Of recent years, incidences of Degenerative Myelopathy have been widely reported in Boxers of middle and advanced age. DM is a neurological disease affecting the spinal cord and nerves coordinating the rear quarters. Over time, dogs lose the ability to walk, become incontinent, and are most often euthanized at this point. DM is a sad disease in that the patient remains mentally alert; there is no pain; and yet, keeping such an animal happy poses special challenges. There are custom carts designed to allow some patients to regain a degree of mobility. Thankfully, a blood test has been developed to predict the likelihood of your Boxer developing this condition. Breeders are making every effort to insure that future generations are not affected.

2020 – Grant 02658: Characterization of Sensory Neuronal and Muscle Pathology in Canine Degenerative Myelopathy to Identify Targets for Therapeutic Intervention

2018 – Evaluation Of A Potential Therapy for Canine Degenerative Myelopathy

2017 Summary – Research of Canine Degenerative Myelopathy

2017 – Boxer Update: Boxers With Degenerative Myelopathy May Benefit From Diagnostic Biomarker Test

2017 – Biomarker Test for Lou Gehrig’s Disease Useful in Diagnosing Canine Neurodegenerative Disease

2017 – Cerebrospinal Fluid Levels of Phosphorylated Neurofilament Heavy as a Diagnostic Marker of Canine Degenerative Myelopathy

2015 – Research Progress Report Summary: Grant 02165-MOU   Identification of Biomarkers & Therapeutic Targets for Canine Degenerative Myelopathy

2015 – Clinical Trial of ASO Treatment in DM Affected Dogs

2015 – Summary Research of Canine Degenerative Myelopathy

2013 – Studies Focus on a Drug Therapy for DM & Predicting Risk of Hemangiosarcoma

2008 – Genetic Test for Canine Degenerative Myelopathy

DM Submission of Tissue & Blood Samples

DM Submission of Spines & Spinal Tissue

AKC-CHF & ABCF Protocol Spinal Cord Submission Form