Degenerative Myelopathy Old Dog Back Legs Collapsing Diagnosis and Care Options

Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive neurological disease that affects the spinal cord and can cause old dogs' back legs to collapse. This condition is often compared to ALS in humans.

It's essential to note that degenerative myelopathy is a genetic disease, and certain breeds are more prone to it, such as German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Australian Shepherds.

The disease progresses rapidly, with most dogs showing significant symptoms within 6-12 months. As the disease advances, the dog's back legs will eventually collapse, making it difficult for them to walk or stand.

The quality of life of a dog with degenerative myelopathy can be significantly improved with proper care and management.

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Degenerative myelopathy is a complex condition that affects older dogs, causing their back legs to collapse. The exact cause is unknown, but certain breeds are more predisposed to the condition due to a genetic mutation called SOD-1.

Dogs with degenerative myelopathy often exhibit hind leg weakness, incoordination, and paw knuckling. These symptoms can be similar to those of orthopedic issues, making diagnosis challenging. A professional diagnosis is crucial to rule out other conditions.

The breeds most at risk of developing degenerative myelopathy include German Shepherds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Welsh Corgis.

Here are the breeds more predisposed to develop canine degenerative myelopathy:

Diagnosing degenerative myelopathy requires a combination of breed, medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. A full examination, including blood work and urinalysis, is necessary to rule out other conditions. Diagnostic imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, may also be used to rule out conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, and spinal cord tumors.

Degenerative myelopathy is a genetic condition that affects certain breeds of dogs. It's a disease that we're still learning about, but research has made significant progress in recent years.

Degenerative myelopathy tends to be more prevalent in larger dogs, but it can affect a variety of breeds. This means that even smaller breeds can be susceptible to the disease.

Some common breeds affected by degenerative myelopathy include German Shepherds, Boxers, Collies, and Siberian Huskies. These breeds are not the only ones that can be affected, but they are among the most common ones.

Here are some breeds that are commonly affected by degenerative myelopathy:

Degenerative myelopathy is a challenging condition to diagnose, and it's often a process of elimination to rule out other possible causes. Professional diagnosis is crucial, as conditions like arthritis can mimic the early signs of DM.

The first step in diagnosing DM is to determine if the dog is the right breed and age, as it typically affects older, larger breeds. A thorough medical history is also essential to understand the onset of symptoms. A neurological exam will help differentiate between orthopedic and neurological problems.

The only true way to diagnose DM is by performing a spinal cord biopsy, but this is too risky for live dogs. Instead, a diagnosis of exclusion is made by ruling out other neurological possibilities through MRI and possible spinal fluid analysis.

The diagnostic process involves several steps:

In the early stages of DM, dogs may exhibit symptoms similar to arthritis or hip dysplasia, making it difficult to diagnose. However, as the condition progresses, neurological changes become more apparent, such as knuckling of the hind limbs or paws.

Degenerative myelopathy initially affects the back legs, causing muscle weakness and loss, and lack of coordination. This can cause a staggering effect that may appear to be arthritis.

The dog may drag one or both rear paws when it walks, which can cause the nails of one foot to be worn down.

As the disease progresses, the animal may display symptoms such as incontinence and have considerable difficulties with both balance and walking.

The progression of the disease is generally slow but highly variable. The animal could be crippled within a few months, or may survive as long as three years or more.

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Early Signs of DM

These symptoms can be similar to those of hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis, making it difficult to diagnose.

Common Symptoms

As the condition progresses, the dog may experience jerky movements, loss of balance, and difficulty standing.

Degenerative myelopathy is an irreversible, progressive disease that can't be cured. It's a tough reality to face, but there's still hope for managing the condition and keeping your dog comfortable.

Laser therapy has shown promise in slowing down the progression of the disease. More studies are needed, but it might be worth exploring as a complementary treatment to rehabilitation and acupuncture.

Physical rehabilitation and physiotherapy can help your dog recover some strength. This can make a big difference in their quality of life, and it's worth investing in a good program.

Here are some treatment options to consider:

It's essential to work with a veterinary neurologist to determine the best course of treatment for your dog. They can help you develop a plan to manage the condition and keep your dog comfortable.

Regular exercise can help reduce atrophy in weakened muscles and give you more time with your dog. This is especially important in the early stages of the disease.

A peaceful, pain-free passing via humane euthanasia is often recommended once a dog's quality of life is affected. However, with the right care and support, you can make the most of the time you have left with your dog.

Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive and incurable disease, but with aggressive therapy, life expectancy can be extended to around 14 months.

The condition typically occurs in middle-aged to older dogs, ranging from 4-14 years, although it can be reported in young dogs on rare occasions.

Without treatment, survival is around 3 months, and the disease progresses rapidly, but this option arguably comes with less suffering.

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The prognosis for this disease is generally poor, with a life expectancy of around 14 months even with aggressive therapy.

Without treatment, survival is around 3 months, but this option arguably comes with less suffering.

Some dogs have lived for many years with the disease, with one female boxer even living for 11 years.

It's heartbreaking to see dogs realize they're ill, which usually happens during the late stages of the disease.

In some cases, dogs have appeared to be combating the disease on their own, walking on their own and doing exercise, but this is not a common occurrence.

The inevitable progression of this degenerative condition means that the symptoms will worsen over time, severely restricting the dog's mobility.

Your veterinarian will assess your dog's circumstances and help you determine the most appropriate treatment options for your pet.

It's recommended to put the dog to sleep at around 12 months to prevent unnecessary suffering, but this decision is ultimately up to you and your veterinarian.

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DM typically occurs in middle-aged to older dogs, ranging from 4-14 years. It's worth noting that this is the most common age range for the condition.

While DM can occur in young dogs, it's a rare occurrence.

Diagnosing degenerative myelopathy in older dogs can be a challenging process. It's crucial to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as arthritis or hip dysplasia.

A professional diagnosis is necessary, as other issues can mimic the symptoms of degenerative myelopathy. For example, arthritis can cause trouble walking, just like degenerative myelopathy.

The neurological exam is a key part of the diagnostic process. It can help differentiate between orthopedic and neurological problems. However, other neurological conditions can also present with similar symptoms, such as spinal cord tumors or malformations.

To diagnose degenerative myelopathy, veterinarians typically follow a series of steps. These include:

While there is no definitive test for degenerative myelopathy, a spinal cord biopsy can provide a definitive diagnosis. However, this is not typically done in live dogs due to the risks involved.

Other diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRI, and CT scans, can help rule out other conditions that may be causing the dog's symptoms. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may also be taken to investigate for elevated protein levels.