Degenerative Myelopathy Whining in Dogs Explained

Degenerative myelopathy whining in dogs is a common symptom that can be distressing for pet owners. It's estimated that up to 80% of dogs with degenerative myelopathy will exhibit whining.

Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease that affects the spinal cord, causing nerve damage and muscle weakness. The whining is often a sign of pain and discomfort.

As the disease progresses, dogs may exhibit more severe whining, especially at night, and may also have difficulty walking or standing. They may also have a decreased appetite and be less active.

In some cases, the whining can be a warning sign that the dog is experiencing a sudden worsening of the disease, requiring immediate veterinary attention.

For another approach, see: Canine Degenerative Myelopathy Treatment

Degenerative myelopathy is a serious condition that can be challenging to diagnose. Unfortunately, there's no specific test to diagnose DM while a patient is living.

Several tests may need to be performed to rule out other potential spinal cord diseases, including a neurological exam, blood work, X-rays, MRI or CT scan, and spinal fluid analysis. These tests can help identify the condition, but a definitive diagnosis can only be made through a biopsy of spinal cord tissue, which is only possible after a dog has died.

A genetic test is available to check for the presence of the SOD 1 mutation, which can determine if a pet is at risk for developing DM. The test can show if a patient has one or two copies of the variants associated with the development of DM.

Here are the common clinical signs of degenerative myelopathy:

Difficulty rising

Hind limb weakness

Incoordination

Muscle loss

Scuffed toenails on hind limbs

A dog with two copies of the mutated gene is at increased risk for developing DM, but may never actually develop the condition.

As you're trying to understand the clinical signs of degenerative myelopathy, it's essential to know that they often start in one hind limb and then progress to include both.

Difficulty rising can be a significant challenge for dogs experiencing DM, making everyday activities like getting up from a lying down position a real struggle.

Hind limb weakness is another common symptom, where the affected limbs may feel unsteady or wobbly, making it hard for your dog to walk or stand.

Incoordination can also occur, causing your dog to stumble or trip, which can be very concerning.

Muscle loss is a visible sign of DM, where the affected limbs may appear thinner or more gaunt than usual.

Scuffed toenails on hind limbs can be a subtle but telling sign of DM, indicating that your dog is having trouble standing or walking properly.

Here are some common clinical signs of degenerative myelopathy:

A diagnosis of DM is made by excluding other spinal cord diseases based on exam findings and imaging. Your vet will evaluate your dog for spinal and joint pain and also perform a neurologic evaluation.

A neurologist will likely recommend advanced imaging, such as a myelogram, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the spinal cord. These imaging tools can look for compression of the spinal cord.

The spinal cord is not visible on x-rays, which is why advanced imaging is necessary. Your vet may recommend radiographs (x-rays) to evaluate the bones of the spine and hips.

Unfortunately, there is no specific test to diagnose DM while a patient is living. Several tests may need to be performed to rule out other potential spinal cord diseases.

Genetic testing will show if a patient has one or two copies of the variants associated with the development of DM. A genetic test is available to check for the presence of the SOD 1 mutation.

A biopsy of spinal cord tissue is the only test that results in a certain diagnosis of DM, but it can only be collected after a dog has died.

Check this out: Test for Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs

Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a neuro-degenerative disease that affects the spinal cord of dogs, leading to progressive weakness and paralysis. It's a slow, degenerative disease that most commonly affects older large breeds such as German Shepherds, Boxers, and Golden Retrievers.

The exact cause of DM is not fully understood, but there are genetic factors that predispose certain breeds to the condition. A genetic component to the disease has been identified, with dogs that have two copies of a mutated superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD 1) gene being at increased risk for development of DM.

DM primarily affects a dog's ability to move, but interesting connections have been found between this disease and changes in vocalization. As the disease progresses, DM can significantly impact a dog's ability to vocalize, leading to changes in the quality, volume, or frequency of their vocalizations.

Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a neuro-degenerative disease that affects the spinal cord of dogs.

A genetic component to the disease has been identified, with dogs that have two copies of a mutated superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD 1) gene being at increased risk for development of DM.

The condition typically affects dogs around eight years of age or older, and can cause gradual muscle wasting and incoordination in the hind limbs.

Certain genetic variations may increase a dog's risk of developing DM, and environmental factors may also play a role in the development of the disease.

The lower back is the most commonly affected portion of the spinal cord, resulting in symptoms such as weakness and wobbliness in the hind limbs.

Pain is not a key feature of the condition, and the weakness is often worse on one side.

Pain is a complex and multifaceted experience that can have a significant impact on our daily lives. It's a universal human experience that can be triggered by a variety of factors, including injury, illness, or even emotional distress.

Acute pain is typically a short-term experience that can be managed with medication and other treatments. Chronic pain, on the other hand, can be a long-term condition that requires ongoing management and treatment.

The brain plays a crucial role in processing pain, and research has shown that it's not just a physical sensation, but also an emotional and psychological one. This is why pain can be so difficult to manage, as it involves not just the physical body, but also the mind.

Pain can also have a significant impact on a person's mental health, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.

Degenerative myelopathy is a debilitating condition that affects the spinal cord of dogs, leading to progressive weakness and eventually paralysis. It's a slow, degenerative disease that most commonly affects older large breeds such as German Shepherds, Boxers, and Golden Retrievers.

Degenerative myelopathy is caused by a genetic component, specifically a mutated superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD 1) gene, which can increase a dog's risk of developing the disease. However, not all dogs with two mutated SOD 1 genes will develop DM, indicating that other factors are also involved.

As DM progresses, affected dogs experience hind limb weakness, difficulty standing or walking, and eventually complete paralysis. The diagnosis of DM can be challenging as it requires ruling out other potential causes of similar symptoms.

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for DM, but supportive care and physical therapy can help improve the quality of life for affected dogs.