Degenerative myelopathy (you were close!) is a terribly difficult condition to live with. I would suggest, if you can afford it (or save up some bucks!) to have a consultation with an orthopedic specialist bout corrective surgery. If the condition is not caused by a cancer or inflammatory disease such as auto-immune disorders, it is very often correctable through a delicate surgery.
It’s costly, for sure, sometimes up to $4k, depending on the condition of the spinal cord and associated vertebre, but when performed successfully the patient is able to walk again! Like normal! Ask your vet for a referral to a specialist, and see if surgery is a possibility for your dog.
Otherwise, if surgery is not possible or if you just cannot afford it, then there is nothing you can effectively do to help your dog’s condition. Keep him clean and help him urinate and defecate when he needs it. There will come a day when he has absolutely no control over his rear end, and on that day he should be laid to rest. References :
Haven’t you taken him to the vet for both a diagnosis and prognosis? What does your vet say? Didn’t he tell you that about half the dogs affected with this disease show some improvement when given aminocaproic acid. You need to talk to your vet about this – he’s in the best position to advise you as to whether or not your dog will improve and when it may be time to make the decision to let him go. References :
I dont know anything about the disease/ illness your pup has, but I just wanted to say that I am sorry you and your pup are going through this. I read the other answers and if I were you I would take my pup to the vet (or just go to the vet myself) and see if there is anything that can be done. If there is anything you can do, but its too expensive, there are alot of things you can do to save money or raise money for your pup! I really hope everything works out! I wish you both the best of luck and I will pray for you! References : Proud owner of two wonderful American Pit Bull Terriers! : )
Dogs are stoic animals-meaning they hide pain. When a dog shows pain, like not being able to get up, it’s pretty bad. Unfortunately with large dogs, especially when they’re overweight, which I don’t know if yours is, but it’s very hard on their legs and joints. Talk with your vet and tell ask what the options are. There’s always pain medication if that may keep him comfortable. But please don’t be selfish, by which I mean, think of his quality and not quantity of life. I don’t mean to sound mean by selfish, but if he is miserable, the best act of love you can show is to let him go and no longer be in pain. Take care and I hope the best for you. References : Licensed Veterianary Technician, been working in vet offices for over 6 years
Degenerative myelopathy (this is the correct spelling) is a progressive and, as its name implies degenerative neurological disease, similar in many ways to Multiple Sclerosis in humans. It appears to be an auto-immune disease, which means your dog’s immune system is attacking his own body. (JeN is confusing DM with degenerative disc disease, which is a different illness all together. Disc disease is a localized problem that can be corrected surgery, but not DM, which is a systemic illness).
Like many such diseases, it is to be expected that symptoms will come and go, but unfortunately you can expect an overall downward trend.
You are doing EXACTLY the right thing by playing with your dog, even if he seems to have difficulty staying up. Regular exercise is the best way to slow the progression of DM. Avoid hospitalization or any kind of long-term kenneling of your dog. Restraining movement for any amount of time makes DM worse.
Some medications and diet supplements have been shown to help. At the same time, there are some products that are given routinely to healthy dogs, such as certain flea-control products and heartworm medications, that should NOT be given to dogs with DM because they can have a negative impact on the immune system.
If you want to do more research, browse the internet for info. There is lots and lots available, including what to feed, what not to feed, etc. Some of it is pretty scientific and hard to get through, but perhaps you know someone who can help you with it. If an article seems particularly informative, especially if it comes from a veterinary clinic, there is NOTHING WRONG with bringing a copy to your vet and asking him/her if they are familiar with it. Their job means lifelong learning, and if it is new to them they should be happy for the information.
Have you thought of getting a cart, like those little red wagons for kids? Some are large enough to carry two human children, so they should be large enough for your dog. Take one along for walks. That way, if you go for a walk and your dogs’ legs give out when you aren’t close to home, you can help him into it and continue on your way! That will allow you some freedom without having to constantly worry about whether or not your dog will make it. I have a dog who has had surgery in her spine, and that is what we do.
As for the right time to say good bye, no one can advise you. Just remember this, please: you know your dog better than anyone else in the whole world. You know best what is right for the two of you. Everyone has their own idea of what the "right" time is. What anyone else thinks has absolutetly nothing to do with your own situation. Listen to your heart. When it is time, you will know. References :
February 28th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
Degenerative myelopathy (you were close!) is a terribly difficult condition to live with. I would suggest, if you can afford it (or save up some bucks!) to have a consultation with an orthopedic specialist bout corrective surgery. If the condition is not caused by a cancer or inflammatory disease such as auto-immune disorders, it is very often correctable through a delicate surgery.
It’s costly, for sure, sometimes up to $4k, depending on the condition of the spinal cord and associated vertebre, but when performed successfully the patient is able to walk again! Like normal! Ask your vet for a referral to a specialist, and see if surgery is a possibility for your dog.
Otherwise, if surgery is not possible or if you just cannot afford it, then there is nothing you can effectively do to help your dog’s condition. Keep him clean and help him urinate and defecate when he needs it. There will come a day when he has absolutely no control over his rear end, and on that day he should be laid to rest.
References :
February 28th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Haven’t you taken him to the vet for both a diagnosis and prognosis? What does your vet say? Didn’t he tell you that about half the dogs affected with this disease show some improvement when given aminocaproic acid. You need to talk to your vet about this – he’s in the best position to advise you as to whether or not your dog will improve and when it may be time to make the decision to let him go.
References :
February 28th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
I dont know anything about the disease/ illness your pup has, but I just wanted to say that I am sorry you and your pup are going through this. I read the other answers and if I were you I would take my pup to the vet (or just go to the vet myself) and see if there is anything that can be done. If there is anything you can do, but its too expensive, there are alot of things you can do to save money or raise money for your pup! I really hope everything works out! I wish you both the best of luck and I will pray for you!
References :
Proud owner of two wonderful American Pit Bull Terriers! : )
February 28th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Diagnosis of DM is made by a history of progressive spinal ataxia and weakness that may have a waxing and waning course or be steadily progressive.
http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/DM_Web/DMofGS.htm
References :
February 28th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Dogs are stoic animals-meaning they hide pain. When a dog shows pain, like not being able to get up, it’s pretty bad. Unfortunately with large dogs, especially when they’re overweight, which I don’t know if yours is, but it’s very hard on their legs and joints. Talk with your vet and tell ask what the options are. There’s always pain medication if that may keep him comfortable. But please don’t be selfish, by which I mean, think of his quality and not quantity of life. I don’t mean to sound mean by selfish, but if he is miserable, the best act of love you can show is to let him go and no longer be in pain. Take care and I hope the best for you.
References :
Licensed Veterianary Technician, been working in vet offices for over 6 years
February 28th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
I am so sorry for you and your dog.
Degenerative myelopathy (this is the correct spelling) is a progressive and, as its name implies degenerative neurological disease, similar in many ways to Multiple Sclerosis in humans. It appears to be an auto-immune disease, which means your dog’s immune system is attacking his own body. (JeN is confusing DM with degenerative disc disease, which is a different illness all together. Disc disease is a localized problem that can be corrected surgery, but not DM, which is a systemic illness).
Like many such diseases, it is to be expected that symptoms will come and go, but unfortunately you can expect an overall downward trend.
You are doing EXACTLY the right thing by playing with your dog, even if he seems to have difficulty staying up. Regular exercise is the best way to slow the progression of DM. Avoid hospitalization or any kind of long-term kenneling of your dog. Restraining movement for any amount of time makes DM worse.
Some medications and diet supplements have been shown to help. At the same time, there are some products that are given routinely to healthy dogs, such as certain flea-control products and heartworm medications, that should NOT be given to dogs with DM because they can have a negative impact on the immune system.
If you want to do more research, browse the internet for info. There is lots and lots available, including what to feed, what not to feed, etc. Some of it is pretty scientific and hard to get through, but perhaps you know someone who can help you with it. If an article seems particularly informative, especially if it comes from a veterinary clinic, there is NOTHING WRONG with bringing a copy to your vet and asking him/her if they are familiar with it. Their job means lifelong learning, and if it is new to them they should be happy for the information.
Have you thought of getting a cart, like those little red wagons for kids? Some are large enough to carry two human children, so they should be large enough for your dog. Take one along for walks. That way, if you go for a walk and your dogs’ legs give out when you aren’t close to home, you can help him into it and continue on your way! That will allow you some freedom without having to constantly worry about whether or not your dog will make it. I have a dog who has had surgery in her spine, and that is what we do.
As for the right time to say good bye, no one can advise you. Just remember this, please: you know your dog better than anyone else in the whole world. You know best what is right for the two of you. Everyone has their own idea of what the "right" time is. What anyone else thinks has absolutetly nothing to do with your own situation. Listen to your heart. When it is time, you will know.
References :