Did you know that some of the larger breeds dogs (i.e. the
Golden and the German Shepherd) can develop muscle related illnesses as they
age? A common illness is known as DM or Degenerative Myelopathy. This is an
incurable disease that affects the nerve and spinal cord and eventually causes
loss of movement and a loss of feeling or numbness in the legs. Some have
compared it to ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. DM in dogs can be fatal, chronic,
progressive and (as the name suggests) degenerative with an ultimate ending of
paralysis. It’s important to keep an eye on your dog’s mobility and look out
for signs like trouble moving, getting up and down, taking stairs, or even the
lack of want to move. The disease often occurs later in life. With no treatment
available, your veterinarians Westminster,
MD may prescribe medication to keep your dog comfortable.
