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Not long ago it was revealed that researchers had identified canine genetic markers for a condition known as Degenerative Myelopathy. These markers were found in a variety of breeds including the AWS. Unfortunately some have now said that this means that the disorder is found in the AWS but, based upon all evidence presented so far, that has not yet been proven. The only way to prove this disorder is post mortem; by autopsy and testing of the spinal cord. The fact that some AWS carry these genetic markers is not enough to proclaim, as some have, that Degenerative Myelopathy has been "Identified in AWS." Although this may be the case proof of that is yet to surface on the public stage.

Word of these markers being identified in the AWS should not lead to panic or sensationalism being placed upon the AWS community. This word should do no more than alert AWS enthusiasts to be on the look out for the disorder and its symptoms. In an effort to prevent such sensationalism and panic setting into the AWS community we have presented this straight-forward article about the condition along with a number of site links where you can read more about this topic. Breeders may want to begin looking at conducting Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) tests for their breeding stock to identify whether or not their AWS are carriers of the Degenerative Myelopathy gene markers. 

Canine Degenerative Myelopathy
by Dawn M. Smith

Understanding Canine Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a neurological disorder found in dogs that results from the loss of both the myelin (the insulation-like coating around nerve fibers) sheeting covering nerves and spinal cord nerve fibers themselves.

The degenerative process begins in the thoracic spine, causing progressive weakness in the rear legs and loss of coordination. Eventually the dog becomes unable to walk. The dog also loses bowel and bladder control over time. While the progression of the disease is difficult for an owner to watch, the dog is generally not in pain as the nerves which transmit pain are what is degenerating.

Diagnostic Concerns

Diagnosis of canine degenerative myelopathy is made by ruling out other causes of hind limb paralysis. There is no simple way to diagnose this disease. Other possible causes of paralysis include herniated intervertebral discs (seen on radiographs), tumors or cysts (may be seen on x-ray, CAT scan or MRI) or canine vestibular syndrome which will, in most cases reverse over a short period of time.

Genetic Test Offers Potential Tool to Confirm Degenerative Myelopathy Diagnosis

While the absolute diagnosis of canine degenerative myelopathy is only possible on post mortem examination, there is now a DNA test which can help in confirming canine degenerative myelopathy. The test was developed using breeds with a strong predisposition to the disease - German Shepherd Dogs, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Boxers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and Standard Poodles.

The AKC’s Canine Health Foundation and various dog breed clubs have made it possible for free DNA testing to be offered to dogs who have been given a tentative diagnosis of degenerative myelopathy by a veterinary neurologist or their own veterinarian.

The finding of the genetic mutation that has been linked to Canine Degenerative Myelopathy only aids in the diagnosis of the disease at this time. It is not a definitive test. One important value of the test is in helping breeders determine whether the genetic defect occurs in their bloodlines. This allows them to make appropriate decisions in breeding healthy dogs.

Caring for a Dog With DM

Dogs with canine degenerative myelopathy benefit from controlled exercise which improves muscle tone and brain function. While the dog may enjoy running around loose, this type of sporadic exercise does not build muscle tone in the same way.

Swimming is one form of controlled exercise for dogs with canine degenerative myelopathy. Because they are not weight bearing when swimming the muscles are strengthened but the joints are not injured. And they must maintain a steady pace while in deep water.

Brisk walking of a set time or distance is the other good muscle building activity for DM dogs. If the dog is weak at the start of the exercise program, the time and speed can be built up gradually. If the dog is able to have regular swimming time, the walking and swimming should be alternated and rest days should be interspersed to allow joints and muscles to recover. This exercise program has the added benefit of helping brain function, which can help in the older dog who is suffering from senile dementia or is showing signs of decreased awareness.

Diet, Medications, Vitamins, Minerals and Other Supplements Which May Help

Two medications, Aminocaproic acid (EACE) and N-acetylsysteine (NAC) are useful in some cases. The EACE may help inhibit myelin sheath breakdown and NAC has anti-oxidant properties. Unfortunately they do not help every dog with DM.

A homemade diet with fresh vegetables and grains may help some canine degenerative myelopathy cases but for owners lacking the resources to cook for their dogs adding of some of those foods to the diet on a regular basis may also be of help.

Vitamins and minerals with antioxidant and nerve protective properties including Vitamins B (particularly B6/folic acid and B12/cobalamin which are good for maintaining the myelin sheath), E, C as well as selenium and choline are recommended.

Stem Cell Therapy Being Researched as Potential Treatment

Dr Richard Vulliet of the University of California at Davis is studying the possibility of using bone marrow stem cells to slow or stop the progression of canine degenerative myelopathy. Earlier work with mice indicated that injection of stem cells into the affected area of the spinal cord may result in some healing. Dr Vulliet’s work is also partially funded by the AKC’s Canine Health Foundation.

Resources:

Canine Health Foundation news
    Videos regarding DM
    http://www.akcchf.org/video/

Work by Dr. R M Clemmons on Diet and Supplements
http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/DM_Web/DmofGS.htm

Acupressure to Slow the Progress of Degenerative Myelopathy
http://dog-care.suite101.com/article.cfm/acupressure_for_your_dogs_health
http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/7431_acupressure-for-arthritic-dogs.htm

More on the Genetic Test for DM
http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/DM/ancmntDM.htm
http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/CGD_main.htm
https://secure.offa.org/cart.html

More on Dr Vulliet’s Stem Cell Therapy Work
http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/whatsnew/article2.cfm?id=1763

Dawn M Smith has been a Registered Veterinary Technician for over 30 years.

For more articles by Dawn about canine neurological disorders visit her blog at Suite101 http://www.suite101.com/blog/dmsvn/neurological_disorders_in_dogs_can_be_confusing

Dawn has also trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine and cares for both animals and their people using Chinese herbs, acupressure, diet and lifestyle changes. Visit her website at Classical Chinese Herbal Therapy.
http://www.traditionalchinesetherapy.com/content/animals