Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a progressive spinal cord disease causing rear limb paralysis in dogs, requiring careful quality of life management and honest discussions about disease progression.
DM welfare management requires both practical support and honest quality of life assessment over the disease course. Dogs in the early and middle stages typically maintain good welfare despite reduced mobility - they remain mentally engaged, pain-free and able to enjoy daily activities with appropriate support. The welfare challenge comes in advanced DM when forelimb function, bladder and bowel control are affected. Proactive care including physiotherapy, wheelchair provision, regular repositioning to prevent pressure sores and management of secondary infections extends the period of good welfare. Honest quality of life conversations with owners are essential - DM endpoint is not sudden but gradual, and the decision about when welfare is no longer maintained requires regular reassessment.