Heya, Hooman! I’m Max, a German Shepherd, and today I want to tell you about Degenerative Myelopathy, or DM for short, which has been a massive change in my life. It’s a challenging condition, but I’ve got my human by my side, and we’re doing our best to make the most of each day.
If you’ve never heard of degenerative myelopathy in dogs, let me explain what it is and how it’s affecting my life, paws and all.
What Is Degenerative Myelopathy?
DM is a disease that affects my spinal cord, and it’s kind of like the dog version of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS (gezondheid!) in humans. My spine has started to break down over time, which causes me to lose strength in my muscles—especially in my hind legs.
It’s not something that hits you all at once; instead, it sneaks up on you slowly, but it’s a real pain in the back. At first, I just stumbled a little bit, or my legs felt wobbly when I tried to stand up. But as time went by, it got harder and harder to move, and eventually, I may not be able to walk at all.
There’s no cure for DM, which is a real bummer. Once it starts, it keeps getting worse. My human and I have learned that I might have 6-12 months before the disease runs its course. That’s not a lot of time, but my human is doing everything possible to ensure I’m comfy, loved, and not alone during every stage.
Breeds Like Me That Are Most at Risk
I’m a German Shepherd, and unfortunately, we’re one of the breeds that are most likely to develop DM. But I’m not alone—Corgis, Boxers, and Poodles can also get this disease. If you have one of these breeds or an older dog, you must watch for signs of weakness or clumsiness in their back legs.
My human noticed I was slipping more often when standing up or walking on slick floors. At first, they thought I just wasn’t paying attention (hey, it happens!), but when the wobbles didn’t go away, we went to the vet, and that’s when we found out it was DM.
How DM Affects My Body
Let me tell you, this disease isn’t easy. It started with a little weakness in my back legs, which made it harder to jump onto my favorite spot on the couch (something I used to do without even thinking!). Then, as the disease progressed, I started to drag my paws when I walked, and sometimes, I even tripped over them. My human bought me some special booties to help protect my feet because I kept scraping them on the ground.
Over time, the muscle loss has become more noticeable. My legs no longer feel strong, and standing for too long makes me tired. Now, I often need a little extra help from my human to get up and down, and we’ve started using a special sling to support my back legs. But you know what? Even though my body’s changing, my spirit is still as strong as ever. I may not be as fast as I used to be, but I’m still the same loyal, loving dog I’ve always been.
Managing DM—What My Human Is Doing to Help Me
Like I said before, there’s no cure for DM, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing we can do. My human has been amazing at finding ways to keep me comfortable and happy as we go through this together. The vet prescribed some medications to help manage the symptoms and make sure I’m not in pain. Even though I can’t run and play like I used to, we still have plenty of fun—just at a slower pace.
Physical therapy has been a big part of my routine, too. My human takes me to a specialist where I do exercises to help keep my muscles as strong as possible. We also go swimming, which is great because it takes the pressure off my legs but still gives me a good workout. Plus, let’s face it—I love splashing around in the water!
At home, my human made some changes to help me get around. We have many non-slip rugs so I don’t slip and fall, and my bed is extra comfy and supportive to help my joints. I’ve also got a wheelchair for when my legs get really weak, so I can still go on walks and enjoy the great outdoors. It’s not the same as before, but I’m grateful for every adventure we still get to have together.
The Tough Stuff: Disabilities Caused by DM
DM is a progressive disease, which means it just keeps getting worse. Right now, I’m having a hard time using my back legs, and eventually, I’ll lose the ability to move them at all. It’s tough to think about, but my human and I are taking it one day at a time.
In the later stages of DM, dogs like me often become paralyzed in their hind legs, and some may even lose control over their bladder and bowels. That’s when things get really tricky, but my human is already preparing to give me all the help I need when we reach that point.
I’ll be honest—there are days when it’s hard not to feel down about losing my mobility. But my human always lifts my spirits with extra belly rubs, treats, and plenty of snuggles. They remind me that we’re in this together no matter what happens. And that’s all I really need.
FAQs About Degenerative Myelopathy
Can DM be cured?
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for DM. Once the disease starts, it’s all about managing the symptoms and making sure your dog is comfortable.
What are the early signs of DM?
It usually starts with weakness in the hind legs. You might notice your dog stumbling, dragging their paws, or having trouble standing up. As the disease progresses, these symptoms will get worse.
How can I help my dog with DM?
You can help by providing a comfortable, supportive environment and working with your vet to manage the symptoms. Physical therapy, medications, and mobility aids like slings or wheelchairs can also make a big difference.
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Final Thoughts on Living With DM
Living with DM isn’t easy, but my human and I face it together with lots of love and patience. Even though my body is changing, I’m still the same loyal friend I’ve always been. Every day is a gift, and I’m grateful for every moment I get to spend with my human.
If your dog is diagnosed with DM, don’t lose hope. There are still plenty of tail-wagging and happy moments ahead—you just have to be ready to take it slow and enjoy every step of the journey.
Time for my daily nap in my cozy bed (with my human nearby, of course). Even though I can’t move like I used to, I know I’m still living my best life!