Canine degenerative myelopathy is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting the spinal cord that causes gradual hindlimb paralysis with important welfare implications for affected dogs and their families.
Degenerative myelopathy presents a complex welfare picture. Unlike many neurological diseases, DM does not appear to cause direct pain — dogs typically remain bright and engaged even as mobility declines. However, welfare is threatened by secondary complications: pressure sores from inability to reposition, urinary tract infections from bladder dysfunction, respiratory compromise in advanced disease, and the progressive loss of ability to engage in valued activities. Active rehabilitation, mobility aids, and attentive nursing care can maintain good welfare quality for an extended period after diagnosis. The critical welfare decision is timing of euthanasia: most veterinarians recommend this when quality of life assessment shows the dog can no longer engage in activities it values, or when respiratory compromise causes distress.