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Degenerative myelopathy

Degenerative myelopathy is a disease of the spinal cord in older dogs. The nerve fibers that transmit orders from the brain to the hind legs slowly and irreversibly deteriorate. It begins with a simple clumsiness of the hind legs, then prog...

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Definition Signs Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications When to see a vet Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

Degenerative myelopathy is a disease of the spinal cord in older dogs. The nerve fibers that transmit orders from the brain to the hind legs slowly and irreversibly deteriorate.

It begins with a simple clumsiness of the hind legs, then progresses over several months to an inability to walk, before gradually affecting the front limbs.

An important point for owners: this disease is not painful. The dog loses control of its legs but does not suffer, which distinguishes it from osteoarthritis or herniated disc.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Staggering gait Paralysis Lying animal that does not get up Fatigue Difficulty standing up Stiffness Refusing to jump or climb

At first: the hind legs cross, skid on smooth floors, the dog wobbles when it turns.

Abnormal wear of the nails on the top of the fingers, because the dog drags the top of the paw instead of laying it flat.

It happens that the dog remains standing on an upturned leg without realizing it.

Difficulty getting up, sagging hindquarters.

Slow and steady worsening over several months, without associated pain.

Then inability to stand on its hind legs, dog moving with the help of its front limbs.

Later: loss of control of urine and stools, weakness of the front limbs, difficulty raising the head, shortness of breath.

No sign of pain: the dog does not cry or complain when his back is handled.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

It is a progressive degeneration of the nerve pathways in the spinal cord, without compression or inflammation.

A well-identified genetic mutation is associated with the disease in several breeds. It is transmitted from parents to puppies; a dog carrying two copies of the mutation is at risk, but not all dogs at risk develop the disease.

The exact mechanisms that trigger degeneration in a given dog are not completely understood.

It is neither an infection, nor a consequence of trauma, nor a disease that we catch.

Advanced age: the disease almost always occurs in older dogs.

Predisposed breeds, particularly several medium to large breeds in which the mutation is common.

Family history and genetic status: a dog carrying two copies of the mutation is at risk.

No dietary or exercise factors are known to trigger the disease.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

The diagnosis is made by elimination: there is no examination which confirms the disease while the dog is alive.

The veterinarian carries out a complete neurological examination, which shows damage to the cord in the back region, without pain: this absence of pain is a major element of guidance.

X-rays, then magnetic resonance imaging or CT scan are suggested to rule out the causes which can be treated: progressive disc herniation, spinal tumor, narrowing of the vertebral canal, inflammation.

A genetic test looking for the mutation is available. A risk result strongly supports the diagnosis in an evocative context, but it is not sufficient on its own: a carrier dog may limp for a completely different reason.

A blood test and an orthopedic examination complete the process, because osteoarthritis and myelopathy often coexist in older dogs.

Treatment

Today there is no treatment that can stop or reverse the disease. No medication has demonstrated effectiveness on its progression.

The care aims to maintain the dog's autonomy and comfort for as long as possible.

Physiotherapy and regular, adapted activity are the only measures showing a benefit in maintaining walking: supervised walking, proprioception exercises, water work under supervision.

Material aids make a big difference: harness to support the hindquarters, boots protecting the tops of the feet, non-slip mats throughout the house, a rolling cart when the hindquarters are no longer supporting them.

Comfort care becomes central: regular change of position, thick bedding to avoid bedsores, washing after soiling, emptying the bladder according to the technique shown by the veterinarian if the dog no longer urinates alone.

If osteoarthritis accompanies the disease, it can be treated with medication prescribed by the veterinarian; never give human anti-inflammatories to your dog, they can cause digestive ulcers and serious kidney or liver damage.

The question of end of life must be discussed calmly with the veterinarian, based on concrete quality of life benchmarks.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

There is no individual prevention: we cannot prevent the disease from appearing in a dog at risk.

The only lever is selection: in the breeds concerned, genetic testing allows breeders to avoid producing puppies carrying two copies of the mutation.

Asking about the genetic status of the parents when purchasing a puppy in a predisposed breed is a good practice.

Keeping the dog lean and muscular does not prevent the disease, but delays the time when he can no longer move.

Possible complications

Complete loss of walking, then damage to the front limbs.

Urinary and fecal incontinence, with recurrent urinary infections.

Bedsores and friction wounds in dogs that remain lying down.

Injuries from feet being dragged on the ground if the dog is not protected.

In the terminal phase, the damage spreads to the nerves that control breathing and swallowing.

Significant impact on family life, care becoming heavy and daily.

When to see a veterinarian

Your senior dog's back legs are crossing, skidding or dragging.

His nails wear abnormally on the tops of his fingers.

He wobbles when he turns or struggles to get up.

He remains leaning on an upturned leg without putting it back in place.

Any weakness in the hindquarters must be examined without delay: several diseases that can be treated give exactly the same signs at the beginning, and it would be a shame to miss them.

A sudden worsening within a few hours or the appearance of pain does not correspond to this disease: consult urgently.

Prognosis

Evolution is inevitable and progressive. Most dogs lose the use of their hindquarters within a few months to a year after the first signs, then the attack spreads to the front of the body.

The disease is not painful, which often allows you to maintain a good quality of life during part of the course, with appropriate aid.

The decision to euthanize generally arises when the dog can no longer move even when assisted, when it loses control of its functions or when the front limbs are affected. It is taken with the veterinarian, based on quality of life criteria and not on a theoretical stage.

Frequently asked questions

My dog drags his hind legs: is it necessarily this illness?

No, and that's important. A progressive disc herniation, a tumor of the spine or a narrowing of the vertebral canal give the same signs and can be treated. A complete veterinary examination is essential before concluding.

Is my dog in pain?

Degenerative myelopathy itself is not painful: the dog loses control of its legs without pain. If he shows signs of pain, another cause must be sought, often associated osteoarthritis which is treatable.

Is genetic testing sufficient for diagnosis?

No. It indicates a risk, not a certainty: a dog can carry two copies of the mutation and never develop the disease, or limp for another reason. The test is interpreted with neurological examination and imaging.

Is there a treatment?

No treatment stops the progression to date. Physiotherapy and adapted activity are the only measures that help to keep walking longer, along with material aids and comfort care.

A rolling cart, is that reasonable?

Yes for many dogs: as the disease is not painful, a dog who maintains an appetite, enthusiasm and good use of the front limbs can find real outings with a well-adjusted cart.