Degenerative Myelopathy of the German Shepherd Dog

This guide was compiled by a German Shepherd Dog owner who provided care for dogs with this disease. She is not a veterinarian. The guide is intended to provide general information and examples; it is not intended to be a substitute for expert advice and information that can only be provided by a qualified veterinarian familiar with Degenerative Myelopathy (DM).

Consult your veterinarian and neurologist for accurate and complete information about DM.

What is degenerative myelopathy (DM)?

DM is a disease that attacks the dog’s nervous system and leads to progressive neural (nerve) damage over time. It may initially attack one side of the dog, or both sides. DM does not seem to cause the dog any pain. Onset of DM is usually between 5 years and older age (e.g. 10 to 12 years).

DM is progressive, which means the symptoms worsen over time. However, dogs receiving treatment may have periods of stability where there is no further degeneration for days, weeks, months or years. Dog owners will see “stages” of degeneration, with only very mild symptoms in the earliest stages. DM progression may be very slow in some dogs, and very fast in others.

Without treatment, progression from stage to stage of the disease is much faster so it is important to begin treatment as early as possible. Early diagnosis and integrated treatment slows the progression of symptoms for most dogs.

Many other diseases and certain types of injury (e.g., a spinal injury, low thyroid) cause the same symptoms as DM, so it is important to rule these out before assuming that your dog has DM. Also, DM may co-exist with other physical problems or diseases. Always ask your vet to perform the least invasive tests first (such as blood tests). Some of the more invasive tests (such as myleograms) present a significant risk of making DM symptoms much worse permanently. DM cannot be diagnosed by observation alone.

A comprehensive description of DM, tests and treatment options can be found on the internet at the address below.

http://dog2doc.com/neuro/DM_Web/DMofGS.htm

This is an article by Dr. Roger Clemmons, PhD. The treatments described by Dr. Clemmons were effective for my dogs, but your veterinarian may hold a different viewpoint about treatment than Dr Clemmons. Consult with your veterinarian for other treatment options. Be aware that most veterinarians are not specialists with detailed knowledge of DM, testing options or treatments. Urge your vet to consult with experts in the field if they do not know about DM.

The DM Support Group web site also has extensive information written in layperson’s language (including testing information, care instructions and many very useful links):

www.mzjf.com/

DM and your dog

Your dog will adjust to the physical changes brought on by DM, and live a happy life, with your help. Mentally, dogs remain bright, vibrant, alert and playful (if that’s the way they were before the onset of DM!). Sleepy or laid-back dogs stay that way, too. Dogs seem to adjust better if their owners remain positive and upbeat. Many owners report a new and incredible level of understanding, love and closeness with their dogs as the DM progresses.

DM does not cause any pain. As far as research can show, dogs feel numbness in affected areas (and this is consistent with what people feel who have similar conditions). If your dog is in pain or shows any difficulty with urination or defecation, inform your vet immediately and make an appointment.

As DM progresses into new stages, your dog will discover its new limitations and find ways of handling the new challenges. Seeing your dog learning new ways of moving and living with DM may be an emotional experience for you (especially if this is your first experience caring for someone who is differently “abled” or who is ill).

DM and You

You may find it very hard to witness the physical decline in your dog, in the same way it is hard to see a person you love become ill. If you are willing to walk this journey with your dog, there will be many unexpected blessings, profound experiences, gifts and astonishing things to learn as the dog shares experiences with you. This is true whether you are young or old, and it is true for children as well as adults.

Caring for a DM dog can be challenging in later stages of the disease, especially when you don’t know all the tricks and hints that make life with a DM dog easier. Be confident that you will learn what you need to know over time from your veterinarian, and from others who have cared for a DM dog! There are many resources available to you that will help you learn quickly. Here is a short list of information topics you may need to become familiar with at different stages of the disease:

• Facts about DM progression
• What medications, foods and supplements are helpful
• Exercise that works! (swimming and walking)
• What to do when your dog cannot voluntarily urinate (easy to solve!)
• Symptoms of urinary tract infections in a dog
• How to express the bladder, and how often (easy!)
• How to stimulate a bowel movement, and how often (easy)
• How to turn a partly paralyzed dog (easy for both dog and person)
• Where to find equipment at reasonable prices that will make your care giving duties easier and less-impactful to your household
• Where to find support for when you want it or need it

DM Symptoms and Course

DM symptoms may wax and wane, so early symptoms may appear one day and then disappear for weeks. Begin treatment EARLY for the best chance of delaying onset of symptoms.

In very early stages, symptoms may be very subtle. Owners may notice the dog’s inside rear toe nails wear down more quickly, for example, or that the dog shuffles his or her back feet from time to time, or the dog’s stride is shorter than normal. Later, the dog will begin dragging a back foot or both back feet all the time (that is, the leg is not lifted quite far enough and the toe nails drag as the dog walks). Eventually, one or both back legs become weaker and the dog begins to move more clumsily (especially when walking around corners). If the DM is left untreated, the rear legs may become paralyzed in 3 to 6 months after the initial appearance of symptoms. With early treatment, permanent paralysis of the back legs may be delayed 12 months or more (even years). There is anecdotal evidence of some dogs remaining stable (no significant degeneration with continuing ability to walk and run) for 3 years and more; these dogs had early treatment.

In later stages (after full paralysis of the hind legs), DM causes paralysis of the front legs and attacks the brain stem. Dogs may have seizures at this stage. Some small movements in the legs and head may remain, but the dog is able to move itself or remain in an upright position. At this point, palliative care is provided.

DM is not a fatal disease, so caregivers will need to free their dogs through euthanasia when the time comes. This is always a difficult decision but it is a very compassionate thing to do for a late stage dog.

DM affects each dog differently. With treatment, some dogs may live for years with relatively minor symptoms (e.g., toe dragging), while others loose mobility within a few months. Treatment provides the best quality of life for your dog, regardless of the rate DM progresses.

What causes DM?

The exact cause of the DM is not known. However, most researchers seem to think there are genetic, environmental and toxic factors. Research has not shown what mechanism triggers the onset of DM.

Is there a cure for DM?

There is no cure. However, as stated above, symptoms may be delayed with treatment. At the University of Florida, about 80% of dogs respond well.

The objective of the treatment is to delay onset or progression of symptoms, and to provide maximum quality of life to the dog over the course of the DM.

Treatment includes exercise, diet and dietary supplements, medication and other supportive measures. The cost of medications and supplements are reasonable for many people. If you cannot afford all or part of the medication/supplements, diet and exercise (at least 2 hours per week) alone may delay onset of symptoms or help the dog remain stable. Acupuncture has also been shown to slow symptoms.

Westlab Pharmacy in Gainesville, Florida (telephone: 1-800-4westla) appears to provide the cheapest and highest quality medications and supplements for the treatment of DM. Your veterinarian will need to call in a prescription for your dog. The cost is significantly less than purchasing items through local pharmacies or health food stores.

The Westlab web site is very informative and includes a complete description of the medications and supplements:

www.westlabpharmacy.com

These can be printed out and given to your veterinarian for review. Westlabs works closely with Dr. Clemmons and the University of Florida.

Key medications are N Acetylecysteine, Aminocaprioc acid, and Antiox Q (or preferably Antiox QCB). See the Westlab information sheet for details. If your dog is on an incontinence drug, please tell your vet and Westlabs. DM medications may interact with incontinence drugs, and a simple adjustment to the medications or dosage may be necessary.

As a caring owner, you will hope and expect the medications and supplements to magically return your dog to “normal.” While some dogs may experience dramatic improvement, others may not see obvious change or slowing of symptom development.

What happens after paralysis of the back legs?

Dogs with paralyzed back legs can remain mobile and physically fit with your help.

• Assisted swimming is excellent exercise and is recommended for DM dogs
• Dog wheelchairs are available which allow dogs to run, play and go for walks and hikes. Without the wheelchair, dogs with paralyzed rear legs can move on their own (scooting), or can be assisted with a rear-end harness
• Small accommodations may need to be made in your home (as the dog scoots instead of walks), and some people may elect to use a ramp to help their dogs into cars or down stairs.

Dogs can absolutely live a happy and vibrant life even with the impact of DM. Your other pets will adjust, too. You may even see them grooming and caring for the DM dog.

Although it may be very difficult for you as an owner to adjust with the progression of DM, the rewards of caring for a DM dog are profound and may be life changing.

Caregiver Help Aids and Support

There are many tips that will help you provide care giving and yet minimize the impact on yourself and your household.

Useful Equipment

Harnesses to lift your dog’s rear end

No special equipment is needed until the dog starts serious toe dragging or becomes unstable. At this point, you will need a rear-end harness to help lift and stabilize your dog when out walking. Some people use a towel sling, but this is hard on your back and is not ergonomically correct for you or your dog (and it’s a lot of work to use a towel in this way!). A rear end harness allows you to carry your dog with one hand, like a suitcase! Harnesses are also available for dogs having trouble with their front legs. Here are some places to buy a harness:

www.wheelchairsfordogs.com
www.doggon.com
www.hartmanharness.com
www.handicappedpets.com

Dog Wheelchairs & Lifts

There are a large number of companies that make custom wheel chairs for dogs, and there are also plans available for homemade wheelchairs. Some former owners of DM dogs are willing to give their own wheelchairs away at no cost.

Wheelchair designs vary and some are easier to adjust and use than others. Ask lots of questions and get advice before investing in one. However, most dogs love the mobility, so they are really worth the effort and cost!

If your dog is fully paralyzed, a new or used lift is very handy. The Tylift company sells lifts that some DM dog owners found very helpful. Lifts are not for everyone, but if you have back trouble or a very large dog, they can come in handy for moving the dog with ease (the dog and dog bed can be moved at the same time).

Here are a few ideas; a search on the internet will yield more results:

www.wheelchairsfordogs.com
www.doggon.com
www.eddieswheels.com
www.handicappedpets.com (plans for homemade wheelchairs, slings, lifts and great support!)
www.tylift.com

Profleece and Bed Covers

Late stage DM dogs may occasionally leak urine. Profleece is a wonderful product that wicks wetness away and yet absorbs. To protect underlying beds, use a shower curtain or rubber sheet.

Profleece is available directly from the manufacturer or at the La Paw Spa store.

Latex Gloves and Diapers

Latex gloves and adult diapers work with dogs too!

Help and Support

There are bonded and insured dog caregivers in some cities, but choose carefully. Also, vet techs may be able to help. Contact your vet for names. These people can care for your paralyzed dog while you go on vacation, go to work, or just hang out!

Support is available from other dog owners with DM dogs and handicapped pets. Two excellent sites are:

www.handicappedpets.com (general support about providing care)
www.mzjf.com (DM support group)

Updated December 2004, there appears to be a new test that can determine if a dog has DM and also might be able to help – click here