AKC Gazette April 2003

Degenerative Myelopathy

There is another killer on the scene—one that was first identified in 1973, but either better diagnosed of late, or proliferating in significant numbers. My own Boxer-oriented veterinarian has told me “It’s raining DM.” With all of our well justified concern about various cancers, Boxer Cardiomyopathy, and SAS, now Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) has made its menacing presence felt.

DM is a disease akin to Multiple Sclerosis in people. It generally occurs in dogs over 5 years of age (in Boxers often at 9 or above), and has been studied extensively in German Shepherds and Pembroke Welsh Corgis. A study has been funded by the AKC Canine Health Foundation (supported by the PWCAA). DM involves demyelization of the spinal cord, resulting in weakness, profound incoordination of the hindquarters, and progressive paralysis. Presenting signs may include shuffling of one or both rear feet, stumbling, and falling.. (Of course, DM must be diagnosed apart from other conditions that may affect the spinal cord or rear musculature). Underlying all is the possibility that this a disease of the immune system—the activation of a group of autoimmune lymphocytes that attack the dog’s own neural tissue. There may also be a genetic predisposition to this disease. Regardless of its etiology, DM is eventually terminal.

There is now a protocol for delaying the progression this disease—not a cure. With or without treatment, DM may go into remission , but that affords only a temporary respite. Treatment for DM, developed for the German Shepherd, involves a schedule of alternate day exercise, the administration of Vitamin E, C, and B-complex at high doses, extensive herbal supplements, daily medication with aminocaproic acid (Amicar) and N-acetylcysteine (a powerful anti-oxidant), and the minimization of stress on the dog. In addition, affected dogs are to be put on once daily heartworm meds (not monthly), and untreated dogs are advised not to undergo surgery unless absolutely necessary. It has been found that even minor surgeries can cause a significant severity of symptoms of DM. Some data suggests that clinical signs of disease actually improve upon treatment; other data infers that a lessening of the rate of progression is all that can be expected. There is likely to be a distinct breed-specific response to treatment, with little data yet for us to review in Boxers. Additional information may be of interest at the web sites below:

http://www.caninetimes.com/Articles/fred%20lanting%20german_shepherd_myelopathy.htm

http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/DM_Web/DMofGS.htm

Stephanie Abraham
P. O. Box 346
Scotland, CT 06264