Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spinal cord in dogs. It affects the dog’s ability to walk and can cause paralysis. The cause of degenerative myelopathy is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction. There is no cure for degenerative myelopathy, but there are treatments that can help improve a dog’s quality of life. If you think your dog may have degenerative myelopathy, talk to your vet about what treatment options are available.
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Causes of Degenerative Myelopathy
There are many possible causes of degenerative myelopathy including:
-Infection: Degenerative myelopathy can be caused by an infection that damages the spinal cord.
-Autoimmune disease: This is when the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells in the body by mistake.
-Tumors: Tumors can put pressure on the spinal cord and cause degenerative myelopathy.
-Trauma: An injury to the spine can lead to degenerative myelopathy.
-Genetics: Degenerative myelopathy is often seen in certain breeds of dogs, which suggests that genetics may play a role in its development.
-Unknown: In many cases, the exact cause of degenerative myelopathy is unknown.
Symptoms of degenerative Myelopathy
The symptoms of degenerative myelopathy usually begin gradually and worsen over time. They may include:
-Loss of coordination in the hind legs
-Weakness in the hind legs-Dragging of the hind legs
-Difficulty rising
-Loss of bowel or bladder control
These symptoms can occur slowly over months or years, or they may happen quickly over a period of weeks. In some cases, the disease progresses so slowly that the dog may not show any signs until it is very old. In other cases, the disease progresses rapidly and the dog may be severely affected within a few months.
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Diagnosis Of Degenerative Myelopathy
There is no one test that can definitively diagnose degenerative myelopathy. The veterinarian will start with a thorough history and physical examination. This will be followed by a neurological examination which will assess the dog’s mental status, reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation.
The next step is usually to obtain imaging of the spine: This can be done with radiographs (X-rays), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT). These tests can help to rule out other possible causes of the dog’s symptoms such as intervertebral disc disease or tumors.
In some cases, a biopsy of the spinal cord may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. This is usually only done if there is a question about the other test results.
Treatments of Degenerative Myelopathy
There is no cure for degenerative myelopathy, and the disease will eventually lead to paralysis and death. The goal of treatment is to slow the progression of the disease and make the dog as comfortable as possible. There are several potential treatments for degenerative myelopathy:-Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to maintain muscle mass and joint function. It can also help to prevent pressure sores.
-Assistive devices: These include things like wheelchairs, ramps, and harnesses. They can help the dog to stay mobile and improve its quality of life.
-Drug therapy: There are several drugs that have been shown to slow the progression of degenerative myelopathy.
Drugs include:
-Corticosteroids: These are anti-inflammatory drugs that can help to reduce swelling and inflammation around the spinal cord.
-Immunosuppressive drugs: These drugs suppress the immune system and can help to slow the progression of the disease.
-Anti-oxidant therapy: This therapy is designed to protect the cells of the spinal cord from damage.
-Nutritional supplements: There is some evidence that certain nutritional supplements may be beneficial in degenerative myelopathy. These include omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E.
The decision about which treatment to use will be based on many factors including the severity of the symptoms, the age and health of the dog, and the owner’s wishes. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be used.
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Preventions Of Degenerative Myelopathy In Dogs
1. Regular exercise is important for all dogs, but it is especially important for those at risk of degenerative myelopathy. Exercise helps to maintain muscle mass and joint function. It also helps to prevent pressure sores.
2. Nutritional supplements may be beneficial in degenerative myelopathy. These include omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E.
3. There is no cure for degenerative myelopathy, but there are several treatments that can help to slow the progression of the disease. These include physical therapy, assistive devices, and drug therapy.
4. The goal of treatment is to make the dog as comfortable as possible. This may include things like pain relief, management of incontinence, and assistance with mobility.
5. Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease that will eventually lead to paralysis and death.
NOTE:
The average life expectancy of a dog with the disease is 2-5 years.
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Conclusion
Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease that will eventually lead to paralysis and death. The average life expectancy of a dog with the disease is 2-5 years. There is no cure for degenerative myelopathy, but there are several treatments that can help to slow the progression of the disease. These include physical therapy, assistive devices, and drug therapy. The goal of treatment is to make the dog as comfortable as possible. This may include things like pain relief, management of incontinence, and assistance with mobility. Regular vet checkups are important.
FAQs
1. What is degenerative myelopathy?
Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spinal cord that leads to paralysis and death.
2. What causes degenerative myelopathy?
Degenerative myelopathy is caused by the deterioration of the spinal cord.
3. What are the symptoms of degenerative myelopathy?
The symptoms of degenerative myelopathy include weakness in the hind legs, loss of coordination, incontinence, and paralysis.
4. How is degenerative myelopathy diagnosed?
Degenerative myelopathy is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, neurological testing, and imaging studies.
5. What is the treatment for degenerative myelopathy?
There is no cure for degenerative myelopathy, but there are several treatments that can help to slow the progression of the disease. These include physical therapy, assistive devices, and drug therapy.
