Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a common, progressive neurological disorder in older dogs that causes chronic, non-painful degeneration of the spinal cord, leading to hind limb weakness, incoordination (ataxia), and eventual paralysis. It is often seen in breeds like German Shepherds, Boxers, and Corgis.

What is a neurological problem with a dog's back legs?

1. Degenerative myelopathy. Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a progressive neurological disease that causes weakness and eventual paralysis in the hind limbs. It most often affects middle-aged to older dogs, particularly German Shepherds, Boxers, and Pembroke Welsh Corgis.

What are the first signs of neurological issues in dogs?

The first signs of neurological issues in dogs often involve balance and coordination problems (wobbly walking, head tilting, circling), behavior changes (confusion, aggression, excessive vocalization), weakness (dragging paws, limb weakness), abnormal eye movements, and seizures or tremors, with subtle changes like pain or stumbling being crucial early indicators needing immediate vet attention.

What is the disease that affects dogs back legs?

Degenerative myelopathy (also called Canine Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy or CDRM), is a disease that causes the nerves in the lower spine to stop working properly. It causes weakness, paralysis in the back legs, and incontinence (both urinary and faecal), all of which get worse over time.

What are the first symptoms of degenerative myelopathy 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.

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

What is ataxia in dogs back legs?

Proprioceptive Ataxia

Dogs have difficulty placing their feet and walking normally. They may drag their back legs, knuckle over (drag their front or back legs), or appear unsteady when walking. Proprioceptive ataxia can affect the front legs, back legs, or both.

Why is my dog suddenly struggling with his back legs?

Causes of Sudden Hind Leg Weakness in Senior Dogs

Trauma or injury affecting the spine, hips, or hind legs. Neurological disorders including intervertebral disc disease, spinal tumors, or strokes can lead to your dog's back legs not working as they should.

What are the first signs of Cushing's disease in dogs?

Signs of Cushing's Disease

• increased thirst.
• increased urination.
• increased appetite.
• reduced activity.
• excessive panting.
• thin or fragile skin.
• hair loss.
• recurrent skin infections.

What are the early warning signs of neurological deterioration?

Here are some early signs that may indicate a neurological issue:

• Frequent or severe headaches. ...
• Unexplained numbness or tingling. ...
• Muscle weakness or coordination problems. ...
• Sudden confusion or memory loss. ...
• Seizures or episodes of blacking out. ...
• Vision or speech changes. ...
• Tremors or involuntary movements.

What dog breeds are prone to neurological problems?

Small brachycephalic dog breeds, such as the pug and French bulldog, are prone to develop specific neurological conditions and spinal disorders in particular. One group of conditions heavily associated with the body conformation of these dogs are vertebral and spinal malformations.

How do I help my dog if they have bad legs neurologically?

Mobility Support Devices

Some dogs benefit from supportive harnesses, slings, or wheelchairs to help them move comfortably and safely. These tools can significantly improve quality of life for dogs with long-term or progressive back leg weakness.

What can be mistaken for degenerative myelopathy in dogs?

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.

What breeds are prone to degenerative myelopathy?

Numerous dog breeds can be affected by DM, including, but not limited to the following:

• German Shepherd Dogs.
• Boxers.
• Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
• Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.
• Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
• Bernese Mountain Dogs.

How to help a dog with weak hind legs?

It is recommended to take your furry companion for brief yet consistent walks on a daily basis. This will aid in gradually restoring their hind-leg muscles. Let your dog swim in a safe place. Swimming provides a low-friction way to work their muscles and is beneficial for their overall strength.

What causes sudden neurological issues in a dog?

Causes may include genetics, unknown origins (idiopathic epilepsy) brain injury, brain tumors, strokes, infections, or metabolic issues.

How fast does degenerative myelopathy progress?

Typically, a patient with degenerative myelopathy will progress within 6-18 months from when symptoms are first noted to when quality of life becomes a concern and euthanasia is considered.

What does leg ataxia look like?

Effect on the lower limbs (legs)

When ataxia affects walking, a person is unstable and likely to fall. As a result, the person usually walks with the feet spread further apart than the hips, which is known as a 'wide-base gait'.

How does a dog walk with degenerative myelopathy?

The hind paws "knuckle" or turn under so that the dog walks on its knuckles, especially when turning. The dog's hindquarters appear to sway when standing still. The dog falls over easily when pushed from the side.

Can gabapentin cause ataxia in dogs?

Why Can't My Dog Walk After Taking Gabapentin? The most frequently reported side effects of gabapentin are sedation and ataxia.

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