Degenerative neuropathy in dogs, explained

Degenerative myelopathy, sometimes referred to as DM, is a condition of the spinal cord in dogs that eventually leads to loss of control of the hind end. This disease might not be as common as something like arthritis, but for affected pets the symptoms are significant.

We understand that the underlying process of DM is a slow and progressive degeneration of the white matter of the spinal cord. White matter is found in the brain and the spinal cord and its primary job is to make sense of and send signals to other parts of the body.

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What causes degenerative myelopathy in dogs?

DM results from a mutation in a gene known as superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD 1). It prevents the body from getting rid of free radicals, which leads to cell death and degeneration.

You need two copies of the faulty gene to get symptoms. This means DM has a genetic component, and even carrying one faulty gene can lead to offspring with the condition, even if the parents don't show symptoms.

Which dogs get degenerative myelopathy?

The breed correlates to a major risk of developing DM. Dogs can have two abnormal copies of this gene and are at risk for developing the disease. By far the most commonly diagnosed breed is the German Shepherd and those crossed with them. There is also a higher incidence in Collies, Corgis, Poodles, and Boxers among others.

DM is typically a disease of older dogs, usually over the age of eight years though it can be diagnosed earlier.

Degenerative myelopathy symptoms in dogs

Degenerative myelopathy typically has symptoms like loss of sensation and weakness, or even paralysis.

Symptoms of DM can include:

• Ataxia in the hind end (wobbly or drunken-type gait)

• Dragging the hind feet or catching the tops of the feet when walking

• General hind limb weakness

• Trouble standing or supporting weight for long periods

• Swaying from side to side while standing

• Falling over easily

• Knuckling over on the back feet

• Hind end paralysis in advanced cases

It’s not uncommon for DM clinical signs to resemble other diagnoses in its early stages. The symptoms can be similar to those of dogs with conditions like arthritis.

Dogs may look like they are having trouble getting up in the hind end, making owners think they are showing signs of pain. Later on, symptoms are progressive and make us more suspicious of something like DM (or other diseases of the spinal cord).

How is degenerative myelopathy diagnosed?

DM is a disease without an easy diagnostic path. A suggested DM diagnosis requires ruling out several other issues along the way, in addition to reviewing the pet's history, physical exam results, and clinical symptoms.

Veterinarians often start the process by performing a general blood panel to check overall organ function and blood cell counts.

Basic imaging will also likely be performed to look for signs of hip dysplasia, severe hip arthritis, or other bone changes such as tumours.

If these tests are normal, referral to a specialist (a veterinary neurologist) is the next step. Genetic testing for the SOD-1 gene mutation can work as a suggestive piece of evidence for DM. For a pet to develop DM, it must have two copies of this mutated gene.

More advanced testing can include sampling of the cerebrospinal fluid, imaging with an MRI, and biopsies. Samples of the spinal cord are needed to confirm this diagnosis and are not performed often due to practical reasons.

This means that often a diagnosis of DM is presumptive (i.e. we consider it highly likely based on the pet's history, physical exam, blood tests, and genetic testing).

Degenerative myelopathy treatment

There isn’t any curative treatment for DM, so support for pets is typically through medical management. Luckily most dogs with DM alone do not seem to be in pain as much as simply weak in the hind end.

That being said, we can see some cases with arthritis as well that do cause pain and require intervention (especially because more cases are in larger breeds of dogs).

What is the life expectancy of a dog with degenerative myelopathy?

Unfortunately, the prognosis for dogs with degenerative myelopathy isn't positive. Generally, the life expectancy after diagnosis is one to two years.

Should you walk a dog with degenerative myelopathy?

Keeping dogs active and at a healthy body weight can potentially help slow the display and progression of symptoms.

The longer we can help dogs keep a healthy muscle mass can provide strength in their back end. Some pets may benefit from physical therapy such as hydrotherapy or acupuncture. Supplements with Vitamin E have also been proposed as beneficial.

When to contact your vet

Over time, symptoms will unfortunately progress to the point where they will have a heavy impact on the pet's quality of life. This includes a decline in mobility and losing the ability to control their bladder and bowel.

While we can’t stop the progression of DM, we can do our best to provide a good quality of life for as long as possible.

Degenerative myelopathy and dog insurance

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