some measures that may help manage the progression of the disease:
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, “Maintaining your dog’s weight within a healthy range is important, so diet and exercise, including walking and swimming, are crucial components of treatment. The goal is to keep your dog on its feet for as long as possible. Physical therapy has been shown to extend quality of life and preserve muscle mass. Dogs with DM should remain as physically active as possible for as long as possible. The progression of clinical signs has been shown to slow with a combination of epsilon-aminocaproic acid, N-acetylcysteine, prednisone, vitamins B, C, and E, and exercise therapy.”
I would like to add that in addition to physical therapy and exercise, we sought acupuncture treatment for Emmett, administered at home by a sports rehab veterinarian. While I cannot provide clinical data to support this assertion, I can confidently say that acupuncture had a significant positive impact on Emmett’s well-being.
How to Support Your Dog with Degenerative Myelopathy
Through our experience with Emmett, we learned valuable lessons that we can now apply to our journey with Cooper. The keyword here is “support.” The following suggestions aim to help support your dog’s mobility and stability, along with troubleshooting ideas. Please remember that veterinary bills can accumulate, so it’s important to focus on which of these measures will best support your dog’s specific symptoms and contribute to an improved quality of life. Below, I provide cost considerations and share our personal experiences with these tools.
Additionally, consider joining your local Buy Nothing group on Facebook, where you can often find many of these items for free. Other sources for free or discounted items include local Goodwill or thrift stores, craigslist.org, and Freecycle.
Here are several tools and strategies that can assist in supporting your dog through the progression of DM:
1. Ramps or Pet Steps:
- Depending on your dog’s size and the stage of the disease, ramps or pet steps can provide access to your bed, the couch, or the car. While pricier options like this ramp or this ramp are excellent choices, you can also consider more affordable alternatives like this pet ramp or pet steps like these.
2. Rugs:
- If your home has primarily wood or tile floors, rugs can be a game-changer. They provide traction and prevent slipping, a significant concern for dogs with DM. While rugs can be expensive, you can often find them for free in your local Buy Nothing group or at Goodwill or thrift stores. Alternatively, affordable non-slip mats, like those sold at Target, can be placed strategically throughout your home.
3. Toe Grips:
- ToeGrips are small bands that fit onto your dog’s nails to enhance traction. They can be especially useful in the early stages of DM. You can find them on Amazon, but the ToeGrips website offers additional information and resources.
4. Boots:
- As the disease progresses and dogs like Emmett begin to knuckle, ToeGrips may become less effective in preventing slips. In such cases, boots can be a valuable addition. Brands like Kurgo and Ruffwear offer quality boots for dogs. Depending on your dog’s needs, you may only require two boots for the hind legs. These boots can be used when you go outside and, eventually, even indoors. Cooper now sports Ruffwear boots and they’ve made a noticeable difference.
5. Harnesses:
- Assisting your dog in standing up will become necessary as the disease advances. The choice of harness depends on your dog’s size and specific requirements:
- GingerLead: Ideal for larger dogs and quick potty breaks. We used this harness for Emmett for an extended period and even passed it on to another dog with DM after his passing.
- Ruffwear Harness: Suitable for walks, assisting with swimming, or for use around the house. This harness is easy to wash, easy to put on and remove, and incredibly durable.
- EzyDog Convert Trail-Ready Dog Harness: Excellent for practical, pinch-free assistance on walks or for helping your dog in and out of the car. It has a substantial handle and provides a snug fit.
6. Wheelchair:
- While I don’t have firsthand experience with dog wheelchairs, many dogs thrive with the support of one. It’s worth exploring this option with your veterinarian.
7. Other Considerations:
- Discuss additional treatments and therapies with your vet, including supplements, water therapy, steroids, nutritional blood analysis tests, nutraceuticals, Chinese herbal therapy, physical therapy, and diet changes, particularly if your dog is overweight.
What to Do Next? Love Your Dog.
Ultimately, the most crucial step is to love your dog.
Love your dog wholeheartedly, deeply, and joyfully.
The way you express that love will differ for each dog. For Emmett, it was all about treats, snacks, and sandwiches. For Cooper, it’s all about squeaky toys. We even renewed his BarkBox subscription to ensure he always has fresh, fun toys each month. Watching him play with his squeaky toys fills my heart with joy because it means he’s playing again. And that brings so much happiness. But more importantly, it brings joy to him. Your dog’s preferences might be entirely different, whether it’s extra time outside, cuddling beneath the covers, chewing on toys, receiving belly rubs, or even barking at the mail carrier. Identify what makes your dog happiest.
In short, cherish your dog. While it’s impossible to treasure every moment, I refrain from offering that advice because, with DM, some moments are undeniably painful. Instead, focus on loving your dog to the best of your ability for the time you have left together. I guarantee that’s exactly what your dog is doing for you.
