Degenerative Myleopathy in dogs ...

[Myrina]

... anyone experienced it with any of their furr kids?

I have a 5 year old Catahoula who's recently started to lose coordination & strength in his back legs. Looks like he's trying to walk on ice some of the time. DM is supposed to be found mostly in German Shepherds, Newfs and a couple other breeds that elude me at the moment.

We had xrays done ($600!!) and there are no physical injuries visible to his spine, vertebrae or any of his hip/leg structure. The only thing I can think of is DM.

Vet disagrees and of course wants me to get a $1000 MRI for Max, which may or may not show anything.

Thoughts anyone? Thanks!

[elana i am]

1. thoughts

DM occurs in pretty much all dogs, some dogs just have a higher predisposition, probably due to bad genetics.

did the x-rays include the skull? if he doesn't think it' DM and he's wanting an MRI is he talking about the brain or some other part of the body? did the vet do any muscle/joint manipulation or therapeutic massage to check for lameness? or check for a pinched nerve? or do a blood test?

maybe a second opinion or an animal chiropractor/therapist?

[Myrina]

2. Thanks

The xrays were from his rib cage back to his back paws, no blood test, and the only manipulation he did was along Max's spine - he claimed he found a "tender" spot which prompted him to diagnose s pinched nerve & suggest xrays - which ultimately showed nothing.

I've also noticed Max thrashing alot in his sleep lately - not just "squirrel chasing dreams", but violently jerking from head to toe, which makes me think something neurOlogical is going on.

[elana i am]

3. if you suspect neurological

and a pinched nerve didn't show on the x-ray, and you feel that the doctor exhausted other avenues, then the MRI would probably be the next logical step. fyi pinched nerves don't always show on x-rays. sometimes an MRI is needed.