[ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: DM and our Chance
- From: Wasatchgld@xxxxxxx
- To: dlauffer@xxxxxxxxxxx, jodeeshepherds@xxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sun, 17 Apr 2005 23:54:00 EDT
I just came home, so I haven't responded to this, but I will post some
information to the list. I'm sure others posted this much and more
privately, but it could be helpful to others.
DM (Degenerative Myolopathy) develops gradually, so it probably isn't
what Chance is experiencing. Usually with DM you see a gradually
developing paralysis, starting in the rear legs and tail. It doesn't
seem to be painful, it just confuses the dog since
he/she can't tell where their hind legs are. One test is to turn a hind
paw over so the top is on the ground and the toes are pointing back.
A dog with DM won't realize the foot is out of place, while a normal
dog will immediately right it. With DM you don't usually see a sudden
lameness, instead you see a loss of balance or coordination. The dog
will have trouble with stairs and smooth floors, and may sometimes
struggle to get to their feet. In late stages, most will lose the
ability to control their bowel movements - they simply don't know
when they need to go. Once symptoms are apparent, the dog may
have anywhere from 3 months to over a year. Their personality doesn't
change and they can still have quality of life. Several supplements
can help - including gluocosamine, chondroiten, msm, fish tablets,
selenium and others. I know there are special studies being done
on DM and special diets are prescribed - I've heard some people
swear by them, and others who felt it made no difference. DM is
inheritable and runs in some bloodlines more than others.
In Chance's situation, it sounds more like a back injury. Hopefully,
some time and the right treatment will have him back to his normal
self!
Janice Buchanan
In a message dated 4/17/2005 4:44:06 PM Mountain Standard Time,
dlauffer@xxxxxxxxxxx writes:
I really wish folks that respond to these kinds of questions would post to
the whole list. It is such a tremendous learning tool for us newbies. One
never knows when they will experience one of these awful problems and it sure
helps when you have some knowledge. Just food for thought for all you much
more
knowledgeable people!
Dee Lauffer
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