Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive, painless but debilitating neurological disease in dogs. Supportive care, physical rehabilitation, and quality of life monitoring are the cornerstones of management.
Degenerative myelopathy presents a distinctive welfare challenge because the disease itself is painless, but progressive loss of mobility creates quality of life concerns that require careful ongoing assessment. Dogs with DM can remain mentally alert and engaged even as physical function deteriorates, making welfare-centered management a balance between maintaining physical capability and recognizing when the burden of care outweighs the animal's quality of life. Regular physical rehabilitation significantly extends the period of independent mobility. Wheelchairs and cart devices can extend functional quality of life considerably. The welfare assessment challenge is determining when the animal's physical limitations prevent adequate expression of normal dog behaviors and when euthanasia is the most compassionate option.