The Genetic Disease of Degenerative Myelopathy

As pet parents, we are aware of the downsides our dogs have to experience when they get to an older age. Lesser dog walks, lesser play times and more illnesses. One of the many illnesses your dog might have to face is degenerative myelopathy.

With DM, there is degeneration of the “white matter” in the spinal cord and the peripheral nerves.

This white matter tracts of the spinal cord have fibers that release movement controls from the brain to the limbs and sensory knowledge from the limbs to the brain.

What Causes Degenerative Myelopathy?

The most popular form is due to a genetic modification in a gene coding for superoxide dismutase, a protein tied for slaying free radicals in the body. Free radicals are component of the natural protection mechanism but grow harmful when they are delivered in extreme numbers causing cell destruction and a mixture of degenerative complications.

According to studies, the breeds most commonly affected include the German Shepherd, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Boxer, Borzoi, Rhodesian Ridgeback, American Eskimo Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, Golden Retriever, Great Pyrenees, Kerry Blue Terrier, Poodle, Pug, Shetland Sheepdog, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Wire Fox Terrier, and Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

How to Know if My Dog Has DM?

Degenerative myelopathy is a disease that occurs mostly in older dogs. The symptoms typically appears when the dog is in the ages of 8 to 14 years old.

This disease starts off by causing your dog to lose his bodily coordination of the hind limbs. He'll have difficulty walking and may even drag his feet. With this, your dog will find it difficult to climb stairs, run or even go on walks.

In the long run, he will get weak and will find it hard to support his body weight and will have difficulty standing up without support. Weakness will eventually spread to your dog's front legs which will lead to paralysis, and your dog will develop urinary or fecal incontinence or both.

Managing Dog Myelopathy

Finding out your dog has degenerative myelopathy can be one of the most challenging times as a pet parent. But everything will be easier with these tips.