Canine Degenerative Myelopathy: An Overview
Dog Breeds
Canine degenerative myelopathy, or chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy, is an uncommon disease in dogs that is believed to be genetically inherited. Canine degenerative myelopathy cannot be cured, but as more information becomes available, newer and more effective treatments are emerging.
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Definition of Degenerative Myelopathy
Canine degenerative myelopathy (DM) is an uncommon, progressively degenerative disease of the spinal cord which causes hind limb weakness, lameness and eventual paralysis. With this disease, the myelin sheaths that normally protect the spinal neurons disintegrate, exposing the underlying nerve fibers and disrupting the communication pathways between the brain and spinal cord.
Causes of Canine Degenerative Myelopathy
The precise cause of degenerative myelopathy is unknown. Many authorities suspect that this is an immune-mediated disorder similar to multiple sclerosis in people, while others suspect toxic, vitamin deficiency, oxidative stress and genetics as possible contributing causes. Because DM shows up primarily in certain breeds of purebred dogs, a genetic component is quite likely. However, the cause of this disease remains a mystery.
Preventing Canine Degenerative Myelopathy
Until the cause of DM is determined, prevention of this disease is not really possible. Once a dog is diagnosed with DM, his owner can take steps to prevent the consequences of this disease, which include urine retention (owners can manually express their dog’s bladder), urinary tract infections, weight gain from inability to ambulate and skin lesions from urine scalding. It is critically important that dogs affected by degenerative myelopathy receive good hygiene, especially in their “rear end” area, to prevent accumulation of waste products and infection.
Special Notes
Diagnosis of degenerative myelopathy is made by veterinarians through a process of elimination. There is no cure or truly effective treatment for this disease. Owners must provide meticulous supportive and nursing care for affected dogs in an attempt to slow the progression of the disease and to help maintain the dog’s quality of life, especially once a dog can no longer rise and walk on its own. Slings, wheel carts, vitamins and other supplements and physical therapy can be very helpful. Unfortunately, the long-term prognosis for dogs with DM is poor.
Symptoms and Types