Treatment for degenerative myelopathy in dogs? (1 Viewer)

[eoMMan]

Anyone familiar with this?

It mostly affects bigger dogs (most commonly German Shepherds).

Anyway to treat it?

 

[Chemical X]

I don't know much about this, other than talking to my vet last year while my dog was sick (not with DM).  I don't believe there is a cure, nor do I think adequan or laser treatments or even water treadmills will help.  this came up simply when we were discussing those dog carts like look like harness racing sulkies.  gl

there is also a slip harness with a handle on top that will help you lift a dog to take pressure off the hinds,

 

[eoMMan]

I don't know much about this, other than talking to my vet last year while my dog was sick (not with DM).  I don't believe there is a cure, nor do I think adequan or laser treatments or even water treadmills will help.  this came up simply when we were discussing those dog carts like look like harness racing sulkies.  gl

there is also a slip harness with a handle on top that will help you lift a dog to take pressure off the hinds,

Yeah, that's what I read. No real cure but at what point do you put your buddy down?

My dog has a limp in his back right leg and we're seeing a specialist referred to us by our vet on Monday. Not sure what treatment or even what diagnosis it is really but I'm just anxious about what lies ahead. 

 

[siffoin]

I had a German Shepherd (Aelko) who was the greatest dog ever- in every way.  A super athlete; a diligent guardian with an almost supernatural ability to discern good situations from bad; super kind and gentle towards children; just the best dog you could ever imagine.

When he was 12 years old he was diagnosed with DM.  He started dragging his hind paw then his feet/leg.  It progressed pretty fast.  The vet talked about wagon harnesses etc.  Such a thing wasn't practical for where we lived and he was pretty old anyways.  I had to carry him upstairs each night those last few weeks (he was 90+ lbs).  We also gave him lots of treats and just spent a lot of time on the floor loving on him and him on us.  One night he refused to have me carry him up the stairs.  And I could just tell by the look in his eye - he was done-.  We had the vet come to our house to put him down.  It was the first time I had cried in 20 years - and in my life never cried harder.  

I think you do what you think is best for your friend.  

 

[Chemical X]

Yeah, that's what I read. No real cure but at what point do you put your buddy down?

My dog has a limp in his back right leg and we're seeing a specialist referred to us by our vet on Monday. Not sure what treatment or even what diagnosis it is really but I'm just anxious about what lies ahead. 

IMO, it's about food & water.  they are for the living.  if he has a zest for eating & drinking, then he is wanting to live.  could be arthritis, herniated disc, anything.  don't panic yet.  maybe an xray will help.  I set up a bed downstairs in my house and slept there every night for almost a year, sometimes on the couch.  you do what you need.