November 2007 Bruno and I are at our scheduled veterinary appointment. Our vet observes Bruno walk up and down the hallway and then proceeds to feel, rub, push, pull, and poke around on the big guy who takes this all in stride. The first logical thing to do is rule out hip dysplasia with x-rays.
X-ray results are in and the results are good. Bruno’s hips are as tight and stable as they were at age two when he was rated “Good” by O.F.A. (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). So now what? Through deductive reasoning and process of elimination my vet determines that Bruno is a victim of Degenerative Myelopathy. My heart sinks into my stomach as my brain begins to process.
Degenerative Myelopathy is a spinal cord disease that is chronic and progressive and has a genetic predisposition in the German shepherd breed. Other large breeds, long spine breeds, and working dogs are susceptible to this disease but it is known to appear with relative frequency in German Shepherds.
So basically, Bruno’s spine is slowly deteriorating and neurologically causing the lack of control in the hindquarters. My vet explains that there is no cure or treatment for this disease and the only thing that can be done is pain management from here on out.
Bruno and I leave the vet’s office with doggy medication that is equivalent to Motrin and the knowledge that this disease will eventually debilitate him to the point of not being able to walk under his own power. Bruno’s life span and quality of life will now be determined by how quickly this degenerative neurologic disease advances.
The clock is ticking…
I too have a gsd who has just been diagnoed with this awful disease, she is 13 years old and only started showing signs just before xmas, but she has deteriorated at quite a rabid rate. But while she is not in pain and still has her dignity i will try and make her life as easy and fun as i can.
Hope your gorgeous boy has as long and pain free life as possible from now on in!
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