Degenerative myelopathy is a condition that results in progressive paralysis of the hindlimbs, mainly in middle-aged to older German Shepherd dogs

Exercise, medication, and minimization of stress all play an important role in attempting to slow the disease process

"Use it or lose it!" A regular exercise program is key in slowing progression

Our neurologists have not seen any positive effect of medications to treat degenerative myelopathy

What is degenerative myelopathy? 

• Degenerative myelopathy is a condition that results in progressive paralysis of the hindlimbs in middle-aged to older German Shepherd dogs.  
• The cause of this degeneration is unknown, but the underlying disease is degeneration of the white matter in the spinal cord.
• The white matter is the portion of the spinal cord responsible for transmitting information between the brain and the body.

Clinical signs

• Most dogs are German Shepherds, however, other breeds can also be affected by this condition.
• Initially the dog drags its rear toes slightly and scrapes the tops of the toenails as it walks.  
• This progresses to knuckling of the hind paws and crossing of the feet during walking.  
• The forelimbs function normally, and affected dogs are otherwise in good health.
• The disease progresses until affected dogs eventually cannot rise or walk on the hindlimbs.   The muscles of the hindlimbs undergo severe wasting (atrophy).  

Diagnosis

• Extensive testing is necessary to rule out other diseases that may mimic degenerative myelopathy.  
• Diagnostic testing such as complete blood cell count, chemistry profile, urinalysis, plain x-rays of the spine, myelogram with CT scan and, in some cases, MRI are needed to rule out other diseases that cause weakness and paralysis.
• Degenerative myelopathy is a exclusionary diagnosis, meaning that once all other diseases have been ruled out, degenerative myelopathy is assumed. The only way to definitively diagnose this condition is on autopsy with microscopic examination of the spinal cord.

Treatment

• There is no known cure for degenerative myelopathy.  
• Good supportive care is necessary.  
• Exercise, medication, and minimization of stress all play an important role in attempting to slow the disease process.
• EXERCISE
  • Exercise is extremely important in maintaining the well being of affected dogs, maximizing muscle tone, and maintaining good circulation and conditioning.   This is best achieved by an increasing schedule of alternate day exercise.   Walking and swimming are excellent forms of exercise.   Since many dogs have lost muscle tone before their diagnosis, it is important to gradually build their level of activity.   The goal is to do aerobic exercise for 30 minutes twice a week and one hour once a week.   This can begin with walking and gradually build to a faster pace.   While not all patients can reach the goal, it is important to strive to do so.  Running loose on the owner’s property is not adequate; regular periods of programmed continuous exercise are the most important.   It is equally important that the patient be allowed to rest on the day when exercise is not scheduled.   This will allow strained muscles and tendons to recover. The patient does not need to be confined, but rather should not be encouraged to do strenuous exercise on the “off” days.   Exercise alone will help delay the progression of degenerative myelopathy.
• MEDICATION - please note that our neurologists have not seen any positive effect with any medications

• NOTIFY US IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCUR:
  • Your dog refuses to eat.
  • Your dog’s signs change or worsen
  • Your dog cannot urinate or defecate.
  • Your dog becomes depressed.
  • You cannot carry out any prescribed treatment.

Prognosis

• Prognosis is grave as this is a progressive debilitating disease.
• Paralysis may progress over a couple of months, but in some cases it takes about 6 to 8 months until paralysis sets in.