About Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy (referred to as DM) is a genetic disorder that is prevalent in Pembroke Welsh Corgis (it also has been found to effect at least 42 other breeds of dogs). In 2008, the gene was discovered to be able to test for this disease in dogs. The testing is a simple cheek/saliva swab that takes 7-14 days to get results back. Education is the most important thing when dealing with or learning about this disease. As below articles and research will show, not ALL dogs who test At Risk (Double Positive) for this disease will develop it in their lifetime. Many Breeders feel that most dogs develop this disease late in their senior years and therefore don't feel it necessary to test, yet studies are starting to show some dogs can start developing DM as early as 7 years old. It is a tragic disease to watch - the effected dog starts to deteriorate as the disease starts to show symptoms and slowly but surely progresses up the dog's spine. To avoid and prevent producing DM At Risk pups, Golden Rose Corgis is only breeding tested crosses that will only produce puppies that will be either a Carrier or Clear, but not At Risk for developing this disease as they age. For those of you who have not researched DM in full, or heard of it prior to this, current research has shown that Carriers and Clears will not have any potential to develop DM, and only a percentage of At Risk stand the potential to develop this disease as they age.
Please keep in mind, although many breeders are starting to, or are already, taking the necessary steps to breed away from this disease, that regardless what a dog tests, it's still a GOOD DOG. Just because a dog may be At Risk, doesn't make them a lesser or "dirty dog" - they just unfortunately may potentially develop the disease as they get older. Not ALL DM At Risk dogs are guaranteed to develop the disease, an At Risk dog may pass from other ailments or become compromised from other natural causes and never develop the disease. There are always unknown genetic diseases that are yet to be discovered or have developed testing yet. Many people become overly critical of finding the genetically perfect dog (or animal of any kind) and forfeit many far more important things such as conformation, intelligence and temperament - just remember there's a fine balance to everything.
Please keep in mind, although many breeders are starting to, or are already, taking the necessary steps to breed away from this disease, that regardless what a dog tests, it's still a GOOD DOG. Just because a dog may be At Risk, doesn't make them a lesser or "dirty dog" - they just unfortunately may potentially develop the disease as they get older. Not ALL DM At Risk dogs are guaranteed to develop the disease, an At Risk dog may pass from other ailments or become compromised from other natural causes and never develop the disease. There are always unknown genetic diseases that are yet to be discovered or have developed testing yet. Many people become overly critical of finding the genetically perfect dog (or animal of any kind) and forfeit many far more important things such as conformation, intelligence and temperament - just remember there's a fine balance to everything.
Sample Chart of DM Results Percentages
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Test Results will come back as 1 of 3 options:
A) CLEAR - N/N - Normal B) CARRIER - N/C - Not Affected C) AT RISK - C/C - Affected The chart on the right shows the percentages of genetic probable outcomes for a variety of crosses depending on the results. These are PROBABLE outcomes, but not guaranteed. On Carrier Crosses - one may cross a Carrier on a Clear and get all Carriers or even all Clears, it just depends on each scenario - it is not a guarantee you will get 50/50 - the only fixed outcomes are an At Risk/At Risk cross, an At Risk/Clear cross, or a Clear/Clear cross (any that show 100% on the chart on the right are Guaranteed results) |
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An Explanation of DM in Dogs - Article
RESOURCE: http://www.petmd.com/blogs/fullyvetted/2012/june/degenerative_myelopathy_in_dogs-25037#
Published on petMD (http://www.petmd.com)
Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs
I mentioned degenerative myelopathy in a post last week and then got to thinking that I should have done more to explain the condition. So, here’s the information that my practice provides to the owners of dogs that have been diagnosed with the condition.
What is degenerative myelopathy? Degenerative myelopathy of dogs is a slowly progressive, non-inflammatory degeneration of the white matter of the spinal cord. It is most common in German Shepherd Dogs and Welsh Corgis, but is occasionally recognized in other breeds. The cause is unknown, although genetic factors are suspected.
Affected dogs are usually greater than 5-years-old and develop non-painful weakness of the hind legs that causes an unsteady gait. Early cases may be confused with orthopedic injuries; however, proprioceptive deficits (inability to sense where the limbs are in space) are an early feature of degenerative myelopathy and are not seen in orthopedic disease. Signs slowly progress to paralysis of the back end of the body over 6-36 months, although severity of signs may fluctuate. An MRI or CSF analysis is performed to rule out other causes of spinal cord dysfunction.
How is degenerative myelopathy treated? Treatment with aminocaproic acid, vitamin supplements, and exercise has been recommended, but the safety and efficacy of these treatments has not been documented. Physical therapy, acupuncture, or supportive casts/braces may also be beneficial.
Published on petMD (http://www.petmd.com)
Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs
I mentioned degenerative myelopathy in a post last week and then got to thinking that I should have done more to explain the condition. So, here’s the information that my practice provides to the owners of dogs that have been diagnosed with the condition.
What is degenerative myelopathy? Degenerative myelopathy of dogs is a slowly progressive, non-inflammatory degeneration of the white matter of the spinal cord. It is most common in German Shepherd Dogs and Welsh Corgis, but is occasionally recognized in other breeds. The cause is unknown, although genetic factors are suspected.
Affected dogs are usually greater than 5-years-old and develop non-painful weakness of the hind legs that causes an unsteady gait. Early cases may be confused with orthopedic injuries; however, proprioceptive deficits (inability to sense where the limbs are in space) are an early feature of degenerative myelopathy and are not seen in orthopedic disease. Signs slowly progress to paralysis of the back end of the body over 6-36 months, although severity of signs may fluctuate. An MRI or CSF analysis is performed to rule out other causes of spinal cord dysfunction.
How is degenerative myelopathy treated? Treatment with aminocaproic acid, vitamin supplements, and exercise has been recommended, but the safety and efficacy of these treatments has not been documented. Physical therapy, acupuncture, or supportive casts/braces may also be beneficial.
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What symptoms can present as degenerative myelopathy progresses?
Early Stages
Late Stages
Crisis — Immediate veterinary assistance needed regardless of the disease
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The photos and video used are NOT mine, nor do I claim or have any intensions of Copyright infringement, they are being used simply for visual, educational purposes to aid the article.
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* It should be noted that most animals will instinctually hide their pain. Vocalization of any sort that is out of the ordinary for your pet may indicate that their pain and anxiety has become too much for them to bear. If your pet vocalizes due to pain or anxiety, please consult with your tending veterinarian immediately.
What is the prognosis for degenerative myelopathy?The long-term prognosis is poor and most animals are euthanized within 6 months to 3 years of diagnosis as the disease progresses. When the patient can no longer walk, and mobility carts are not an option, long-term hospice care or euthanasia should be considered.
A personalized treatment plan is important to slow the progression of degenerative myelopathy and maintain quality of life. Talk to your veterinarian regarding the best treatment protocol for your pet.
© 2011 Home to Heaven, P.C. Content may not be reproduced without written consent from Home to Heaven, P.C.
Dr. Jennifer Coates
Image: Peter Kunasz / via Shutterstock
What is the prognosis for degenerative myelopathy?The long-term prognosis is poor and most animals are euthanized within 6 months to 3 years of diagnosis as the disease progresses. When the patient can no longer walk, and mobility carts are not an option, long-term hospice care or euthanasia should be considered.
A personalized treatment plan is important to slow the progression of degenerative myelopathy and maintain quality of life. Talk to your veterinarian regarding the best treatment protocol for your pet.
© 2011 Home to Heaven, P.C. Content may not be reproduced without written consent from Home to Heaven, P.C.
Dr. Jennifer Coates
Image: Peter Kunasz / via Shutterstock
Additional Articles for Research and Education
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PDF Article Regarding DM Studies:
CLICK HERE |
Testing For DM
Testing for Degenerative Myelopathy is relatively simple, it's just a saliva/cheek swab that is relatively inexpensive ($25-$95 depending on the company). If you have an untested pup or adult Corgi, and wish to test your dog, you can order DM Testing Kits from any of the following Genetic Testing Companies:
- OFFA
- GenSol
- DDC Veterinary
- OFFA
- GenSol
- DDC Veterinary