Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive neurological condition in dogs that causes irreversible hindlimb paralysis, requiring adaptive equipment and compassionate end-of-life planning to maintain quality of life.
Degenerative myelopathy does not cause pain, which distinguishes it from many other progressive conditions, but it progressively removes a dog ability to express natural locomotor and social behaviours. Hindlimb paralysis leads to urinary and faecal incontinence that causes skin scalding and requires intensive nursing care. Without this care, urine scald, pressure sores, and secondary infections cause significant suffering. Dogs in well-fitted wheelchairs that receive excellent nursing care can maintain positive welfare for extended periods. However, the progressive nature of DM means that front limb involvement eventually removes the dog ability to function even in a cart. The welfare challenge is recognising the threshold at which continued life no longer serves the dog and supporting owners in making timely euthanasia decisions without stigma.