de la Vallée de l'Aumance

What is the cause of degenerative myelopathy? 

The exact cause of DM is unknown. Genetics probably plays an important role in the disease since it is common only in certain breeds of dogs and follows a stereotyped pattern with age of onset and clinical signs. 

We do know that the disease begins with the spinal cord in the thoracic (chest) area. If we look under the microscope at that area of the cord from a dog who has died from DM, we see degeneration of the white matter of the spinal cord. The white matter contains the fibers that transmit movement commands from the brain to the limbs and sensory information from the limbs to the brain. This degeneration consists of both demyelination (stripping away the insulation of these fibers) and axonal loss (loss of the fibers themselves). 

How is DM diagnosed? 
Degenerative myelopathy is a diagnosis of elimination. We look for other causes of the weakness using diagnostic tests like myelography and MRI. When we have ruled them out, we end up with a presumptive diagnosis of DM. The only way to confirm that suspicion, however, is to examine the spinal cord under the microscope when a necropsy (post-mortem exam) is performed. There are characteristic degenerative changes in the spinal cord, which tell us this is DM and not some other spinal cord disease. 

What else can cause similar symptoms? 
Any disease that affects the dog's spinal cord can cause similar signs of loss of coordination and weakness. Since many of these diseases can be treated effectively, it is important to pursue the tests necessary to be sure that the dog doesn't have one of these diseases. The most common cause of hind limb weakness is herniated intervertebral disks (slipped disks). The disks are shock-absorbers between the bones of the back. When they herniate, they can cause pressure on the spinal cord and weakness or paralysis. All of the short-legged dogs (Welsh Corgi, Dachshund, Basset Hound, etc.) are prone to slipped disks. A slipped disk can usually be detected with special X-rays of the spine (myelogram), but sometimes more advanced studies such as a CT or MRI scan are necessary. Even dogs with severely slipped disks can often be helped with surgery if diagnosed early. 

Infections of the spinal cord can also cause weakness or paralysis. A spinal tap, usually taken at the time the myelogram is performed, can help detect inflammation of the spinal cord. Other diseases we consider include tumors, cysts, injuries and strokes. The combination of myelogram, spinal tap, and possibly CT or MRI allow us to diagnose most of these diseases. 

How do we treat degenerative myelopathy? 
There are no treatments that have been clearly shown to stop or slow progression of DM. Although there are a number of approaches that have been tried or recommended on the internet, no scientific evidence exists that they work. The outlook for a dog with DM is still grave. Things that can improve the quality of life for the dog include good nursing care, physical therapy, pressure sore prevention, monitoring for urinary infections, and ways to increase mobility through use of harnesses and carts. 

 

DNA-Test for DM 
Some researchers have identified a DNA mutation that is a major risk factor for development of degenerative myelopathy in dogs. A DNA-test for DM is now available. The test clearly identifies dogs that are clear, those who are carriers and those who are at much higher risk for developing DM. Obviously other factors are also involved since not all dogs with 2 mutated copies of the gene develop DM (or perhaps die of something else before they develop DM). 

Explanation of DNA Test Results 

Normal (N/N) 
This dog is homozygous N/N, with two normal copies of the gene. In the seven breeds studied at the University of Missouri in depth so far, dogs with test results of N/N (Normal) have never been confirmed to have DM. This dog can only transmit the normal gene to its offspring, and it is unlikely that this dog or its offspring will ever develop DM. 

Carrier (A/N) 
This dog is heterozygous A/N, with one mutated copy of the gene and one normal copy of the gene, and is classified as a carrier. In the seven breeds studied at the University of Missouri in depth so far, dogs with test results of A/N have never been confirmed to have DM. While it is highly unlikely this dog will ever develop DM, this dog can transmit either the normal gene or the mutated gene to its offspring. 

At-Risk (A/A) 
This dog is homozygous A/A, with two mutated copies of the gene, and is at risk for developing Degenerative Myelopathy (DM). The research has shown that all dogs in the research study with confirmed DM have had A/A DNA test results, however, not all dogs testing as A/A have shown clinical signs of DM. DM is typically a late onset disease, and dogs testing as A/A that are clinically normal may still begin to show signs of the disease as they age. Some dogs testing A/A did not begin to show clinical signs of DM until they were 15 years of age. Research is ongoing to estimate what percentage of dogs testing as A/A will develop DM within their lifespan. At this point, the mutation can only be interpreted as being at risk of developing DM within the animal's life. For dogs showing clinical signs with a presumptive diagnosis of DM, affected (A/A) test results can be used as an additional tool to aid in the diagnosis of DM. Dogs testing At-Risk (A/A) can only pass the mutated gene on to their offspring. 

This late onset is why dogs who have two genes for DM are described as 'at risk' rather than 'affected', because many dogs who test as 'at risk' may die of some other problem before they are old enough to develop symptoms of DM. 

It is important to note that there are a large number of dogs that have tested as genetically affected, but are reported as clinically normal by their owners. It may be that many of these dogs will develop clinical signs as they get older or that the mutation will never manifest in these dogs. 

The DNA marker for DM in dogs is the same genetic marker which is known to cause ALS (Lous Gerrig's disease) in some humans. 
 

OFA Results (USA) as per 11.03.2011 

 

Pembroke Welsh Corgi
At risk	576	52%
Carrier	431	39%
Clear	99	9%
Total tested	1106
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Carrier	119	37%
Clear	168	52%
At risk	36	11%
Total tested	323