German Shepherd Degenerative Myelopathy Treatment
Degenerative myelopathy is a common condition in the German Shepherd breed. Although the symptoms of this disease are often masked by other diseases, regular physical therapy can delay the development of neurologic signs. The disease does not appear in all dogs, and there is no definitive cure. Several types of therapy are available, including stem cell therapy, diets, and supplements. Unfortunately, there is no known treatment for this disorder.
The first stage of the disease does not appear to be painful for the affected dog. Bowel and bladder functions are normal, but some dogs may develop urinary or fecal incontinence. Most affected dogs don’t show pain, so there’s no reason to diagnose the disease until symptoms become more severe. The disease can be debilitating and ultimately lead to euthanasia.
The only way to diagnose the disease and prescribe treatment is through a veterinarian. Genetic testing is available to determine whether a dog has a gene that increases its risk for degenerative myelopathy. It can be performed on a swab of blood taken from the dog’s mouth or blood. While this is not a definitive test, it helps confirm the diagnosis. If your German Shepherd displays these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Early diagnosis of DM is crucial for its treatment.
When the condition is detected early, the veterinarian may prescribe various treatments. The owner can try to give their dog a dog wheelchair, sling, or carrier. Keeping the dog at a healthy weight is also important to avoid further degeneration. Obesity is also an additional burden for the body. Certain vitamins, CSF, and prednisone can slow the progression of DM.
Degenerative myelopathy is usually a condition that affects older dogs. In the beginning, the symptoms are mild and can easily be mistaken for other diseases. The condition can progress over months and may even appear as minor weakness in the hind limbs. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should immediately seek treatment. A dog with degenerative myelopathy may drag its paws or cross its hind limbs.
DM is a degenerative spinal cord disease that affects several breeds of dogs. The German Shepherd Dog is one of the most common breeds affected, and there is no known treatment for this disease. It usually progresses to complete paralysis in the limbs and often leads to euthanasia before reaching the end-stage. Eventually, the condition will cause the dog to die from lack of oxygen or blood.
The symptoms of GSD are similar to those in human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The first symptom is the weakness of the back legs. The affected dog may also display incontinence. It may also lead to death. However, DM treatment is still available. It is an excellent choice for the owner of a German Shepherd. In some cases, it may even be the best option.
Although there is no cure for degenerative myelopathy, it can be treated with physical therapy and specialized assistive equipment.
In some cases, the dog may be able to maintain an acceptable quality of life for months. The most effective therapies will be tailored to the dog’s specific needs and the type of assistive equipment it needs. Depending on the severity of the disease, a doctor may prescribe a combination of physical therapy and appropriate assistive equipment to help the dog with its mobility.
A comprehensive examination is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. The veterinarian will obtain a thorough history of the disease and combine the findings of the primary care veterinarian to determine the exact cause of the symptoms. A thorough examination will reveal the cause of the dog’s weakness, allowing a vet to prescribe a specific treatment. A comprehensive neurologic examination may include radiographs and X-rays. The advanced diagnostic imaging service may also order blood tests, MRI, or other test options to determine the cause of the problem.
The symptoms of degenerative myelopathy in German Shepherds are often masked by other diseases, such as hip dysplasia. Ataxia in the rear legs may occur, but it is the most common symptom. The symptoms of degenerative myelopathy usually progress over several months. In severe cases, the dog will eventually be unable to walk. This disease is common in older dogs, but treatment can be effective.
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