Managing DM in Corgis for a Better Quality of Life

Corgis can live up to 12-14 years with proper care, but Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) can significantly impact their quality of life.

Corgis with DM typically exhibit hind leg weakness, which can progress to paralysis.

Exercise is crucial for Corgis, but owners should adjust their routine to accommodate their pet's declining mobility.

Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help identify DM symptoms early on.

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Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a non-painful progressive neurodegenerative spinal disease that causes weakness and lack of coordination in the hind legs and eventual paralysis of all four legs.

Corgis are among the breeds most often diagnosed with DM, and the disease typically affects them between the ages of 9 to 14 years old, although it can present itself earlier.

Both Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Cardigan Welsh Corgis are at risk of developing DM, but it is much more prevalent in the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

The corgi life expectancy after diagnosing Degenerative Myelopathy is generally up to 3 years, although every dog is unique and the severity and duration of symptoms can vary.

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A dog wheelchair is essential for every corgi with degenerative myelopathy, as it will allow your corgi to remain active as long as possible.

The disease begins with hind leg weakness, leading to paralysis in the rear legs, and eventually affects the front legs, making a wheelchair with a front wheel attachment necessary.

Degenerative Myelopathy has an insidious onset typically between 8 and 14 years of age, and it begins with a loss of coordination (ataxia) in the hind limbs.

The clinical course can range from 6 months to 1 year before dogs become paraplegic, and if signs progress for a longer period of time, loss of urinary and fecal continence may occur.

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Corgis are prone to Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), a progressive neurodegenerative spinal disease that affects the hind legs first.

The onset of DM in corgis typically occurs between 9 to 14 years old, but it can present earlier.

Both Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis are at risk, with Pembroke Welsh Corgis being more likely to develop DM.

A corgi's life expectancy after diagnosing DM is generally up to 3 years, but every dog is unique and the severity and duration of symptoms can vary.

Degenerative Myelopathy is a non-painful condition, but it can lead to paralysis of all four legs.

A dog wheelchair is essential for every corgi with DM, allowing them to remain active as long as possible.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is another common spinal condition affecting corgis, caused by a protrusion of the intervertebral discs.

IVDD can present at any age, but it generally first affects corgis between 3 to 6 years old.

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to reduce the risk of back injuries and IVDD in corgis.

Obesity will greatly increase the likelihood of a corgi developing IVDD.

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Degenerative Myelopathy is a progressive condition with no cure, but therapy, exercise, and supportive equipment can greatly improve a corgi's quality of life.

A dog wheelchair is a must for every corgi with degenerative myelopathy, as it allows for both rear and front legs to be fully supported.

Structured exercise and the use of a dog wheelchair can actually extend the life of a corgi with DM, with dogs in a European study living up to three years longer than dogs who received no therapy.

Hind leg weakness is the first sign of mobility loss in corgis with DM, eventually leading to paralysis in the rear legs.

A dog wheelchair can be adapted with a front wheel attachment later, allowing for full support of both rear and front legs.

This means your corgi can remain active as long as possible, even as their condition progresses.

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