Dogs are loyal creatures. Every dog lover wishes to see his/her dog enjoying good health. Several health-related conditions affect the overall well-being and performance of the dog. Many dog lovers ask questions about degenerative myelopathy in dogs, for instance.
- What is degenerative myelopathy?
- What are the important causes and signs of DM?
- How can I deal with degenerative myelopathy in my dog?
In this blog, we will discuss dog degenerative myelopathy treatment and all associated facts and figures in light of scientific literature and general field experience.
What is Dog Degenerative Myelopathy?
Canine degenerative myelopathy also called (CD RM) is a progressive degenerative condition of the spinal cord in dogs. It badly affects the overall performance of your beloved canine buddy. This condition progress slowly and ultimately leads to hind limb weakness and paralysis in dogs. Remember, canine degenerative myelopathy usually occurs in older dogs (approximately, 8-14 years of age).
CDRM= Chronic Degenerative Rediculomyelopathy
The Causes of Degenerative Myelopathy
There are many causes of canine degenerative myelopathy. Here, we have summarized some key causes of this devastating condition.
- Genetic predisposition- According to scientific literature, a genetic mutation in the gene that codes for superoxide dismutase enzyme (This particular enzyme plays an important role in destroying the harmful free radicals in the body). Lack of this enzyme leads to progressive canine degenerative myelopathy in dogs.
- Degeneration of white matter of the spinal cord- This is the main reason for degenerative canine myelopathy. White matter contains various nerve fibers along with lipids. Due to the degeneration of this area, the communication between the spinal cord and limbs breaks away.
Signs and Symptoms of Dog Myelopathy
Signs and symptoms of canine degenerative myelopathy can confuse the owner, as many diseases can be easily considered as CDM, For instance, spinal cord tumors, injuries, and disc problems. Here we have summarized a few key signs of canine degenerative myelopathy.
- Difficulty in standing up
- Knuckling of hind paws. Usually, a dog walks on its knuckles.
- Swaying of dog’s hindquarters
- The top surface of the hind feet seems to be hairless and irritated
In the last stage, the dog becomes ataxic and paralyzed due to the excessive degeneration of the spinal cord.
Differential Points
Osteoarthritis- Initial signs and symptoms may confuse with the clinical manifestations of osteoarthritis that usually occurs after hip dysplasia. However, wobbling/stumbling differentiates CDM from osteoarthritis.
Keep the following conditions in consideration while diagnosing the CDM:
- Myasthenia gravis
- Lumbosacral stenosis
- Fibro cartilaginous embolism
- Discospondylitis
- Other spinal cord tumors and injuries
Diagnosing Canine Myelopathy
Diagnosis of this degenerative condition becomes challenging due to its similarity with several other conditions. However, the following important things facilitate the veterinarian in diagnosing CDM:
- Based on breed history
- Detailed physical examination- Clinical signs and symptoms
- Spinal cord imaging techniques
- X-rays
- The spinal cord evoked potential testing
- Tissue biopsy
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis
- Histopathological techniques for the confirmed diagnosis
- DNA testing- to evaluate the breeds at risk
Note: Cerebrospinal cord sampling requires highly trained and professional experts.
Dog Degenerative Myelopathy Treatment
There is no particular treatment to cure this condition in your dog. But many support strategies can improve the overall quality of your dog’s life. Physiotherapy gives the best outcomes in this regard. Over and above, get a proper diet and exercise plan from a registered and well-experienced pet expert. Try to keep your dog physically active. However, your vet can prescribe you vitamin (B, E, and C) supplements along with prednisone and other drugs.
Note: Don’t use any drug without consulting a registered veterinary practitioner.
Summary
Canine degenerative myelopathy is a slowly progressing degenerative disease of the spinal cord of dogs. Initially, it causes mild symptoms which may confuse osteoarthritis but in advanced stages, it may lead to paralysis of the hind limb. There is no specific treatment for this disease but physiotherapy helps the dogs deal with this situation. Consult your veterinarian for further guidelines in this regard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions that we commonly come across:
IS CANINE DEGENERATIVE DISEASE A PAINFUL CONDITION?
Not at all, the dog experiences any pain in this condition. On the other hand, Osteoarthritis, and arthritis cause painful sensations in your dog.
WHICH DOG BREEDS ARE AT HIGHER RISK OF GETTING CDM?
Usually, this condition is associated with German Shepherds but there are so many other breeds that are at higher risk of developing canine degenerative myelopathy. For instance, Miniature Poodles, Golden Retrievers, Standard poodles, Pugs, Boxers, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and Kerry Blue Terriers.
CAN YOUNG DOGS DEVELOP CANINE DEGENERATIVE MYELOPATHY?
There are only a few cases that have been reported in young dogs. Usually, this condition occurs in older dogs (8-14 years of age).
DOES THIS CONDITION IMPACT THE FUNCTIONING OF THE BLADDER AND BOWEL?
Urinary and bowel problems have been observed in the advanced stages of canine degenerative myelopathy. In the initial stages, there is no effect on the normal functioning of the bladder and bowel.
WHAT IS THE PROGNOSIS OF CANINE DEGENERATIVE MYELOPATHY?
Generally, the prognosis of this condition is not so good. This is a devastating, slowly progressing degenerative disease. Only supportive therapies can enhance the quality of your dog’s life.
CAN MRI HELP IN DIAGNOSING CDM?
Yes, the latest diagnostic imaging techniques including Magnetic resonance imaging also help in the better diagnosis of CDM.
CAN CDM AFFECT THE FORELIMBS?
This is a degenerative disease that first affects the hind limbs and then progresses to the forelimbs.
Read more:
Breed distribution of SOD1 alleles previously associated with canine degenerative myelopathy
Canine degenerative myelopathy: a model of human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
There are some attention-grabbing deadlines on this article however I don’t know if I see all of them heart to heart. There’s some validity however I’ll take hold opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we would like more! Added to FeedBurner as effectively
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your site? My website is in the exact same niche as yours and my users would truly benefit from some of the information you present here. Please let me know if this alright with you. Cheers!
Hello, Neat post. There’s a problem with your web site in internet explorer, may check thisK IE nonetheless is the marketplace leader and a huge portion of other people will pass over your fantastic writing because of this problem.
We are a bunch of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with useful information to work on. You have done a formidable task and our entire community shall be grateful to you.
It is in point of fact a nice and helpful piece of information. I am glad that you simply shared this useful info with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
Thank you for your kind words and support!
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…
Very great visual appeal on this website , I’d value it 10 10.
of course like your web-site but you have to test the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to inform the truth on the other hand I will certainly come back again.
I intended to compose you a very small word to say thank you once again just for the unique things you have shared here. This has been really strangely generous with you to give unhampered what exactly a number of us could possibly have marketed for an electronic book to end up making some money for their own end, particularly considering the fact that you could have tried it if you ever desired. These inspiring ideas in addition worked like the easy way to fully grasp other people have the identical keenness just as my own to understand many more with reference to this condition. I know there are several more enjoyable times up front for people who discover your website.
Hello! Someone in my Facebook group shared this site with us so I came to take a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Excellent blog and wonderful design and style.
Hello.This article was really motivating, particularly since I was investigating for thoughts on this matter last Sunday.
Enjoyed reading this, very good stuff, regards.
I like this blog very much, Its a very nice place to read and get info .
My brother suggested I might like this web site. He was totally right. This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
I simply could not go away your site before suggesting that I actually loved the usual info a person supply for your visitors? Is gonna be back often to investigate cross-check new posts
Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is great, as well as the content!
I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!
Hey very nice website!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find numerous useful information here in the post, we need work out more strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .