what do u know about Canine degenerative myelopathy?
By sejakuvara
@sejakuvara (20)
China
March 12, 2009 3:04am CST
Canine degenerative myelopathy (also known as chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy) is a progressive disease of the spinal cord in older dogs. The disease has an insidious onset typically between 7 and 14 years of age. It begins with a loss of coordination (ataxia) in the hind limbs. As of July 15, 2008 the mutated gene responsible for DM has been found present in 43 breeds including German Shepherds, Boxers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and both breeds of Welsh Corgis.[1][2] The disease is chronic and progressive, and resulting in paralysis
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4 responses
@patodra (21)
• China
12 Mar 09
The myelin is an insulating sheath around neurons in the spinal cord. One proposed cause of degenerative myelopathy is that the immune system attacks this sheath, breaking it down. This results in a loss of communication between nerves in lower body of the animal and the brain
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@lakdikuyira (20)
• China
12 Mar 09
Degenerative myelopathy initially affects the back legs and causes muscle weakness and loss, and lack of coordination. These cause a staggering effect that may appear to be arthritis. The dog may drag one or both rear paws when it walks. This dragging can cause the nails of one foot to be worn down. The condition may lead to extensive paralysis of the back legs. As the disease progresses, the animal displays symptoms such as incontinence and has considerable difficulties with both balance and walking. [1][3]If allowed to progress, the animal will show front limb involvment and extensive muscle atrophy. Eventually cranial nerve or respiratory muscle involvement necessitates euthanasia
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@rapatod (20)
• China
12 Mar 09
Treatment is supportive and aims to relieve symptoms. The prognosis is dependant upon individual circumstances and factors.[3]
[edit]Posterior spinal artery syndrome
Posterior spinal artery syndrome is much rarer than it's anterior counterpart as the white matter structures that are present are much less vulnerable to ischemia since they have a better blood supply. When posterior spinal artery syndrome does occur, dorsal columns are damaged and ischemia may spread into the posterior horns. Clinically the syndrome presents as a loss of tendon reflexes and loss of joint position sense
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@sejakuvadra (20)
• China
12 Mar 09
The etiology of this disease is unknown. Recent research has shown that a mutation in the SOD1 is a risk factor for developing degnerative myelopathy in several breeds.[2] Mutations in SOD1 are also associated with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) in people.[4]
Known causes of spinal cord dysfunction should be excluded before accepting the diagnosis of degenerative myelopathy; disc disease (protrusions) or spinal cord tumors can cause compression of the spinal cord with similar signs to degenerative myelopathy.
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