If by DM you mean degenerative myelopathy, it isn't too common in goldens. My angel dog Cody was diagnosed with it by a top canine neurologist at CSU, but it turns out that you can only be 100% positive of the diagnosis upon necropsy. There is research being done at the University of Florida and the University of Missouri on this disease. A DNA test has been developed that will at least tell you if your dog is a carrier, clear or has two of the mutated genes, putting them at greater risk. Here's a website that will tell you about that and how to submit to have the test run.
http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/DM/ancmntDM.htm
Don't despair over this diagnosis. There are things you can do to keep Ted going happily. DM is supposedly not painful, although some other conditions your aging dog may have can be painful. Using a sling to help him walk will keep him from falling. If he's scraping his hind nails and getting bloody, booties will help, as well as only walking on grass. If he's truly down in the back, you can get a cart (doggie wheelchair); many dogs play in rivers, chase balls and carry on as normal using carts. Swimming does help maintain muscle mass, along with 4000 IU's of Vitamin E daily.
My computer blew up and I lost everything, or I'd give you the web address of the DM Yahoo group. It's a wonderful place for support, so look on the web for it. Let me know if there are any questions I might help you with. Cody lived with DM for four years, but he was never paralyzed. He did have a cart, which he hated because he was still mobile (his definition, not always mine
). Oh, and if you're tempted to have a myelogram, my advice is not to do it. Many dogs who go into that test mobile come out paralyzed.
Your boy looks great in his swim vest; he's a handsome fella!
http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/DM/ancmntDM.htm
Don't despair over this diagnosis. There are things you can do to keep Ted going happily. DM is supposedly not painful, although some other conditions your aging dog may have can be painful. Using a sling to help him walk will keep him from falling. If he's scraping his hind nails and getting bloody, booties will help, as well as only walking on grass. If he's truly down in the back, you can get a cart (doggie wheelchair); many dogs play in rivers, chase balls and carry on as normal using carts. Swimming does help maintain muscle mass, along with 4000 IU's of Vitamin E daily.
My computer blew up and I lost everything, or I'd give you the web address of the DM Yahoo group. It's a wonderful place for support, so look on the web for it. Let me know if there are any questions I might help you with. Cody lived with DM for four years, but he was never paralyzed. He did have a cart, which he hated because he was still mobile (his definition, not always mine
). Oh, and if you're tempted to have a myelogram, my advice is not to do it. Many dogs who go into that test mobile come out paralyzed.Your boy looks great in his swim vest; he's a handsome fella!
