Anybody have a dog with degenerative myelopathy?

[woodsprite]

Our 13yo german shepherd, Noelle, hasn't been officially diagnosed since it's more 'rule stuff out' than an actual diagnosis. Truthfully, at 13yo, we don't want to put her through any testing where she needs to be knocked out. She does have all the symptoms and the dr. said her leg weakness is definitely due to a spinal issue. She doesn't seem to be having any pain, but is having difficulty making her legs work in a coordinated fashion. They seem loosey-goosey when you watch her walk from behind. She really struggles to get up on hardwood floors or tile and she doesn't like laying on the carpeted areas of our house. We bought her "house slippers" that seem to be working to help her stand on hard surfaces, but one walk outside and they did not hold up, hence the term "house slippers". I saw a nice pair that had like a Teva type sole. I'm going to try getting those for our neighborhood walks. I didn't order them originally because I thought it would be overkill.

I was just wondering if any DUers have pups with a similar issue and what you were doing to help them, keep them comfortable, etc.

[leftieNanner]

1. Oh My Gosh

We have had two GSDs who had this disease. It's rough! We lost Gigi at around age 10 because of it, but she also had severe epilepsy. When she couldn't get around any more, we had to let her go. Riley developed it just last year - again at age 10 - but we lost him to cancer before the myelopathy got too bad. We are now shepherd-less for the first time in many years.

I'm so sorry to hear about sweet Noelle. You are so lucky to have enjoyed her in your family for so long. Our Pete lived until 12, but all three other shepherds only lived to age 10. I think you just have to use your judgement with her. You will know when it's time. My neighbor who started me on my GSD love affair reminded me that one of the GSD's most admirable traits is their dignity. I hope that Noelle will still give you a lot of love for a while.

Best wishes to you and

[Midnight Writer]

2. There are some Youtube videos showing therapy techniques, mostly assisted exercise.

Not a cure, but may help extend the life and improve quality of life.

Good luck. It is emotionally draining to watch our loving friends get sick.

[woodsprite]

3. It is. You want to help them so much.

Sometimes I try if she’s having a hard time, and she looks at me like “What are you doing, mom?” We’re going to get a sling lift to help her with the stairs. She’s my little shadow and won’t wait downstairs if I go upstairs for something.

I’ll take a look at those videos.

[femmocrat]

4. Yes.

Two corgis (same breeder). We had a wheelchair for one of them and she enjoyed going outside. It’s a very sad and cruel condition. We could lift the corgis to take them outside but with GSD’s, they will be too heavy. You can put a towel under their bellies to guide them outside.
I wish you luck but sadly, there is no cure. They just get worse.