Canine degenerative myelopathy (DM)

This is a progressive degenerative disease that results in weakness and paralysis of the limb. The symptoms develop when the white matter of the spinal cord starts to degenerate. This disease is also known as chronic degenerative Radiculomyelopathy (CDRM). Scientists don’t know the exact cause of this disease however, what they do know is that the disease can start with arthritis which can also be resulted within many other conditions. Therefore, the diagnosis of degenerative myelopathy (CDRM) is becomes difficult and various tests must be carried out. The diagnosis in the early stages of this disease is challenging; however, the progressive ataxia and weakness in later stages distinguish this disease from other diseases.

How can you spot CDRM in your dog?

You can observe the following signs in your pet.

· The hind paws of your dog may knuckle, and as a result, your dog tends to walk on his knuckles especially taking turns.

· When your dog stands still, his hindquarter may appear to sway.

· When you push your dog from the side, he may fall over easily.

· The top surface of the hind paw may seem to scrape the ground and becomes hairless.

· Your dog may find it difficult to stand.

It is a degenerative condition, and as time passes, the symptoms become worse and may lead to paralysis.

What are the common ages for degenerative myelopathy to form?

Commonly this disease occurs in the dog in the middle ages and old age. It rarely occurs in young dogs. CDRM is common in some species and rare in other species. Species such as German Shepherd breeds, Bernese Mountain dogs, golden retrievers, Kerry blue terriers, boxers, and miniature poodles are commonly affected by this condition.

What is the cause of this disease?

The exact cause of this disease is not known. However, scientists have seen a genetic difference between normal and affected dogs. The difference is attributes as follows.

· Dogs who are normal have a pair of normal genes.

· Dogs who are carriers have one normal gene and one abnormal gene

· Dogs who are affected have both mutated genes.

What are the treatment and management?

Unfortunately, scientists have not discovered any treatment for this disease. However, treating other associated problems, arthritis or hip dysplasia is possible. The symptomatic treatment provides relief from pain or discomfort. Additionally, physiotherapy is seen effective in this situation. the right exercise can help your dog prolong its quality of life and muscle mass. During the physiotherapy sessions, Quincysdogs mobility dog harnesses can serve as a great help. What would be classed as easy chores such as , walks, in and out of car, walking up stairs, will become very difficult with DM. With the aid of our GenX support harnesses, your dog will still be able to manage these thing with a small bit of assistance from you.

My Dachshund has a spinal injury - what do i do?

Spinal Injury in dogs

One of the most common breeds to suffer from a spinal injury is the Dachshunds. This breed of dog is amazingly inclined to harming their backs, specialists even gauge that one out of four Dachshunds will build up some type of spinal injury in the course of its life. Although spinal injuries happen frequently to canines with longer backs, it must be pointed out that every dog is in danger of this sort of injury happening. To try and simplify, within each bone of the spine is a cushion. If your vet suspects that your dog has a spinal injury, they will normally want to do some tests. These may include X-rays, CT scans and MRIs. This will be able to tell them more about the injury, location and how severe it is. There are critical cost contemplation's for MRI, CT scan examining and the spinal medical procedure itself, as well as the responsibility and also the commitment to a long recovery period post medical procedure. Roughly 1/3 of canines who recoup could have a recurrent injury. If your pet is showing signs of a spinal pain, the most important thing to do here is to keep your dog as still as possible to prevent any further injuries occurring. Immediately take your pet, as carefully as possible to a veterinary practice to get help.

In the event the vet informs you that medical procedure isn't an alternative, but your dog still has sensation, with careful management, it is still possible to have your dog walk again within a period of 6-12 weeks, your vet will advise you correctly here. There are exceptional contemplation's to consider here which include bladder movement and constant turning to avoid pressure bruises.

For spinal injury cases, please have a look at our belly slings. These slings are used for a variety of injuries and are probably the most comfortable within the market place.

Limping Injury in Dogs

Dogs Limping

Its always scary when you see your dog limping. The first thing that goes through everyone's mind is – “VETS BILLS.” Even though this may be the case, its still best to get professional advice from a veterinary centre. It’s best to be safe and for your own peace of mind, it allows the vet to assess your dog to see if its anything serious. There are many reasons why your dog may be limping – here’s just a a few more serious reasons but these are not limited:​

• walked on a sharp object

• torn toe nail

• torn cruciate ligament injury

• incest bite or tick disease

• grass seed travelled in between toe nail and skin

• fractured a bone when out running in the park

• arthritis or hip dysplasia – you would normally see the deterioration in the dog over a period of time

• on a more serious case, the dog could have even slipped a disc playing rough

• there is so many more reasons why your dog could be limping and this is why we always recommend that it’s best to seek veterinary advice.

Just remember that the only reason your dog is limping is because its in pain. Sometimes if you have determined that its nothing too serious, ice packs and rest is all it takes. After seeing a vet at a veterinary practice, you find out that it is a bit more serious, we offer a range of products that will assist your dog stay mobile. Here's a link to our mobility products click here