Degenerative Myelopathy In German Shepards

[kiawelsh]

Our lovely girl has been diagnosed with the above condition. Has any one else been told their pet has this awful disease and how does your pet cope with it?

[Tilly2]

I have had two dogs which had the same condition. They just got on with it, struggling but determined.

Very suddenly and finally, one day, all they could do was drag themselves around by their front feet.

Then I had them put to sleep, at home. It is heartbreaking.

[lankeela]

There is now a DNA test for this condition and anyone buying a GSD puppy should ensure the parents have been tested for this condition alongside hip and elbow scoring, and haemophilia testing for males. The best you can do is give a supplement such as Glucosamin to relieve joint pain and keep the nails short, and try to walk on grass as much as possible as the hind feet will begin to knuckle over in time. You can get boots but they are only any help in the early stages. My criteria for any animal is that they must have a good quality of life and when it gets to the stage that they are not enjoying life in a dignified manner (ie being able to get out to go to the toilet themselves) then its is time to say good bye. I hope that day is a long way off for your dog.

[lankeela]

Would also add that hydrotherapy can be helpful in maintaining muscle tone which will relieve the pressure on the back legs when they start to weaken.