My Parent's Gsd Diagnosed With Degenerative Myopathy

[Guest Hokiebuck]

I wrote earlier about a specialist that was seeing my parent's GSD for hind-end weakness. After xrays and an exam he believes it its degenerative myopathy.

 

Anyone have experience with this? Any therapies to recommend? I know it can't be reversed but can it be slowed?

 

Oh and they are already planning on another dog when their's passes in a year or however long it takes. They are 72 right now and both in good shape...but they are wanting another GSD puppy (from a breeder...but thats another story). I am trying to talk them out of it..but they are set on it I guess. They are going to talk to their VET, Trainer, etc to get their opinion. I just think 72-73 is just too old to handle a puppy then a grown GSD. And guess who will get it when they can't handle it anymore! Not that I have that big of a problem with it, I've always wanted a GSD. Anyway, any opinions on that as well are greatly apprecited!

[Batmom]

k9lady and madeara might have some thoughts for you, if you PM them. Other people might, too; those are just the ones that leap to mind.

 

Re parent's age: Really depends on the people. I'm sure my mom could handle a puppy, and she's older. She wouldn't volunteer for one, but I have no doubt she and puppy could both survive the experience .

[Hawthorn]

I had a greyhound who had DM. The things we found useful were: boots for his back feet when on walks, to stop the nails wearing down so much that they would bleed, a ramp for going up steps or getting in the car, and weekly swimming sessions to keep the muscles as strong as possible.