Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a progressive and incurable disease which impacts the spinal cord. Symptoms of the disease worsen over a period of 6 months to 3 years, resulting in paralysis of the hind end of the body. Fortunately, DM is relatively rare in dogs and there are very few documented cases in cats.
Causes of Degenerative Myelopathy
The cause of DM is not completely understood, although recent research has indicated that it is an inherited disease. Some breeds of dog including German Shepherds and Welsh Corgis have been shown to be predisposed to the condition.
Symptoms of Degenerative Myelopathy
In the early stages of the disease, pets with DM will display symptoms which appear similar to those of osteoarthritis. These include stiffness, difficulty getting up or lying down, and an abnormal gait. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms will develop. The following are some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with DM in pets.
- Unsteadiness
- Loss of coordination in the hind legs
- Shaking in the hind legs
- Loss of muscle in the hind legs
- Pain in the joints of the hind legs
- Immobility
- Depression
- Incontinence
- Paraplegia (paralysis of the hind legs)
Please schedule a checkup with your veterinarian if your pet displays any of the above symptoms.
Diagnosis of Degenerative Myelopathy
Your veterinarian will ask you a series of questions about the onset of your pet’s symptoms. They will then perform a thorough physical and neurological examination to check for signs of the disease. A diagnosis of DM can only be arrived at by ruling out other conditions such as osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia.
In order to eliminate other conditions, your veterinarian will perform tests such as bloodwork and urinalysis. Other diagnostic tests available to your veterinarian include CT or MRI scans and analysis of spinal fluid. A radiographic examination of the spinal cord known as myelography may also be used to help eliminate other causes of spinal dysfunction.
Treatment of Degenerative Myelopathy
Since DM is an incurable disease, the principal aim of treatment is to relieve pain and discomfort. Your veterinarian may recommend physical therapy and supplementation, although there are currently no treatments which have been conclusively proven to lessen the symptoms of the disease.
Unfortunately, the prognosis for pets with DM is poor. Most animals with the disease are euthanized within 6 months to 3 years of diagnosis as their quality of life diminishes. Your veterinarian will advise you on measures you can take to ensure your pet is as comfortable as possible in the later stages of the disease.
Prevention of Degenerative Myelopathy
There is no known way to prevent DM since it is thought to be an inherited disease. Please take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as you notice symptoms so they can be correctly diagnosed and treated.
