Dog Degenerative Myelopathy

Treatment and Symptoms of Dog Degenerative Myelopathy

Dogs Symptoms and Canine Health - Description of Dog Degenerative Myelopathy

Description of Dog Degenerative Myelopathy. The definition of Dog Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disease of the spinal cord that results in the loss of nerve function causing rear legs weakness and paralysis. The nerves of the spinal cord are protected by a sheath called myelin. Myelin is also responsible for decreasing the amount of time it takes a nervous impulse to travel along the length of a nerve.

 When a dog develops Degenerative Myelopathy, the myelin around the nerves begins to break down which leads to nerve degeneration in the spinal cord. The nerve signals travelling up and down the spinal cord are then changed.

Dogs Symptoms & Canine Health Index


Symptoms of Dog Degenerative Myelopathy

Dogs Symptoms and Canine Health - Dog Degenerative Myelopathy - General Canine Observations
When you are worried about your pet dogs or puppies it is wise to make general observations and a note of your dog's general well-being before considering a health issue and problem such as Dog Degenerative Myelopathy. Overall physical condition? Mental attitude? Appetite? Condition of bowels and urinary apparatus? The nose of healthy dogs or puppies is moist and cool but in sick dogs it is usually hot and dry. Hair loss? Dry skin? Discharges? These general observations are useful to consider whilst checking out the symptoms of Dog Degenerative Myelopathy.

Degenerative Myelopathy is not a painful condition but it is non-reversible and progressive. Dogs suffering from this disease have difficulty getting up and lose muscle mass from their back legs until they are unable to get up at all. Once the nerves in the spinal cord are damaged, the nerve signals are destroyed and the muscles cannot work properly resulting in the dog being unable to walk.

Unfortunately the cause of Degenerative myelopathy is unknown but certain breeds are more susceptible to developing it. Irish Setters, German Shepherds, Welsh Corgis, Dalmatians, Weimaraners, Samoyeds and Boxers are all breeds that are more prone to this condition. Degenerative Myelopathy is more common in male dogs and usually develops in older dogs, puppies can be affected but this is rare.

Dogs Symptoms and Canine Health - Symptoms of Dog Degenerative Myelopathy
Dog Degenerative Myelopathy symptoms may include the following:

  • Degenerative Myelopathy symptoms - Muscle Weakness
  • Degenerative Myelopathy symptoms - Lack of Co-ordination
  • Degenerative Myelopathy symptoms - Dragging Rear paws when walking
  • Degenerative Myelopathy symptoms - Difficulty with balance
  • Degenerative Myelopathy symptoms - Problem when walking
  • Degenerative Myelopathy symptoms - Limp Tail
  • Degenerative Myelopathy symptoms - Dragging one leg
  • Degenerative Myelopathy symptoms - Toe Nails worn down in hind feet

Treatment and Remedies - Canine Treatment of Dog Degenerative Myelopathy
The remedies and treatment of Dog Degenerative Myelopathy may include the treatment of dogs as follows. To diagnose Degenerative Myelopathy your canine health care professional will carry out a physical examination. The history of symptoms, particular breed, age and general health of the dog will also be taken into account before a diagnosis is confirmed. 

  • Canine Degenerative Myelopathy treatment - A Myelography (myelogram) test is usually performed to confirm a diagnosis of Degenerative Myelopathy and rule out any other medical conditions such as tumours or disc problems. A Myelogram uses a contrast medium which is injected into the spinal column followed by x-rays to highlight any problems with the pathways of the spinal cord. Any injuries, tumours, cysts will be highlighted with this test. CT or MRI tests may be carried out in preference to a myelogram test to confirm a diagnosis of this condition.
  • Canine Degenerative Myelopathy treatment - Unfortunately Degenerative Myelopathy is a non-reversible and progressive disease that cannot be cured. There are no treatments that have been clearly shown to stop or slow progression of Degenerative Myelopathy.

In order to maintain the dogs ability to walk, exercise is recommended for sufferers of degenerative myelopathy. Exercise can help to keep with circulation and keeping the muscles toned. Other treatment options which are likely to be recommended by your Vet or Canine health care professional are Physiotherapy which can help the dog to stay active for a longer period and improve its quality of life. If possible, Canine Hydrotherapy (swimming) is a gentle form of exercise which can help with movement but this treatment option is dependant on the individual dog and it is important that the animal is not forced into any kind of exercise. If the dog begins to become tired or shows any signs of stress then the exercise should be stopped. Stress can make symptoms worse, it is vital that stress is kept to a minimum. Pain medication is recommended in cases where the animal is in distress.

Dog Symptoms and Canine Health - Canine Insurance / Pet Health Insurance for Dog Degenerative Myelopathy
Pet Insurance for Dog Degenerative Myelopathy. Remember canine insurance / pet dogs health insurance for treatment of health and medical problems such as Dog Degenerative Myelopathy. Unexpected visits to the vet and veterinary treatments for your dogs and puppies due to illnesses such as Dog Degenerative Myelopathy can quickly add up so get quotes for canine health / pet insurance coverage for treatment due to accidents, treatment of illnesses, prescriptions, surgeries and possible hospitalization treatment for your dogs or puppy. Get the best deals for pet insurance from pet insurance comparison websites - make sure you get the best rates for canine health insurance to cover visits to the Vet for the diagnosis and treatment of unexpected ailments such as Dog Degenerative Myelopathy.

Disclaimer - Dog Degenerative Myelopathy Section of Dogs Symptoms and Canine Health Website
The sole purpose of the Dog Degenerative Myelopathy section on the Dog Symptoms and Canine Health website is to act as a reference guide to provide useful information to the owners of dogs and puppies. This article on Dog Degenerative Myelopathy is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat sick dogs or as a substitute for obtaining professional veterinary advice. Please remember that if you are in any doubt about your Dog's Health, or problems associated with Dog Degenerative Myelopathy, please consult your Canine Veterinary Specialist immediately for professional treatment. Your vet will diagnose whether Dog Degenerative Myelopathy is the problem and prescribe appropriate medication and treatment.

Treatment and Symptoms of Dog Degenerative Myelopathy
Dog Symptoms and Canine Health

Dog Degenerative Myelopathy Symptoms and Treatment

  • Dogs Symptoms and Canine Health - Free Information on symptoms and treatment
  • Dog Degenerative Myelopathy - General Observations about the health of your dogs or puppy
  • Description of Dog Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Symptoms of Dog Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Treatment of Dog Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Dogs Symptoms and Canine Health - Canine Health Insurance / Pet Insurance for treatment of Dog Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Dog Degenerative Myelopathy - When in doubt consult about your Dog's Health please consult your Canine Veterinary Specialist immediately for professional treatment
  • Free info on Dogs Symptoms, Canine Health and treatment of Dog Degenerative Myelopathy

Dog Degenerative Myelopathy

Dog Degenerative Myelopathy - Dogs - Symptoms - Canine Health - Dogs - Puppy - Puppies - Dogs Health - Canine Symptoms - Canine Health - Disease - Pets - Illness - Sickness - Insurance - Quotes - Pet Insurance - Insurance - Sick - Ill - Problems - Illnesses - Diseases - Treatment - Dog Degenerative Myelopathy - Issues - Disorder - Disorders - Infections - Canine Geriatric Care - Remedies - Remedy - Canine First Aid Kits - Infection - Infections - Information - Info - Facts - Help - Health Care - Pain - Condition - Conditions - Medical Encyclopedia - Medical - Dog Degenerative Myelopathy - Inflammation - Pain - Infection - Diagnose - Diagnosis - Old - Ailments - Ailment - Pet - Sorter - Issues - Description - Online Encyclopaedia - Common - Dog Degenerative Myelopathy - Treatment - Vets - Vets - Veterinary - Advice - Questions - Treatment - Treatments - Diagnose - Diagnosis - Dog's Health - Cause - Causes - Identify - Identification - Dog Degenerative Myelopathy

 

© March 2015 Siteseen Ltd.

Cookie Policy

Privacy Statement