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Diesel's Diary

Degenerative myelopathy ( have been told Diesel has this )

Myelopathy
This Canine Neurological Illness Resembles Human Multiple Sclerosis
© Jennifer Gerics

Jan 10, 2007

A chronic, degenerative disease that affects dogs is very similar to human multiple sclerosis. Both conditions destroy the myelin that covers nerves.
Overview

A fellow Suite101 health writer, Elaine Moore, told me about a neurological disorder that has stricken her dog, Buddy. It resembles multiple sclerosis in that it could be autoimmune in nature, and it also destroys the protective myelin tissue that covers the nerves. Degenerative myelopathy appears to affect older dogs and it ravages their muscle coordination, especially in the hind limbs.

Affected Breeds

Some dog breeds are more susceptible to degenerative myelopathy, including German shepherds, collies, Siberian huskies, Labrador retrievers, Belgian shepherds, and kerry blue terriers.

Symptoms/Factors:

older dogs (5 + years)
originally slow to develop and not always obvious to vet or caretaker
lack of coordination in the hind limbs
weakness in hind limbs
can be unilateral (one-sided) or affect both sides
Degenerative Myelopathy progresses to a point where a dog can no longer walk (several months to a year after onset)
Prognosis

Veterinarians test dogs for degenerative myelopathy by first ruling out other diseases. X-rays may be done. A neurological exam can determine damaged reflexes and muscle tone caused by damaged nerves. A spinal tap may be done.

There is currently no specific, conclusive treatment to stop the progression. Because dogs' lives are shorter than humans', degenerative myelopathy has a proportionally shorter course of progression. multiple sclerosis can progress slowly (although not always) over several decades, but DM tends to disable within a year. Hopefully veterinary science will develop disease-modifying drugs similar to those used for MS to slow or hault the progression of this insidious disease. The hope, like for all neurological disorders, is to find a cure. For further reference: http://vetmedicine.about.com.

*****For more information about MS, check out the Multiple Sclerosis Suite.

*****For




We have been told that Diesel has this, but he also has other symtoms of disorders.
He is now about 7 yrs old, and holding strong!

Hanging in there!

Well, I have had a few rough times but still am walking and doing well.

My owners thank God that I am still with them, and I also thank Him for everyday , and my good health thus far!!!

My Poor Diesel

Well, Its been a long time since I visited the site.
Thought I'd write a diary for Diesel since he had such bad luck since we adopted him 3 years ago.
He seemed like such a healty dog when we brought him home. Not too mention, the most lovable, loyal, well behaved pooch we've ever owned.
One day about 2 years ago or so, he was playing with Tia when all of a sudden, he fell to the ground crying in pain. He wouldn't move for over 24 hours! We finally had to make a hammock from a blanket to get him into the car to bring him to the vet. It took awhile to get him there because we were afraid to move him, not knowing what had happened but did stay in touch with the vet during the 24 hours period. I wouldn't want anyone to think that we just neglected him.
Anyway, Diesel was xrayed and the vet found that he had an injury to a disc at the base of his spine. Probubly had this when we adopted him.
In time with meds he was able to get up and move again, thank God. But this has happened a few times since the first attack. Sometimes all he has to do is move his head quickly
Now!!!! He has another problem, sadly, this is not cureable. The vet says he has wabblers although, I do not think thats what it is, It really doesn't make a diffrence because what I think it is , is not cureable either./
His muscles are lossing mass, and he is going lame. He falls, looses his footing, his toes are spreading out ect.
I am tore up about this.
We love him so much. Its just a matter of time before he goes totally lame and can not feel his legs anymore. Please pray for him.