Showing posts with label veterinarians Westminster. Show all posts
Showing posts with label veterinarians Westminster. Show all posts

Wednesday 19 June 2019

Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs



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.