Helping your dog with
Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is, very unfortunately, an incurable, progressive disease of the spinal cord slowly resulting in eventual paralysis. Typically diagnosed in middle-aged to older dogs it can be easily confused with osteoarthritis in it's early stages. Think there's nothing to be done to help your dog? Think again!

Degenerative Myelopathy Overview

Signs of DM

This is considered a pain-free condition, but the dogs are very weak. If there is a pain element, it is usually a co-morbidity such as osteoarthritis.

Weakness is the main sign, which gets progressively worse until paralysis. Towards the end stages your dog may become incontinent too. Common signs seen are;

Hindlimb paw 'knuckling' especially on turns, dragging back paws
Swaying when stood still or easily pushed over
Difficulty raising from a lying position

Causes of DM

The cause of DM is not entirely known but is thought to have a genetic component. German Shepherds are commonly seen with this condition, amongst other breeds.

Specifically, the degeneration seen involves the white matter of the spinal cord, whose job is to conduct, process and send signals up and down the spinal cord.

Treatment of DM

Unfortunately, DM is incurable and will get worse over time. Diagnostics such as X-rays need to rule out other pathologies which can get confused with DM.

Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy has been proven to prolong the dog's active life and preserve muscle mass, keeping them on their feet and enjoying life for longer.

Supplements in a combination of epsilon-aminocaproic acid, N-acetylcysteine, prednisone, vitamins B, C, and E have been shown to also help slow the condition - speak to your vet about this.

What can we do about it?

Plenty! We have numerous modalities in clinic that we have at our finger tips to help your dog. These include massage, soft tissue mobilisation, stretching, joint mobilisations, targeted exercises, laser therapy, hydrotherapy... shall we continue? These have all been shown to maintain muscle function, strength and coordination and improve your dog's quality of life. With each session they undergo constant review of their clinical signs and progression in order to gain maximum recovery at a pace that's comfortable for them.

We have a comprehensive programme tailored for your dog's specific needs, depending on their condition so far. We will always assess their pain levels (if any), degree of mobility, muscle strength, amongst more, to enable us to create the most successful treatment plan for them. If they have co-morbidities such as Hip Dysplasia or Osteoarthritis we will rehabilitate these concurrently.

Alongside what we do with your beloved pooch, there are a number of things outside of the clinic that can help them manage their condition or rehabilitation. Please find information in the sections below!

Physical Therapies

Therapies are the essential part of maintaining your dog's mobility - as you already know! For the best results, therapies should be implemented early on in their diagnosis to maintain the best possible muscle strength and mobility. Homework should be adhered to as much as possible to really gain maximum benefits.

Weight Management

Losing excess weight, and keeping your dog as lean as possible without compromising nutrition, will significantly improve their condition. Excess weight not only bears greater forces through their joints, but the fat tissue itself contains inflammatory mediators that amplify pain. Basically, the leaner they are the less pain they will be in!

Pain Relief & Supplements

As mentioned before, this condition is considered largely pain-free, however some dogs may experience pain. Your vet will prescribe pain killers if this is the case. Supplements such as Omega 3, Boswellia Powder and Green Lipped Muscle are great to naturally reduce inflammation and are safe to feed long term. Supplements in a combination of epsilon-aminocaproic acid, N-acetylcysteine, prednisone, vitamins B, C, and E have been shown to also help slow the condition - speak to your vet about this.

Modified Exercise

Your dog will benefit from being as active as possible for as long as possible. Sometimes this is tricky when they also have other conditions such as Hip Dysplasia or Osteoarthritis. We will create a plan specifically to your dog to find the best balance between being as active as possible whilst reducing the risk of flaring up other conditions. Modifying your walk routines with your dog is a really huge part of managing their condition. We will direct you specifically according to your dog's assessment in clinic, but the general rules of thumb are; Little and often - multiple short walks per day are much better than one long one. Keep it consistent - suddenly going for a long walk on the weekend will set your dog back. Keep their daily activity the same each day. Dont let them fatigue - signs such as slowing down on walks, looking wobblier or sitting down are big red flags and should be avoided. Shorten the walk time so that they return home in the same state that they left home in. Sniffy walks are GREAT - if your dog benefits from more stimulation a fantastic, safe way to do this is to take them to super sniffy places and let their noses do the work. Let them sniff everything and everywhere. It also provides a little comfort break and allows them to be out for longer before fatiguing.

If you would like to consider some wheels for your pooch, please click here for more information!

Home Modifications

Flooring

Wooden floors and stairs are a big slip hazard for your dog. Try using non-slip mats along the main routes of your house. Alternatively, some dogs may benefit from paw pads (please speak to us before trying this option in case of contraindication).

Feeding Stations

Raising their water and food bowls may seem like a insignificant change to us, but it can really help your dog to be in a more neutral position.

Access to Furniture

Jumping up and down from heights if often a cause of additional pain / difficulty to your dog. If they enjoy a cuddle on the sofa or the bed, make it easier for them with dog-friendly steps or ramps onto furniture. This also applies to getting in / out of cars! You may find a sling to be useful.

Keeping Warm

Especially important in the colder months, your dog will benefit from staying warmer. Keep them in a jumper and walk them out with coats. Stay dry too!

Sleeping / Resting Areas

Great quality sleep is essential. Ensure their sleeping area is free from any drafts and in a warm spot. Their bedding should be supportive and not restrictive. Memory foam mattresses without rigid or tall sides are best. Make sure your dog can access the bed and can change position / stretch out easily.

Be Wary of Terrain

Different types of terrain in the garden and on walks can be hazardous, such as steep slopes, loose or uneven surfaces. Be mindful to where they are going.

Helping your dog with Degenerative Myelopathy