Degenerative Myelopathy(DM)
Also known as: Canine Degenerative Myelopathy · Chronisch degenerative Radikulomyelopathie · CDRM · SOD1-associated myelopathy · Chronisch degenerative Myelopathie · …
Overview
What it is
Degenerative Myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spinal cord where the protective sheath around the nerves slowly breaks down. This deterioration disrupts the vital communication signals between the brain and the muscles of the hind limbs. Over time, this lack of signal transmission leads to a complete loss of muscle control in the back legs.
How it presents
The disease typically begins to show in older dogs, usually around 8 years of age or older. Owners will first notice uncoordinated movement in the hind legs, wobbling, or the sound of the dog dragging its back claws on the ground. This gradually and painlessly progresses to weakness and eventual paralysis of the hindquarters.
Treatment
There is no cure for this progressive condition, so treatment focuses on lifelong supportive care, intensive physical therapy, and mobility aids like custom wheelchairs. Managing this disease over the dog's remaining lifespan typically costs between 1,500 and 6,000 EUR.
How it's tested
DM (SOD1) DNA-Test(DM-SOD1)
Primary testDNA testDegenerative Myelopathie (SOD1-Mutation). Unvollständig dominant; Affected zeigt nicht immer Symptome, aber Risiko bleibt.
Issuing body: Labogen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch)(Labogen-Panel)
DNA testRassespezifisches DNA-Panel (Labogen / Laboklin) — bündelt alle relevanten Erbkrankheiten der Rasse in einem Test.
Issuing body: Labogen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Feragen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch)(Feragen-Panel)
DNA testRassespezifisches DNA-Panel (Feragen, Österreich) — gleiches Konzept wie Labogen.
Issuing body: Feragen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Embark Breed + Health Panel(Embark)
DNA testUS-Anbieter; 250+ genetische Erkrankungen + Abstammung. Anerkennung in DE/AT variiert je nach VDH-Verein.
Issuing body: Embark
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
MyDogDNA Panel(MyDogDNA)
DNA testGenoscoper-basiertes Panel (Mars Petcare). 200+ Erkrankungen + Rassenkomposition.
Issuing body: MyDogDNA
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Affected breeds
24 of 124 breeds
Mandatory testAmerican CollieMandated by Amerikanische Collies Europa e.V. (AC e.V.) / Club für Amerikanische Collies (CfAC e.V.)
Mandatory testBernedoodle
Mandatory testBlack Russian TerrierMandated by Klub für Terrier e.V.
Mandatory testBohemian Shepherd
Mandatory testBorzoi
Mandatory testBoston TerrierMandated by 1. Club für Boston-Terrier in Deutschland e.V. (1. CBD)
Mandatory testCairn TerrierMandated by Klub für Terrier e.V. (KfT)
Mandatory testCanaan Dog
Mandatory testCanadian Eskimo Dog
Mandatory testCanadian ShepherdMandated by Rassezuchtverein für Weisse Schweizer Schäferhunde e.V. (RWS)
Mandatory testCardigan Welsh CorgiMandated by Club für Britische Hütehunde e.V. (CfBrH / VDH)
Mandatory testCzechoslovakian Wolfdog
Mandatory testDutch Shepherd
Mandatory testDutch Shepherd (Longhair)
Mandatory testDutch Shepherd (Shorthair)Mandated by HSCD (VDH) / ADSA (AKC)
Mandatory testDutch Shepherd (Wire-Haired)
Mandatory testEast European Shepherd
Mandatory testGerman HoundMandated by Deutscher Bracken-Club e.V. (DBC)
Mandatory testIrish Glen of Imaal TerrierMandated by Glen of Imaal Terrier Club of America (GITCA) / AKC CHIC
Mandatory testLandseerMandated by Verein von Landseerfreunden und -züchtern in Deutschland e.V. (VLD)
Mandatory testMiniature PoodleMandated by Deutscher Pudel-Klub e.V.
Mandatory testOld English SheepdogMandated by Club für Britische Hütehunde e.V. (CfBrH)
Mandatory testPembroke Welsh Corgi
Mandatory testPoodleMandated by Deutscher Pudel-Klub e.V.
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Degenerative Myelopathy?
Degenerative Myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spinal cord where the protective sheath around the nerves slowly breaks down. This deterioration disrupts the vital communication signals between the brain and the muscles of the hind limbs. Over time, this lack of signal transmission leads to a complete loss of muscle control in the back legs.
How is Degenerative Myelopathy tested?
Tests currently in our database: DM (SOD1) DNA-Test, Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Feragen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Embark Breed + Health Panel, MyDogDNA Panel.
Which breeds are most affected?
Most commonly affected: American Collie, Bernedoodle, Black Russian Terrier, Bohemian Shepherd, Borzoi, Boston Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Canaan Dog.