Degenerative myelopathy (DM) does not show up on standard blood work (CBC/chemistry), which is used primarily to rule out other diseases. Instead, it is diagnosed through genetic testing (blood or cheek swab) for the SOD1 gene mutation, combined with neurological exams, ruling out other causes using MRIs, and assessing clinical signs.

Is degenerative myelopathy common in labs?

Larger dogs, in particular, are more prone to being diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy — with German shepherds, boxers, huskies, mountain dogs, and Labrador retrievers being among the most common breeds with this condition.

How do you test for degenerative myelopathy?

A DNA mutation in the SOD1 gene is a major risk factor for Degenerative Myelopathy. A new DNA test identifies dogs as clear, carriers, or genetically at risk. Dogs with two mutated copies of the gene are at higher risk but may not always develop DM.

Is there a blood test for DM in dogs?

DM is diagnosed presumptively through genetic testing. Blood or a cheek swab is sent to the lab and evaluated for the genetic marker. There are three possible test results: N/N – both copies of the gene are normal, and the dog does not have DM.

What can be mistaken for degenerative myelopathy?

Peripheral nerve disease, Lumbral Sacral Stenosis, IVDD, "Discospondylitis, Spondylosis, Tick Diseases, Thyroid Problems, Cushings Disease, Wobblers, Polyradiculoneuropathy, Polymyositis, Granulomatous Meningoencephalomyelitis (GME) and spinal tumors are just a few diseases that can initially present similarly to DM.

Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs - Causes, Signs, Diagnosis and Treatment Options Explained

How to rule out degenerative myelopathy?

There is no specific test to diagnose DM while a patient is living. Several tests may need to be performed to rule out other potential spinal cord diseases. Testing may include a neurological exam, blood work, X-rays, MRI or CT scan, and spinal fluid analysis.

What are the first signs of DM?

Common symptoms of diabetes:

• Urinating often.
• Feeling very thirsty.
• Feeling very hungry—even though you are eating.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Blurry vision.
• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal.
• Weight loss—even though you are eating more (type 1)
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)

How quickly does Degenerative Myelopathy progress in dogs?

Degenerative Myelopathy can progress quickly from stage to stage. Significant mobility loss occurs within the first year of diagnosis, in most cases of DM, within six months to 1 year of diagnosis before dogs become paraplegic. Complete organ failure is possible in the end stages of Degenerative Myelopathy.

What are the first signs of DM in dogs?

Initial signs include loss of coordination (otherwise called ataxia) in the hind limbs; swaying or wobbling when walking; rear feet knuckling over or dragging; and difficulty with walking up steps, squatting to defecate, or getting into the car.

What causes sudden hind leg weakness in dogs?

Sudden hind-leg paralysis can happen for several reasons, including problems where cushioning material between vertebrae bulges or ruptures, putting pressure on the spinal cord. Blood clots can block blood flow to the legs, causing sudden weakness or paralysis.

How does a dog walk with degenerative myelopathy?

Symptoms of Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs

Affected dogs will be wobbly and may knuckle over the paws, cross the hind limbs, or stumble while walking. With progression of the condition, a severely affected dog will lose the ability to stand on or move the hind limbs.

How much does a dog DM test cost?

Get an accurate diagnosis with EasyDNA's Dog Degenerative Myelopathy Test, starting from $69.

What can be mistaken for myelopathy?

Among genetic disorders, hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP) and adrenomyeloneuropathy are perhaps the most obvious mimics. But patients with Friedreich's ataxia can present with a predominant spastic paraparesis, resembling a myelopathy.

Does prednisone help dogs with degenerative myelopathy?

Can you treat DM? Sadly, as it is a genetic condition, there is no specific treatment for this condition. There is a lack of long-term studies for the treatment of this condition, but it seems that treatment with drugs, such as steroids, do not help to slow the disease.

What can be mistaken for DM in dogs?

Early DM cases may be confused with orthopedic disorders, like hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis, so a comprehensive work-up is necessary for an accurate diagnosis. These signs become progressively worse as the disease develops, typically over the course of six months to a year.

How does a vet diagnose degenerative myelopathy?

This disease is suspected based on breed, medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. X-rays and other spinal imaging techniques rule out other problems such as hip dysplasia and chronic arthritis, most often during the initial stages of DM.

Do dogs with DM drink more water?

Diabetes mellitus

Excessive water consumption is a prominent clinical sign of diabetes, and finding the water bowl empty more often than usual is often the first sign noticed by dog owners. Other signs of DM in dogs include excessive urination, increased appetite, and weight loss.

Can DM be reversed in dogs?

Signs of DM are typically seen in dogs over eight years of age. Symptoms typically begin in the hind limbs and progress to the front of the body. The disease is progressive and non-painful but has an overall poor prognosis because it can't be cured, reversed, or stopped.

Does myelopathy come and go?

Left untreated, myelopathy may get worse over time. Spinal compression can damage the nerves that control your essential body movements and functioning. You can't reverse nerve damage, so complications may be permanent.

Does DM in dogs come on suddenly?

No, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) in dogs typically does not come on suddenly. Instead, it usually manifests gradually over time. The early signs of DM are often subtle and may be overlooked or mistaken for normal aging. Initially, dog owners may notice mild changes in their dog's gait or hind limb coordination.

What age do dogs get degenerative myelopathy?

Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spinal cord in older dogs. The disease has an insidious onset typically between 8 and 14 years of age. It begins with a loss of coordination (ataxia) in the hind limbs. The affected dog will wobble when walking, knuckle over or drag the feet.

What breeds are prone to DM?

Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is characterized by slowly progressive difficulty walking in the pelvic limbs. Degenerative myelopathy occurs predominantly in German shepherd dogs, Corgis and Boxers, but is seen in other breeds, including Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Poodles and others.

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