Anyone know much about Degenerative Myleopathy?

[irisblue]

Princess Pretty Paws was diagnosed with it today. She has problems with walking. The vet and I will make sure she never hurts. I know that our furries always always leave too soon, and I am so blessed that I have a big dog for almost 16 years.

[shenmue]

1. Awww

Sry.

[a la izquierda]

2. Oh I'm sorry to hear that. I don't know anything about it.

My big boy is suffering from seizures, likely caused by a brain tumor. We brought him home from the hospital yesterday, but it's likely just a matter of time. He still seems to be post-ictal, and my other dogs are not reacting particularly well.

I hope you are doing okay and that your furbaby feels some comfort.

[truegrit44]

3. My Corgi developed it :(

It is a genetic disease. Some breeders are now testing for it, thank goodness! It starts out with just a little noticeable rear leg dysfunction and slowly becomes totally debilitating in final stages as it moves up the spine. It is a nerve disease and was told it is not painful, mine never acted in pain as it just deadens the area affected. It was about 8 months from the time we first noticed it until it was to the point that she had to be carried everywhere and decided (very hard decision) that was the end for her.

Sorry, this is about all I can tell you from my experience.............

[Myrina]

5. The 'tests' aren't all that.

They can only test to see if the dog has the markers - not whether or not they'll actually develop it.
So you're either 'in the pool' or 'out of the pool' , but if you're 'in the pool', they can't tell any degree of certainty / likelihood of it manifesting or not.

[Myrina]

4. Yes, my Catahoula Max had it about 3 years ago.

He was only 5. It came out of nowhere.
The NeoPaws sneakers helped him with stability for awhile but he still stumbled & wasn't able to hold himself up to do his business, and it continued to get worse. He also started having 'nightmares' and soiling himself in his sleep because of loss of muscle control.

There wasn't 'pain' involved - more like a lack of - and no feeling at all in his back end as the disease progressed.

About 6 months in, I could see fear and confusion on his face all the time, and my daughter, the vet & I decided to help him cross the Bridge.

It's a horrible disease and so unfair.

My thoughts are with you and your Furrbaby.

[irisblue]

6. I'll check out the neopets sneakers.

I've got rugs with lots of grip on the main walkways in the hours. Last week, she slipped while out in the yard @ 2am doing a "yard patrol"...you gotta go when you need to I guess. I tottered out with the sling clutching my cane, but she was almost up when I got there. Now that it's so cold, her falling in the yard in the dark scares the crap out of me. Today though, she is sleeping on a pile of dog beds, blankets, has her toy basket and gently snoring. Today, life is good. Thanks for the advice