Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) of German Shepherd Dogs (GSD) is a disease that a lot of German shepherd owners have never heard of.  Most owners fear hip dysplasia in their German shepherd and are unaware that this breed is also near the top of the list of breeds that are known to develop Canine Degenerative Myelopathy.  Degenerative Myelopathy is progressive and to date, has no cure.

Degenerative Myelopathy was first described as a specific degenerative neurologic disease in 1973.  Since then, steps have been taken to better understand the disease.

Degenerative Myelopathy of German Shepherd Dogs is caused by an autoimmune disease that attacks the nervous system of the shepherd.  It leads to increasing neural tissue damage that culminates in the paralysis and eventual death of the shepherd.

Degenerative Myelopathy is a progressive degeneration of the spinal cord that starts in the rear and works its way forward.    The disease starts out slowly and gets worse over time.  The first signs of Degenerative Myelopathy are usually very subtle; a slight drag of one rear foot, wearing down the back toenails and /or a mild unsteadiness.  Degenerative Myelopathy may start in both rear legs at the same time or may start in one and gradually move to the other one.

As the disease progresses so does the loss of muscle control and coordination in the hind legs.  The shepherd will   begin to lose feelings and control over his back legs causing him to stumble or trip.  He will eventually struggle to get up and move around until complete paralysis in the hind quarters set in.

If you have never experienced this disease, you should consider yourself very lucky.  Most shepherd owners become aware of Degenerative Myelopathy only after a diagnosis has been presented.

If you suspect your shepherd might have Degenerative Myelopathy, your veterinarian should first be checking for a herniated disc in the back, a stroke, an infection, or a tumor which all can give similar signs.  There is no clear cut test for Degenerative Myelopathy and a “diagnosis” is made by process of elimination.  The only accurate diagnosis at this time is with an autopsy.

Degenerative Myelopathy use to be considered an old dog disease, but it is starting to be common in shepherds as young as five to six years old.  There is no cure for this disease and treatment options can be equally frustrating.  Western medicines treatment is aimed at keeping the dog comfortable through pain medication.  Eastern medicines treatment focuses on aggressively slowing the progression of Degenerative Myelopathy and keeping the dog comfortable and functioning for as long as possible through a combination of exercise, diet, supplements and other supportive methods.

The only good thing about this horrifying disease is this: the nerves that control pain disappear along with the nerves that control movement.  Your German shepherd will not be in physical pain due to Degenerative Myelopathy.

People who are familiar with Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) will notice the similarities of Degenerative Myelopathy.  Both experience progressive loss of muscle function, weakness, paralysis and eventual death.  Researchers at the University of Missouri recently found a genetic link between these two diseases.  A study funded by the American Kennel Club Canine Health foundation (and participating breed clubs) revealed that dogs with Degenerative Myelopathy have a mutated SOD1 gene that resembles amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

More good news about this disease; there is now a DNA test that can be done to determine if dogs carry the Degenerative Myelopathy gene.  The test is easy to do in the comfort of your home and results will determine the following:

• N/N = Normal or Clear
• N/A = Carrier
• A/A = At-Risk or Affected

Shepherds diagnosed as “At-Risk” may develop Degenerative Myelopathy later in life, while others will never show any clinical signs of the disease or may die of something else before they develop Degenerative Myelopathy.  Owners should watch for the early signs of Degenerative Myelopathy as their shepherd ages.

A shepherd diagnosed as a “Carrier” should not develop Degenerative Myelopathy but could pass it to offspring depending on their breeding partner’s status.

Shepherds diagnosed as “Normal” should not develop Degenerative Myelopathy, or pass it off in any offspring regardless of the breeding partner’s status.  For breeding purposes; if a shepherd is a carrier or affected, they should only be breed to a partner who is clear.

Breeder’s will hopefully take advantage of this DNA testing to make better breeding decisions, by properly choosing the best breeding partner, and lessen the frequency of Degenerative Myelopathy in future generations.  Degenerative Myelopathy is an agonizing disease for an owner and their dog to experience.  DNA testing is an easy way to prevent Degenerative Myelopathy and assist in breeding for the healthiest German Shepherd Dog possible.

If you have no intentions of breeding your shepherd, you still may want to consider testing your dog to learn their status.

The DNA test is a kit that can be ordered from the following sites:  OFA, DDC Veterinary and Animal Genetics.  When the kit arrives, follow the simple directions which consist of using the swabs provided and swirling them around inside your dog’s cheek.  Send the swabs and required information back to the provider and wait for your results.

To read about my personal experience with Degenerative Myelopathy check out Bruno’s Blog.

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