Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease for which no cure is available as of 2010. In the later stages of degenerative myelopathy, incontinence may develop.
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Identification
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Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disorder of the spinal cord. Large breed dogs such as German Shepherds are affected most often with this condition. The onset of degenerative myelopathy in dogs is between 5 and 14 years of age, with males being affected more often than females.
Cause
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The cause of degenerative myelopathy is unknown, but is thought to be an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system of the body begins to attack its own nerve cells.
Symptoms
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Symptoms associated with degenerative myelopathy include dragging nails, weakness of the hind legs, stumbling, difficulty jumping, tremors and muscle loss in the rear legs. Urinary and fecal incontinence are also present in the later stages of the disease. Incontinence is the inability to control the bladder and bowel movements.
Care
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Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease. As it worsens, fecal and urinary incontinence may occur. It is essential to keep a dog that suffers from incontinence clean and dry. This helps to prevent urine scald, skin infections and ulcers.
Considerations
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The prognosis for dogs that suffer from degenerative myelopathy is poor. The disease usually progresses over a 4 to 6 month period and eventually causes the inability to walk, urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence.
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