Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive spinal cord disease primarily affecting German Shepherds, requiring compassionate management as the disease progresses.
DM causes progressive welfare decline as mobility reduces, but affected dogs can maintain good quality of life with appropriate management for extended periods. Physiotherapy, assisted exercise, and mobility aids maintain engagement with life. The welfare challenge is monitoring quality of life honestly as the disease progresses and making timely, compassionate end-of-life decisions before suffering becomes severe.