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OTHER CONDITIONS

Canine degenerative myelopathy (DM)

Previously known as CDRM

DM is a progressive degenerative spinal cord disease, resulting in slowly progressive hind limb weakness and paralysis as the body attacks its own nervous system. You may see what is called the drunken sailor walk or ataxia as it is clinically known. The symptoms result from degeneration of the white matter of the spinal cord and their nerve routes which are responsible for innervating the muscle to move.

Symptoms

  • loss of control over the back legs
  • ataxia
  • no hind limb coordination
  • Paresis (partial or impaired movement)
  • falling over
  • swaying
  • scuffing of toes and worn nails
  • loss of proprioception (the sense of where your limbs are)
  • knuckling over
  • misalignment

Ultimately it is a fatal disease with devastating consequences for the dogs and can be distressing for owners caring for them.

Benefits of massage

  • reduces areas of overcompensation particularly in the neck and shoulder as the dog will typically be using the front end more to pull the rest of their body
  • Increases blood flow and circulation
  • Stimulates peripheral nerves
  • Helps your dog to gain more awareness of the rest of their body to allow them to cope with lack of senses from the hind limbs