Canine degenerative myelopathy (DM) is an uncommon, progressively degenerative disease of the spinal cord which causes hind limb weakness, lameness and eventual paralysis. With this disease, the myelin sheaths that normally protect the spinal neurons disintegrate, exposing the underlying nerve fibers and disrupting the communication pathways between the brain and spinal cord.The precise cause of degenerative myelopathy is unknown. Many authorities suspect that this is an immune-mediated disorder similar to multiple sclerosis in people, while
Canine degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a progressive disease of the spinal cord of unknown origin. It eventually causes hind limb weakness and paralysis. With this disease, the myelin sheaths around spinal neurons start to slowly disintegrate. As these protective tissues deteriorate and the underlying nerve fibers (axons) degenerate, the communication pathways between the brain and spinal cord become disrupted. DM is thought to be an immune-mediated, neurodegenerative disease similar to multiple sclerosis in people, although
Canine degenerative myelopathy (DM) is an uncommon disease that can be extremely difficult to diagnose. A number of other spinal cord disorders can mimic the clinical signs of DM, such as intervertebral disk disease, myelitis, spinal cord neoplasia (cancer) and hip dysplasia, among others.A comprehensive neurological examination is critical to developing a tentative diagnosis of degenerative myelopathy. Affected dogs are not painful, and a skilled veterinarian can localize their spinal cord lesions to the thoracic
Canine degenerative myelopathy (DM) is an uncommon disease primarily seen in certain purebred dogs. It disrupts the normal communication pathways between the brain and the spinal cord, causing eventual pelvic paralysis and possible paralysis in all limbs. When an owner suspects that a dog is suffering from hind end weakness, it should be taken to the veterinarian as soon as possible. While there is no cure or even any effective treatment currently available for canine