Degenerative Myelopathy Symptoms - Page 1

Hi, I have a 6 1/2 yr old male GSD, a little on the large side, about 90lbs and not fat. I have noticed over the past few weeks, a very minor change in the movement of his left rear leg. It is only noticeable when he is walking, not running. I have some knowledge of DM, but in my experience I have seen it at the end stages and when it affects both rear legs. Has anyone here has seen the earlier stages and if it can start out just affecting one leg. I don't believe it is hip related, his hips were x-rayed "fair" at 4 yrs, with no signs of arthritis or dysplasia. Thanks in advance for all responses, Theresa

Theresa, I can only speak of my last GSD who had it. It started with my 7 yr old male, Fritz. He had his annual exam in May 2004. In Oct 2004, he started limping on one back leg. His xrays looked fine at this time. Then during the next 4 months, it went to the other back leg and he was completely paralyzed in the rear. He was euthanized on Feb 28, 2004. It was a horrible thing because it was so fast and unexpected. Regards, Jack

You may also want to consider a partial cruciate ligament tear, they are usually not painful for the dog after the initial injury, if it is only partially torn it would only produce a very slight limp. I would have your vet check him out.

Thanks guys, I guess I should have specified that he isn't limping exactly. It is more of a "wobble", like he doesn't exactly have complete control of where it is going, but like I said, it is very slight right now. Theresa

It is very, very important to get an accurate diagnosis, first and foremost. DM is progressive, but there are things that can be done to slow the disease progression. There are several things that are looked for and a good vet should be your first stop. A very interesting link to some excellent information, and some ideas about treatment, if, in fact it is DM, can be found at: http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/DM_Web/DMofGS.htm As you will note, the maintenance of appropriate weight and appropriate exercise are also very important. If you have a place to swim the dog, do it. Hopefully, as VBK9 says, it is something else like a partiap tear. Good luck.

Thank you again for the info. I am going to make the appt for the vet on monday. Theresa

I lost an old stud male nearly two (2) years ago, and I suspected this disease to be his affliction. He had the classic sympthoms where he began to slightly drag one (1) rear paw and during the next six (6) months it progressed to the end that he was dragging both rear paws. He did not really limp either; it was more of a staggering gait. I sadly had him euthanized when his condition worsened to the end that he could not relieve himself and maintain his dignity. We did not treat him, other than administer Dermaxx to help with any pain issues that came from overworking the other parts of his body. And we used that on a wait-and-see basis so we would not give him too much. I felt that the treatment was nearly as bad as the disease. Teresa, good luck on the upcoming examination of the dog. In my opinion your male is not old enough to have the beginning sympthoms of DM, but it could of course be present. Hopefully it is just a ligament tear or a serious strain, which with care can heal. Bob-O

I am sorry to hear that you lost your dog to this disease. Thank you for sharing your experience and information. Hopefully it is just a tear or strain of some sort, I am keeping my fingers crossed. Theresa

we had experiences with both DM and spondylosis. DM does not show up on xray, but can be found in tests for spinal fluid. DM does not appear to be painful, just debilitating and degrading. spondylosis does show up on xrays of the spine. (not hips) it is very painful and debilitating also. i hope you have a good vet. best of luck.

DM doesn't show up on spinal fluid, at least that's what I was told when my now almost 11 year old was diagnosed at 4. Not knowing the dangers, and the fact that we were heavy in training for his SchII, I did the tap and the myelogram. It was through elimation of other possiblities and list of symtoms. Dr. Clemmons has developed a DNA test that appears to be fairly accurate. It's $50 and the blood is sent to the University of Florida where he is conducting this research, largely without funding. The GSD world needs to get behind this research as the crippling disease is usually not seen until years after the dog's breeding career has started. I feel strongly it has a genetic link. My dog's litter mate was put down at 5 with it and a 1/2 brother at 7. Right now, necropsy exam is the only positive way to tell. Dr. Clemmons is trying to isolate the genetic marker so that resposible breeders can blood test young dogs. Sorry so long a rant. But I live with a DM dog that is walking/slowly running today in a huge part to Dr. Clemmons research. I also know people that don't feel too worried about breeding stock with DM. When a dog is in pain, it's easier, to me, to make the decision to give them their freedom. This disease only causes pain in the heart of dog and owner. And very few vets have any knowledge of the disease. K-State gave me NO advise. Got it from searching the internet. Most vets consider it a death sentence with only 6 months or so to live. Blessed Chance is going on 7 years. Getting more unsteady, can't lift his tail, and his manly bark is hoarse. But he's mobile. Okay, I'm done. We have a wonderful Yahoo family for those with DM dogs. CH