Degenerative Neuropathy / Myopathy

[Sorcha]

My 12 and 1/2 year old greyhound has not been "right" ever since she had her last dental done. Long story short, it's her rear legs, they just don't support her anymore. Tonight the vet told me to prepare myself, that her time is coming. She has what he called "degenerative neuropathy / myopathy" and that she is not in pain, but it's only going to get worse. He said to continue to carry her in and out of the house (3 steps) on her bad days, and to support her with a towel under her belly to hold her up on those days when she can't even hold herself up to go to the bathroom. Very sad about this, not sure how to know when the end is near since she is not in pain. Has anyone experienced this? Thoughts, suggestions, anything?

 

Edit: I Googled this and came up with degenerative "myelopathy" (rear limb weakness or paralysis) but the vet wrote it down as "myopathy" ... ??

Edited June 11, 2008 by Sorcha

[Guest argolola]

I'm sorry to hear this. Please know that she will be in my prayers.

[DaisyDoodle]

I recommend that you contact Dr. Roger Clemmons at the U of Florida Vet School. He has done a lot of research on DM, and has his own compounding pharmacy to prepare a mixture of the meds and supplements that he believes that DM dogs require.

 

In a nutshell, according to most research, DM is doggie MS. Which is to say it is believed to be an auto-immune disorder. In addition to the rear-end weakness (evidenced by inability to climb stairs, wag one's tail, scratch their ears, getting up and down is also a problem), there is an intolerance to heat (say, above 75F), weird little warty growths and peri-anal fistulas that are also indications of DM over other neuro problems like LS.

 

At one time, some researchers believed that only GSDs (German Shepherds) got DM. Don't buy that. I've known of/heard of several GHs who have had it, including my bridge kid, CoCo.

 

I will tell you that she lived over 2.5 years from when the DM symptoms first appeared (perhaps longer, because she'd had a rectal growth operated on before that), and she was 14y5m when she went to the Bridge.

 

Please let me know if I can give you other info.

 

Donna

[brindlebaby]

I just saw your title and clicked on it thinking that sounds like what our dog has ~ Kodi was diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy about 2 months ago.

 

I have contacted the doctor in FL and he put me in touch with a support group ~ DM Support Group Forum

 

We take Kodi every Monday night to hydrotherapy ~ he has steadily increased his walking time from 12 minutes and is up to 22 minutes as of last night. This video is an old video from his second week ~ he's doing much better now (he had his 6th treatment last night) ~

 

We bought some custom boots from Therapaws ~ Therapaws Dorsi-Flex Assistive Wrap ~ if you notice the dog "Tango" featured on the page also has Degenerative Myelopathy.

 

 

 

Please feel free to contact me at my email link for any reason.

 

 

Kim

Edited June 11, 2008 by brindlebaby

[Guest K9_Lady]

I recommend that you contact Dr. Roger Clemmons at the U of Florida Vet School. He has done a lot of research on DM, and has his own compounding pharmacy to prepare a mixture of the meds and supplements that he believes that DM dogs require.

 

In a nutshell, according to most research, DM is doggie MS. Which is to say it is believed to be an auto-immune disorder. In addition to the rear-end weakness (evidenced by inability to climb stairs, wag one's tail, scratch their ears, getting up and down is also a problem), there is an intolerance to heat (say, above 75F), weird little warty growths and peri-anal fistulas that are also indications of DM over other neuro problems like LS.

 

At one time, some researchers believed that only GSDs (German Shepherds) got DM. Don't buy that. I've known of/heard of several GHs who have had it, including my bridge kid, CoCo.

 

I will tell you that she lived over 2.5 years from when the DM symptoms first appeared (perhaps longer, because she'd had a rectal growth operated on before that), and she was 14y5m when she went to the Bridge.

 

Please let me know if I can give you other info.

 

Donna

 

My German Shepherd had it. Yes, Dr. Clemmons is very knowlegable and I believe he has a message board. Sending positive thoughts.

 

[brindlebaby]

My 12 and 1/2 year old greyhound has not been "right" ever since she had her last dental done. Long story short, it's her rear legs, they just don't support her anymore. Tonight the vet told me to prepare myself, that her time is coming. She has what he called "degenerative neuropathy / myopathy" and that she is not in pain, but it's only going to get worse. He said to continue to carry her in and out of the house (3 steps) on her bad days, and to support her with a towel under her belly to hold her up on those days when she can't even hold herself up to go to the bathroom. Very sad about this, not sure how to know when the end is near since she is not in pain. Has anyone experienced this? Thoughts, suggestions, anything?

 

Edit: I Googled this and came up with degenerative "myelopathy" (rear limb weakness or paralysis) but the vet wrote it down as "myopathy" ... ??

 

I think exercise is very important ~ it won't cure it, but the point is to slow the progression of the disease.

 

Kodi does not do well in our house as we have no rugs... we try and put down things in his usual spots, but of course he has a funny knack about being in the very spot where there is not a rug or bed.

 

He does very well on grass and pavement.

[calif_chaz]

Our golden retriever had it the last few years of his life. It progressed from the knuckling under to very little rear end strength, passing stools unaware in his sleep, and sometimes toward the end incontinent. We kept him going as long as we felt he was ok with it but at age 14 we had to make the hard decision to let him cross the bridge. One thing we got that helped with support was one of those good sized canvas slings for carrying wood into your house. it was very inexpensive and held up this 110 lb dog great. I feel for you because it was so heartbreaking to watch this dog who we loved to watch run and leap through snow drifts become so disabled. But he loved us and we lloved him all the way to the end.

[5blackgreys]

I know I've read on here from other GT'ers that there is a sling/harness contraption that you can get that helps them with their rear end weakness.

 

It's certainly not a cure but it may help with her mobility.

[Guest ss556]

Alan is getting weak in the rear legs as well. According to the Holistic Vet he has neurological and orthopedic issues. I've taken him for acupuncture 5 times, he still stumbles. Sending prayers your way.

[Guest MomofSweetPotatoes]

My good boy Gus was diagnosed with neuropathy, unfortunately he was diagnosed with Osteo a couple months later. The only advice I can offer is: get to a neurologist, follow their advice and if you have the ability, go to physical therapy/rehab. it will help maintain muscle tone and proprioception of the affected limbs.

 

Wishing you all the best.