What is degenerative myelopathy (DM)?
DM is a disease that attacks the dog’s nervous system and leads to progressive neural (nerve) damage over time. It may initially attack one side of the dog, or both sides. DM does not seem to cause the dog any pain. Onset of DM is usually between 5 years and older age (e.g. 10 to 12 years). DM is progressive, which means the symptoms worsen over time. However, dogs receiving treatment may have periods of stability where there is no further degeneration for days, weeks, months or years. Dog owners will see “stages” of degeneration, with only very mild symptoms in the earliest stages. DM progression may be very slow in some dogs, and very fast in others. Without treatment, progression from stage to stage of the disease is much faster so it is important to begin treatment as early as possible. Early diagnosis and integrated treatment slows the progression of symptoms for most dogs. Many other diseases and certain types of injury (e.g., a spinal injury, low thyroid) cause the same symptoms
