I'm a long-haired black German Shepherd Dog that was diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) in May 2013 just after my 12th birthday. While there have probably been signs of DM for a few years, everyone just thought it was me being clumsy and then arthritis in my older years. So far, it's been progressing fairl slowly with e having mostly good days and an occasional bad day. But Mommie said sh
e noticed lately that I'm having more trouble walking and standing. I also ended up scraping my back toe nails down to the quick on a walk that made Mommie feel horrible. I told her not to worry because I can't feel it, there was just a whole lot of blood!! Mommie got me all cleaned up and even put on a pair of her fancy socks to help keep antibiotic cream in place. Now when I got outside, she puts these strange little shoe things on my back feet that make me walk kinda funny. We wanted to create this page to journal my progress through this disease so those who love me can see what's going on and others can see they're not alone if they are dealing with DM. It was once thought that only GSDs got DM, but there are a whole lot of other breeds that can get it!! DM is kind of like ALS or Lou Gerhigs disease for dogs. I will eventually lose the use of my back legs. Depending on how quickly it progresses, it will move to my front legs and eventually it could make it to my lungs. Most don't make it to that point though as their humans have compassion before it gets that bad on us. I know it sounds horrible but I'm not in any pain and so far still do most of my usual activities. There will be bad days but the good days will by far out way them!!! If you have any question, please let us know!!!
