How Do You Treat Canine Degenerative Myelopathy?
Canine degenerative myelopathy is a chronic disease that affects some dog breeds, such as German Shepherds and Welsh Corgis. Degenerative myelopathy affects the neural sheathing around the dog’s lower spinal column, causing a loss of sensation and use of the hind legs. There is no cure for degenerative myelopathy, but there are some treatments that may help ease the symptoms of this crippling disease. Exercise the dog regularly. This can maintain mobility in the dog’s hind legs. Walking is a good exercise and many owners find that swimming helps this condition. Feed the dog natural, high protein food. Introduce new food into the dog’s diet gradually, mixing it with his usual food at first and slowly adding more of the new food until the old food is phased out. Give the dog vitamin supplements. As degenerative myelopathy is an immune disease, the goal of treatment is to strengthen the immune system. Vitamins B, C and E are important, as are omega-3 fatty acids. For a complete list of di
