Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive, incurable neurological disease in dogs that requires attentive quality of life monitoring and compassionate end-of-life decision-making as mobility declines.
DM creates a welfare challenge centered on quality of life assessment over time. Dogs in early stages can have good quality of life with appropriate support, but the trajectory is always downward. Owners must vigilantly monitor for declines in enjoyment, comfort, and dignity as the disease progresses. Common welfare concerns in late stages include pressure sores, urine scalding, and loss of ability to assume comfortable positions. Proactive end-of-life planning and willingness to pursue humane euthanasia before severe suffering develops is a central component of compassionate DM management.