Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

Understanding Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) in Dogs

Welcome to Puppy Heaven! We love talking about our adorable puppies and finding them wonderful homes. While we focus on the happy beginnings of a dog’s life, being a great dog parent means learning about all stages of their journey and how to keep them happy and healthy for many years. Sometimes, as dogs get older, they can develop certain health conditions. One condition you might hear about is called Degenerative Myelopathy, or DM for short. It sounds like a big, complicated name, but let’s break it down simply.

Think of your dog’s body like a complicated machine with lots of wires and signals. These wires are like nerves, and they send messages from the brain to the rest of the body, telling legs to walk, tails to wag, and noses to sniff! In dogs with DM, some of these special wires in their spinal cord (that’s the main highway of nerves running down their back) start to wear out or get damaged over time. This usually happens slowly, and it mainly affects the nerves that control their back legs.

It’s important to remember that DM is something that happens in older dogs, not puppies. Puppies are full of energy and growing strong! Learning about things like DM helps us appreciate the health of our young furry friends and prepares us to be loving caregivers throughout their whole lives, even if challenges arise later. Every dog deserves a happy life, from bouncy puppy days to calm senior years.

What is Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)?

Let’s talk a little more about what DM actually is. The word “Degenerative” means something is slowly getting worse or breaking down. “Myelopathy” just means a problem with the spinal cord. So, Degenerative Myelopathy is a disease where the spinal cord slowly breaks down over time. It’s a bit like if the roads that signals travel on in the spinal cord start to get bumps and potholes, making it hard for the messages to get through correctly.

This damage makes it difficult for the brain to tell the back legs exactly what to do. It’s not painful for the dog, which is one important thing to know. They don’t hurt because of the DM itself, but it can make moving around difficult, which might lead to other issues.

DM is mostly seen in medium to large breed dogs, and it usually starts when they are middle-aged or older, often around 8 years old or more. It doesn’t affect their brain in terms of thinking or personality; a dog with DM is still the same loving, happy dog you know, just with trouble walking.

Why Does DM Happen?

Scientists have learned a lot about DM. They know that it’s mostly caused by a change in a specific gene, like a tiny instruction manual inside the dog’s body. This gene is called the SOD1 gene. If a dog has certain versions of this gene, they are more likely to develop DM when they get older.

Think of genes like tiny blueprints. Most dogs have blueprints that help the SOD1 gene work normally. But some dogs inherit blueprints that are a little different, and this difference makes them more likely to get DM later in life. It’s important to know that just having the gene change doesn’t *guarantee* a dog will get DM, but it makes it much more likely. Other things, like the dog’s age and maybe other unknown factors, probably play a role too.

This is why responsible breeding is so important! Breeders can test their adult dogs to see if they have these gene changes. This helps them make smart decisions about which dogs to breed to try and reduce the chances of puppies inheriting the gene changes that can lead to DM later. At Puppy Heaven, we work with responsible breeders who care deeply about the health and well-being of their dogs and puppies. Understanding genetic conditions like DM is part of that commitment.

What Are the Signs of DM?

The signs of DM usually start very slowly and get worse over many months or even a year or two. Since it affects the back legs first, the earliest signs are often subtle changes in how a dog walks. Here are some things people might notice:

• Wobbly walking: Their back legs might seem a bit unsteady, especially when they are standing still.
• Dragging paws: The dog might drag their back paws, especially the tops of their feet, when they walk. You might notice the tops of their nails getting worn down.
• Tripping or stumbling: They might trip over their own feet or stumble easily.
• Difficulty getting up: It might be harder for them to stand up from lying down.
• Crossing legs: When they stand, their back legs might sometimes cross over each other.
• Weakness: Their back legs might seem weaker than they used to be.
• Swaying: Their back end might sway more when they walk.

These signs usually start in just one back leg, but quickly start affecting both legs. As the condition progresses, the dog will have more and more trouble walking and eventually won’t be able to walk on their own.

It’s super important to know that many other things can cause older dogs to have trouble walking, like arthritis (which is joint pain, kind of like creaky knees) or other back problems. So, if you see your older dog having trouble walking, the first step is always to take them to the veterinarian to find out what’s going on.

How Do Veterinarians Figure Out if a Dog Has DM?

Diagnosing DM can be a little tricky. There isn’t one simple test that says “Yes, this is definitely DM.” Instead, veterinarians use a process of elimination. This means they look for all the other possible reasons a dog might be having trouble walking and rule those out first.

Here’s what a vet might do:

1. Listen to you: They will ask you lots of questions about what you’ve been seeing – when did it start? Has it gotten worse? Does your dog seem to be in pain?
2. Do a physical exam: They will check your dog all over.
3. Do a neurological exam: This is a special check-up for the nervous system. The vet will check your dog’s reflexes, how they respond to touch, and how they move their legs. They might do things like gently flip a paw over to see if the dog flips it back quickly (dogs with DM are slow to do this).
4. Recommend X-rays: X-rays can help the vet look at the bones in the spine and legs to see if arthritis, slipped discs, or other bone problems are causing the symptoms.
5. Suggest other tests: Sometimes, vets might suggest MRI or CT scans to get a detailed look at the spinal cord and rule out things like tumors or pinched nerves.
6. Consider a genetic test: While a genetic test can show if a dog has the gene changes associated with DM, it doesn’t prove they *have* DM at that moment. It’s more helpful as a piece of the puzzle, especially if the dog has the symptoms and other possible causes have been ruled out.

Because there’s no definitive test in a living dog, DM is often diagnosed by ruling out all the other possible causes. A final confirmation can only happen after a dog has passed away by examining the spinal cord, but vets can be quite confident based on the symptoms and test results while the dog is alive.

Which Dogs Are More Likely to Get DM?

While any dog can potentially inherit the gene changes, DM is seen more often in certain breeds. This doesn’t mean every dog of these breeds will get it, just that it’s more common in them than in other breeds.

Here’s a table showing some breeds more commonly associated with DM:

Remember, this is just a list of breeds where it’s more common. Any dog, even a mix, could potentially get DM if they have the right gene changes. That’s why loving and caring for your dog’s health throughout their life is important, no matter the breed!

We offer many wonderful purebred puppies and designer puppies at Puppy Heaven. Learning about potential health considerations for different breeds is part of being a prepared and caring owner.

Is There a Cure for DM?

Right now, there is no cure for Degenerative Myelopathy. This can be sad to hear, but it doesn’t mean we can’t help dogs with DM live happy, comfortable lives for as long as possible. Science is always advancing, and researchers are working hard to understand DM better and find ways to treat it.

Even without a cure, there are many things we can do to support a dog with DM. The goal is to help them stay mobile, comfortable, and happy. This is called “supportive care.”

How Can We Help a Dog with DM? (Supportive Care)

Living with a dog who has DM means making some adjustments and giving them extra love and help. Here are some ways to provide supportive care:

• Exercise: Gentle, regular exercise is very important, especially in the early stages. This helps keep their muscles strong and improves coordination. Swimming or using an underwater treadmill can be great because the water helps support their body.
• Physical Therapy: A vet or a special animal physical therapist can show you exercises to do with your dog. These exercises help maintain muscle mass and flexibility. It’s like having a personal trainer for your dog!
• Assistance Devices: As DM progresses, dogs will need help getting around.
  • Slings or harnesses: These can help you support their back end when walking them outside.
  • Boots or paw protectors: If they are dragging their paws, boots can protect their feet from scrapes and sores.
  • Ramps: Ramps can help them get into cars or up stairs.
  • Wheelchairs: Special wheelchairs designed for dogs can give them back their mobility and freedom to run and play! It’s amazing how happy dogs can be in their wheelchairs.
• Keeping them Clean and Comfortable: Dogs with mobility issues might need help staying clean, especially around their back end. Making sure they have soft bedding and are comfortable is key.
• Good Nutrition: Feeding your dog a healthy, balanced diet helps support their overall health. Your vet can recommend the best food.
• Regular Vet Visits: Keeping in touch with your veterinarian is crucial. They can monitor your dog’s condition, suggest new ways to help, and check for any other health problems.

Providing this care takes time and effort, but the love and companionship a dog offers are worth it. Dogs are resilient and adapt remarkably well, especially with the help of their loving families.

Important Things to Remember About DM

Let’s go over some key takeaways about DM, especially for young dog lovers:

It’s Not Painful: DM itself doesn’t hurt the dog. Their problem is with sending signals to the legs, not pain in the legs. This is a very important difference from conditions like arthritis, which can be painful.

It Doesn’t Affect Their Mind: Dogs with DM are still the same happy, smart, loving companions they always were. They still enjoy spending time with you, getting treats, and being part of the family.

It Progresses Slowly: DM isn’t something that happens overnight. It gets worse gradually, giving you time to adjust and help your dog.

Your Love Makes a Difference: Even when a dog needs extra help, your love, patience, and care are the most important things you can give them.

It’s More Common in Older Dogs: DM is a condition of older age, not something puppies get. When you find a puppy at Puppy Heaven, you are starting a long journey of love and companionship. Learning about things like DM is part of being ready for whatever the future holds and promising to care for your furry friend always.

Caring for a dog with DM can be challenging, but it can also strengthen the bond you share. Seeing a dog adapt with the help of a wheelchair or finding joy in gentle swimming sessions is truly inspiring. It reminds us that dogs live in the moment and appreciate the love and comfort we provide.

Genetic Testing: A Tool for Responsible Breeding

We mentioned earlier that DM is linked to a specific gene change. Genetic testing can identify if a dog carries these changes. This information is mainly used by responsible breeders to help make informed decisions.

Here’s how it works:

• A simple test (like a cheek swab or blood sample) is sent to a lab.
• The lab checks the dog’s DNA for the specific changes in the SOD1 gene associated with DM.
• The results usually show if the dog is “clear” (doesn’t have the main risk genes), a “carrier” (has one copy of the risk gene), or “at risk” (has two copies of the risk gene).

Knowing this helps breeders understand the likelihood of their puppies inheriting the genes. Responsible breeders aim to produce puppies that are less likely to develop genetic conditions later in life. However, even with testing, genetics can be complex, and DM can still occur.

For pet owners buying a puppy, knowing about the parents’ genetic testing status (if available) can be helpful information, but remember that testing positive for the gene doesn’t mean the dog *will* get DM, only that they are at higher risk. It’s just one piece of the puzzle when considering a puppy’s background.

At Puppy Heaven, we are committed to healthy puppies and informed pet parents. We encourage everyone to learn about the health considerations specific to the breed or designer mix they are interested in. Whether you’re looking for a tiny teacup puppy, a playful toy puppy, or a sturdy standard size puppy, understanding their potential health journey is part of the adventure.

Living with a Dog with DM: The Journey

Caring for a dog with DM is a journey that requires patience and dedication. As the condition progresses, the level of care needed will increase. Eventually, most dogs with DM will lose the ability to use their back legs entirely.

This is a difficult time for any pet owner. It’s important to work closely with your veterinarian to ensure your dog’s comfort and quality of life. Your vet can help you know when it’s time to make the difficult decisions about your dog’s well-being.

Even when a dog is no longer able to walk, they can still enjoy life. They can still wag their tail, eat their favorite treats, cuddle with their family, and enjoy gentle activities. Your presence and love are what matter most to them.

Spreading Awareness

Learning about conditions like DM helps us be better advocates for our furry friends. By understanding the signs, we can seek veterinary help sooner. By supporting research, we help scientists find better ways to treat or even prevent this disease in the future.

Being a responsible dog owner means committing to their care from the moment they join your family as a tiny teacup or toy puppy or a lively standard puppy, throughout their happy, healthy years, and into their senior years. Learning about potential age-related conditions like DM is part of that lifelong promise.

At Puppy Heaven, we cherish every wagging tail and wet nose. We believe that informed owners make the best pet parents. We hope this simple explanation of Degenerative Myelopathy helps you understand this condition a little better and reminds you how important it is to cherish every moment with your beloved dog.

Whether you’re dreaming of getting a Bichon Frise, a Boston Terrier, a Cairn Terrier, a Cavalier King Charles, a Chihuahua, a Cocker Spaniel, a Coton de Tulear, a Dachshund, a Havanese, a Lhasa Apso, a Papillon, or one of our many wonderful Mini Doodles or Toy Doodles, remember that responsible ownership includes learning about health. Sometimes we have puppies coming soon, so keep checking back!

Caring for our dogs, both when they are healthy and when they face challenges, is part of the joy of having a pet. DM is a tough condition, but with understanding and supportive care, we can help our senior dogs live their best possible lives.