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Section: Information In-depth
Degenerative myelopathy is a slowly progressive neurologic disorder mainly affecting German shepherds between the ages of 5 and 14 years. The condition bears many similarities to multiple sclerosis in people. The initial clinical sign is usually an increased difficulty standing up. The rear legs become progressively weaker, and the dog becomes more and more uncoordinated. The rear legs may cross during walking, and the paws may begin to knuckle, causing the nails to be worn from dragging and scuffing. If forced to turn quickly, affected dogs will often fall. The front legs remain normal, as does pain sensation. Late in the course of disease, bowel and bladder incontinence develops. The diagnostic tests recommended will help differentiate degenerative myelopathy from the following:
Hip dysplasia is a painful, crippling disease that causes a dog’s hip to weaken, deteriorate and become arthritic. Learn about the typical onsets, signs, diagnosis and treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs....
Degenerative joint disease (DJD), or arthritis, affects the smooth articular cartilage of the joint. When it becomes worn, raw bone surfaces become exposed and rub together. DJD is the result, causing...
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a condition that occurs when pressure is placed on the spinal cord by disc material that herniates beneath or adjacent to the cord. Dogs may show signs of mild back...
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