Symptoms of Canine Degenerative Myelopathy
Dog Breeds
Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease which eventually causes paralysis and incontinence in dogs. Symptoms appear gradually and slowly increase over time. The beginning symptoms of degenerative myelopathy affect the back legs of the dog. As the condition progresses, the dog will eventually begin to become lame.
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Introduction
Canine degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a progressive disease of the spinal cord of unknown origin. It eventually causes hind limb weakness and paralysis. With this disease, the myelin sheaths around spinal neurons start to slowly disintegrate. As these protective tissues deteriorate and the underlying nerve fibers (axons) degenerate, the communication pathways between the brain and spinal cord become disrupted. DM is thought to be an immune-mediated, neurodegenerative disease similar to multiple sclerosis in people, although other possible causes have been suggested. There is no known pattern of inheritance with this disorder, but because it shows up primarily in purebred dogs of certain breeds, a genetic component is suspected. Clinical signs appear gradually and worsen with time. It can take months to years for full pelvic paralysis to develop. While there currently is no cure for this condition, early recognition of clinical signs, prompt diagnosis and timely treatment can help delay its advancement. If you notice signs of degenerative myelopathy, please take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Degenerative Myelopathy
DM causes insidious and progressive lack of muscle coordination, called ataxia. The hind limbs usually are affected first by weakness and slight or incomplete paralysis (paresis). Owners will notice some or all of the following symptoms on affected dogs:
- Dragging of the rear paws and knuckling-over on the rear toes
- Sores on the tops of the paws
- Signs of wearing on the toenails.
- Lameness
- Odd, spastic gait
- Difficulty jumping, running, rising or walking
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- Balance difficulties
- Muscle atrophy on the dog’s hindquarters from disuse
- Paralysis of the rear legs
- Incontinence
- Possible front limb paralysis
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Many owners mistakenly assume that their older dogs are developing arthritis, when in reality canine DM is the culprit. Affected dogs usually become incontinent (both urinary and fecal) very late in the course of the disease, although they are not painful and seem systemically normal. In fact, one of the key clinical features of canine degenerative myelopathy is the absence of any localizable spinal pain.
If your dog is diagnosed with canine DM, talk with your veterinarian about available treatment options. You may also want to ask for referral to a veterinary specialist who has extensive experience with managing this disease.
Dogs at Increased Risk
Canine degenerative myelopathy is diagnosed most often in aging German Shepherds. Large, older purebred dogs of other breeds are occasionally affected, including the Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Standard Poodle, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Collie, Boxer, Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Irish Setter. The mean age of affected dogs is 9 years. Males and females are equally affected. Younger dogs also can be affected, but this is uncommon.
Diagnosis and Tests
Overview and Facts