Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a progressive neurological disease that affects the spinal cord in older dogs, leading to a gradual loss of coordination and mobility in the hind legs. Often compared to ALS in humans, DM is progressive in nature with its earliest signs being dragging paws and weak back legs. A DM diagnosis can be a major adjustment for both you and your dog, the good news is there are a lot of ways you can support your dog with DM and help them live an active life.
In this article, we’ll explore Degenerative Myelopathy, how it affects dogs, and how mobility aids like dog wheelchairs can significantly improve their quality of life.
What is Degenerative Myelopathy?
Degenerative Myelopathy is a progressive mobility condition, which means its symptoms start out small and worsen over time, most often impacting a dog’s hind legs. Most pet parents notice a change in the dog’s mobility when they have difficulty standing up, become wobbly, or lose mobility in their back legs. DM typically appears in dogs between the ages of 8 and 14, although this can vary significantly and is most common in breeds like German Shepherds and Boxers. However, many other breeds can also be affected. The condition is hereditary and is caused by a mutation in the SOD1 gene, which affects the spinal cord’s ability to send signals to the brain and limbs. Over time, dogs with DM may lose the ability to control their hind legs, resulting in limb weakness, loss of coordination, and eventual paralysis.
Symptoms of Degenerative Myelopathy
The signs of Degenerative Myelopathy are often subtle at first, making early diagnosis challenging. Typical symptoms include:
- Difficulty with balance: Dogs may start wobbling when they walk, drag their feet, or struggle to navigate stairs without help.
- Weakness in the hind legs: As the disease progresses, dogs lose strength in their hind limbs, making it difficult for them to support themselves. Their legs may give out periodically or they lose complete function in their legs.
- Muscle atrophy: Due to lack of movement, the hind legs may lose muscle mass, and their hind end may shrink.
- Incontinence: As mobility declines, some dogs may also lose control of their bladder and bowels.
If your dog is experiencing any of these signs, it’s important to visit a veterinarian as soon as you notice any of these symptoms. While there is no cure for DM, early intervention can make a significant difference in managing the condition. In fact, there have been studies that have shown that physical rehabilitation and regular exercise can even help to slow the disease’s progression.
Diagnosing Degenerative Myelopathy
Diagnosing DM can be challenging because its symptoms often resemble those of other conditions, such as hip dysplasia or spinal injuries. A thorough examination by a veterinarian is necessary, including X-rays, MRIs, and sometimes genetic testing, which can confirm if a dog carries the SOD1 gene mutation associated with DM.
Managing Degenerative Myelopathy: Dog Wheelchairs as a Mobility Solution
Although the condition is incurable, there are a lot of ways that you can help your dog live their most active life. Mobility aids, like dog wheelchairs, can help your dog regain independence and improve their overall quality of life. Eventually, all dogs with DM will require a wheelchair, I always recommend purchasing one in the condition’s earliest stages to help your dog adjust to a life on wheels and keep them mobile.
Here’s why wheelchairs are often a highly beneficial option for dogs with DM:
1. Restoring Mobility and Independence
As DM progresses, dogs lose the ability to use their hind legs effectively, which can be frustrating and discouraging for active pets. A dog wheelchair supports the rear end, allowing dogs with weakened or paralyzed hind limbs to move around using their front legs. This provides freedom for the dog to explore, exercise, and enjoy everyday activities they love.
Your dog’s condition and mobility will evolve over time; the best dog wheelchair for Degenerative Myelopathy is one that will adapt with them. Choose an adjustable wheelchair; this way, you can start with a rear wheelchair when your dog’s back legs weaken and add a front attachment when the DM affects your dog’s front leg strength.
2. Improving Physical Health
Staying mobile is essential for dogs with DM, as physical activity promotes better circulation and slows muscle atrophy. Wheelchairs encourage dogs to continue using their remaining strength, keeping muscles engaged and reducing the speed of decline. Regular exercise also benefits their respiratory and digestive systems by promoting overall physical health, which helps counteract the sedentary effects of the disease.
Once a dog becomes immobile from DM (or any disease), it’s tough to help them rebuild their strength and muscle tone. Keeping them active and introducing a wheelchair early on in their condition will help them stay active longer.
3. Enhancing Mental Wellbeing
Dogs thrive on mental stimulation, and ultimately an active dog is a happy dog. It’s very easy for a dog with limited mobility to become incredibly depressed. When they’re unable to follow you into the next room or play their favorite game, they may experience stress, depression, or even anxiety. A wheelchair not only helps them get around but also restores their confidence and enables them to interact more with people, other pets, and their surroundings.
4. Reducing the Strain on Pet Parents
Degenerative Myelopathy is as emotionally and physically taxing for the pet parents as it is for their dog. Constantly lifting and supporting your dog can strain your back unnecessarily. Let a wheelchair or lifting harness do the hard work for you.
Wheelchairs can reduce the need for constant assistance with mobility, making it easier for you to manage your dog’s care. A wheelchair is an invaluable tool; don’t hold off; get your dog a cart early in their diagnosis so that it can really help them. This will allow you to focus on what’s really important, spending quality time with your dog.
Other Tips for Supporting a Dog with Degenerative Myelopathy
In addition to wheelchairs, there are several ways to make a dog’s life with DM more comfortable:
- Physical therapy: Low-impact exercises like swimming or assisted walking help maintain muscle tone and joint flexibility. Regular exercise is a great way to keep your dog active and as mobile as possible. Plus, a wheelchair can be incorporated right into your dog’s rehab routine!
- Home modifications: Make some adjustments around the house. Ramps and non-slip mats can make moving around the house easier for dogs with limited mobility. And if you dog uses their cart inside the house, keep the house clutterfree and make sure there’s plenty of space for your dog’s wheelchair to manuever.
- Supplements and medications: While there’s no treatment for DM, some joint supplements, like omega-3 fatty acids, Green Lipped Mussels, hyaluronic acid, and glucosamine, can help support your dog’s joint health.
Final Thoughts
A diagnosis of Degenerative Myelopathy can be heartbreaking, but with the right care and support, dogs with DM can enjoy a good quality of life. Dog wheelchairs, in particular, are a game-changer, offering dogs the freedom to move, explore, and continue their journey with dignity. By using these mobility aids and making adjustments to their care routine, pet parents can help their dogs navigate DM with resilience and grace.
If you’re caring for a dog with Degenerative Myelopathy, remember that you’re not alone. The pet community is full of resources, support, and mobility solutions to help you and your dog make the most of each day together.
The Dog Mobility Project 
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