Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive, incurable spinal cord disease affecting primarily large breeds. Physiotherapy and mobility aids extend quality time, but the condition requires transparent end-of-life planning to prevent prolonged suffering as paralysis advances.
Dogs with degenerative myelopathy do not experience pain — the hallmark that distinguishes it from other spinal conditions — but they do experience the frustration of reduced mobility and loss of bodily autonomy as paralysis advances. Welfare-centred management extends the ambulatory period through physiotherapy and harnesses, provides wheeled carts for dogs with hindlimb paralysis, maintains bladder and bowel management protocols to prevent urinary tract infection and skin scalding, and establishes clear quality-of-life benchmarks that guide euthanasia timing before distress becomes unmanageable. Owner education about the non-painful but progressive nature of the disease enables realistic planning.