HEALTH
KABOOM BOXERS
CKC Registered Breeder since 1995

DEGENERATIVE MYELOPATHY

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a central nervous system disorder similar to Multiple Sclerosis in people. The breeds most often affected are GSDs, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Boxers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and Irish Setters.

The central nervous system (consisting of the brain and spinal cord) is responsible for carrying nerve impulses (messages) to and from the muscles. Axons, similar to electrical wires, carry these messages. As with electrical wires, axons require insulation. Without insulation, the message leaks out. In the progression of DM, the myelin sheath (insulation) on the axon is damaged or slowly destroyed rendering the muscle incapable of carrying out a movement.

DM can be divided into 4 progressive stages:
    1. Toe dragging or knuckling over
    2. Crossing of the back legs and mild loss of side-to-side hip control
    3. Moderate to severe loss of side-to-side hip control to the point of no control
    4. Total hind end paralysis

To date there is no cure for this disease.

How to help your Boxer with controlling DM: keep your Boxer at his/her "ideal" weight for the breed - excess weight will make things more difficult for your dog with the added stress on the joints; swimming and walking are very important in the early stages of DM to help build strength; stretching exercises; therapeutic massage of the hips & spine; weight bearing exercises to build hip strength - see link below for photos.

For severe DM, there are added difficulties as your Boxer will no longer be able to walk at all and you will spend much of your time looking after him/her and cleaning up accidents. Although the decision to euthanize is never easy, there comes a time when it is the best outcome for a dog with little quality of life left.

More on Degenerative Myelopathy - American Boxer Club

Wheelchairs for Boxers with severe DM: HandicappedPets.com

Dr. Roger Clemmons, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery
University of Florida
Great 12 page article about DM and diet supplementation.
http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/DM_Web/DMofGS.htm

DM Support E-Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/degenmyelopathysupport/

DM Chat Group: http://www.freewebs.com/dmroster/chat.htm

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