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Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is not similar to Cauda Equina Syndrome although the symptoms may superficially appear to be the same. What is the diference? Cauda Equina Syndrome is a defect in the Spinal "Column". Dogs are born with this defect. The defect is described as an "instability" of the spine that causes swelling that crushes the Cauda Equina nerve bundle. The number one sign if Cauda Equina Syndrom is a "dead tail" and pain in the hind end. Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disease or disease of the nervous system. It will originate in the Spinal "Cord", but, in the area of the chest. This disease is described as being similar to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in people. It causes weakness in the hindend just as Cauda Equina Syndrome does, but, the major difference is that it is NOT PAINFUL. There is no cure for this disease and it cannot be surgically corrected. It is considered to be a disease of the immune system. The immune system "attacks" the lining around the nerves. In our breed survey, it is listed under Nervous System Diseases, we have had 5 dogs listed indicating a 13.2% incidence in the breed and the mode of inheritance is undetermined. How is it diagnosed? In the past, there was no test that could accurately diagnose DM. The diagnosis was usually made because the dog had rear end weakness. Especially if the dog was a German Shepherd, it was assumed that DM was the disease that caused the rear end weakness seen so often in GSD's. What is different now? We now know that Cauda Equina Syndrome is more common in GSD than we were aware of. This is now considered to be the first "rule out". If the Spinal Column is normal then a spinal tap to retrieve spinal fluid will be done. The spinal fluid in a dog with DM will have an increase of Protein. I have heard from an orthopaedic surgeon that a muscle biopsy is the only accurate way to confirm a diagnosis of DM. I do not have any information on muscle biopsies to confirm this diagnosis, but, I will try to get more information. Joanne Chanyi has given me permission to post Hoofprint Pancho as being affected by this disease. He is one of the 5 dogs listed in our survey. The diagnosis was based on physical examination. An xray was taken of his spine that showed spondylosis (which can also be a result of spinal instability). Joanne does not think that his tail was affected and is pretty sure that he retained the ability to carry his tail high right up to the end, which would support a diagnosis of DM. He was about 7 yrs old when this diagnosis was made. We have 4 more dogs identified in the survey and if any of you are willing to post them for identification we would greatly appreciate it. Of course, the information of any other dog that was identified with this disease who was not included in the survey would be welcomed. Could you also post the method of diagnosis? It would be very helpful. The other significant piece of information that would be helpful is to post other health problems your dog may have had. It appears that dogs with DM are also usually affected by other immune mediated diseases such as skin allergies. For more information you can follow these links: |