Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Degenerative Myelopathy Welfare

Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive neurological disease causing hind limb paralysis in affected dogs, requiring compassionate long-term management.

Key Facts

DM is most common in German Shepherds and Pembroke Welsh Corgis and is heritable
The disease causes progressive weakness from hindquarters forward, eventually affecting all limbs
There is no effective treatment but exercise maintains function and quality of life for longer
Wheelchairs and mobility aids allow continued participation in activities as paralysis progresses
Quality of life assessment guides timing of euthanasia as disease progresses

Welfare Considerations

DM causes a slow, progressive loss of function requiring owners and vets to continually reassess quality of life. Maintaining joy through adapted activities, preventing pressure sores, and managing the transition to end-of-life care are the welfare priorities.

What You Can Do

Continue exercise as long as possible - it slows functional decline in DM
Consider a dog wheelchair to maintain mobility when weakness becomes severe
Monitor quality of life regularly and discuss euthanasia timing honestly with your vet