Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive spinal cord disease affecting dogs, particularly large breeds, requiring attentive welfare management as mobility declines.
Welfare concerns in DM dogs center on mobility loss, muscle atrophy, and eventual loss of bladder and bowel control. Falls, pressure sores, and skin irritation from dragging limbs cause secondary physical harm. Psychological wellbeing may suffer as previously active dogs lose independence. Regular physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and assistive devices such as harnesses and carts meaningfully extend the period of good welfare. Owners must monitor for distress and discomfort from secondary complications, and quality-of-life assessments should guide euthanasia decisions when meaningful mobility is lost.