Degenerative Myelopathy (chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy CDRM)
Description and cause
Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive wasting disease affecting the hind limbs. DM occurs predominately in German Shepherds and Welsh Corgis, although it can on rarer occasions affect other breeds. The cause is unknown but genetic factors are suspected. There is a non-inflammatory degeneration of the axons in the white matter of the spinal cord, causing nerve impulses from the brain to fail to reach the hind limbs correctly. This will eventually lead to progressive hind limb weakness and paralysis.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Early cases can be confused with orthopaedic disorders, however proprioceptive defecits (poor foot placement) are an early indication of DM which are not seen in orthopaedic cases. Affected dogs are usually over the age of 5 years, symptoms progress over a period of time, 6 months to 3 years. Often the first sign an owner will see or hear is claw scuffing of the hind limbs. Progressive weakness of the hind limbs will initially cause the dog to loose balance, eventually the dog will loose weight bearing function completely. Thankfully this condition appears to be painless and most affected dogs seem almost to not notice and endeavour to carry on their daily lives as if unaffected.
Diagnosis is made by examination, the use of myelography and MRI scans are essential to rule out inflammatory diseases and compression of the spinal chord, which may respond to surgical treatment.
Treatment
Long term prognosis for DM is poor. Some clinicians advise the use of vitamin supplements and amioncaproic acid, but the safety and effectiveness of this treatment is not greatly known. Please discuss this further with your veterinarian.
Swimming in a heated hydrotherapy pool can help to maintain muscle use, enabling the dog to continue walking for longer than would otherwise be possible. Cardiovascular fitness is also maintained along with the strength of the front legs, both of increasing importance if owners are considering the use of a cart. The mental welfare of the dog is much improved by hydrotherapy, in the non weight-bearing environment all four limbs are able to work in the normal manner of a healthy animal. This freedom of movement will make for a much happier dog who can then swim and play normally in the water. It is only when the disease progresses that the hind limb activity lessens, although the front limbs usually remain strong.
The use of carts
There is much controversy about the use of carts for dogs with hind limb paralysis. We feel that this is a decision that should be made on an individual basis. Many dogs cannot cope with using a cart while others, however, cope well and gain much quality of life with one. Many owners also feel unable to put their dogs in mechanical devices, this has to be your choice.
There are some basic guidelines that should be followed when considering a cart:
Look at many manufactures of carts. There are several designs and where one may not be suitable for your dog another may.
Homemade carts are to be used with caution. The stability of these gadgets is crucial to their success, there is a fine line between a cart that works well particularly, at speed or on rough ground and another that tips your dog over causing injury and distress.
Pressure sores are also an important factor to consider and must be avoided. This can be difficult if the balance of the cart is wrong, the harness holding the animal is not made of the correct material or fitted correctly. Pressure sores are painful and can lead to infection requiring prompt veterinary treatment.
Hygiene is another issue to consider. As dogs with hind limb paralysis often suffer from incontinence, be sure your dog can be kept clean at all times and that the design of the cart allows for easy defaecation.
When all is said and done we would not discourage the use of a cart as long as it covers all the correct criteria and the dog and owners are happy with its use.
Since several of our clients have used carts for their dogs I have seen their benefits and the good quality of life that dogs can have with them. After watching a JRT, in a cart, hurtling around a playing field, with his “normal” companions a Labrador and Retriever, teasing them and having enormous fun I have been convinced in favour of their use. I still stress that it is important to look at the practicalities, design and both physical and mental welfare of the dog thoroughly when making your decision.
Meadow Farm 2008
Meadow farm 2008
Copyright © 2008 Meadow Farm