Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive spinal cord disease in dogs requiring proactive management to maximize quality of life throughout its course.
DM presents a unique welfare profile: progressive physical disability without pain. Dogs with DM remain mentally engaged, emotionally connected to their owners, and apparently content throughout much of their disease course despite increasing paralysis. The welfare challenges are primarily physical - maintaining cleanliness, preventing pressure sores, and supporting normal elimination in paralyzed dogs. Quality of life for DM dogs depends heavily on owner commitment to active management: physiotherapy and hydrotherapy slow progression and maintain muscle mass; wheelchairs allow paralyzed dogs to participate in exercise and exploration; careful skin management prevents decubital ulcers. The transition from meaningful quality of life to welfare compromise is gradual and requires ongoing honest assessment.