<![CDATA[ScamperingPaws.com]]> Commentics Paul Ganjon We got Elijah as a puppy for our daughter Lidia when she was finishing college. He is a male GSD. We raised him for six years with her constant involvement until she could take him on her own. She showed that dog more love than I have ever seen, taking him hiking, swimming, everywhere and anything. He is now in the last stages of spinal myelopathy and cancer. He is 10&1/2 years old and just has use of his front legs. He used the wheel chair for a while ,which was really neat, until his front legs started having problems and it was better for her to carry his back end with a harness. She diapers him and expresses him. Helps him to have a bowl movement and sleeps near him as he needs to be flipped now and then to make him more comfortable. Her husband is supportive and does what he can. Her vet bills are high as the minute she is unsure about a particular problem that day, she takes him straight there. It breaks my heart to see them both suffer this way. I love you Lidia and Eli

]]> Mon, 27 Nov 2023 06:04:34 -0800 item_269 Laura Kissmann Our 10 yr old rescue Leo was diagnosed 14 months ago. When walking got difficult 6 months later we found Walkin Wheels 2nd hand. Leo took to them right away and had us walking 4 km/day or cross country skiing ~ 3km 30X this winter. They were such a blessing as it has given us all time to adjust to this disease and make the most of his life. He has also loved swimming - I just release the wheels in shallow water and I do lengths in between tug of war with his frisbee. Paddleboarding is another great outing for him. I have kept him on a raw diet which has really helped his stools when he has accidents as they are formed and not mushy. Puzzle mats have been essential on hard wood floors. His bark has been softer for about 4 months. Now the brain/bowel/bladder is not connecting well so expressing his bladder before house time. His time is nearing - thank you for all insights here.

]]> Fri, 09 Sep 2022 06:28:53 -0700 item_266 La I also recently lost my 8 year old black GSD to this devastating disease. At first I thought her wobbly hips were related to hip dysplasia when I took her to the vet the x- rayed her and said it was her knees had arthritis. After being on arthritis meds for two weeks I took her back to the vet this was April 4 2022. A different vet looked at her and made the diagnosis of DM. Of course I was devastated and didn’t want to believe this. However the disease continued to progress quickly. I did everything I could to try and live with this disease

. Thinking “Oh well she won’t be like other dogs but she’ll last for awhile” I tried reaching out to the breeder to see if other puppies or dogs in his group had this issue-well surprise he never responded to me . I emailed him 3x. The vet told me she only had months left. And by the beginning of June she could not stand any longer and lost bladder control. By the end of June ( now just a couple of days) we made the decision to euthan

]]> Mon, 27 Jun 2022 18:19:58 -0700 item_265 Shavauna I have a rescue 8 yr old black GSD, I have had him since he was 3. He is my best friend and has given me so much that the thought of losing him is beyond painful. He was diagnosed with DM in early September and it is nearing the end of November and he is losing his ability to walk. I watched him drag himself across the kitchen floor last night but this morning he was able to get up and walk. He is a big boy, over 100 lbs so no to a wheelchair as I couldn't physically get him in and out. He has so much pride and dignity, I doubt he would want that. He is struggling physically and mentally with losing his abilities but still has happy times when he is being snuggled and loves his food. I am struggling with grief, watching this majestic boy slowly be taken way too soon by this horrible disease. I also feel anger towards breeders who don't genetically test for this disease before breeding. Thank you to everyone who commented, it is helping me through a tough time.

]]> Fri, 26 Nov 2021 11:32:00 -0800 item_253 Chris Moore I'm really glad I came across these comments... as a full grown middle aged man..I'm here crying like a child because tomorrow morning we're having a vet come to the house for home euthanasia... I almost backed out and maybe let my 14 yr old girl go naturally... but DM isn't natural.. its horrible... completely paralyzed in the hind end and now getting weak in the front while starting to lose bladder and bowel control... hardest thing is she's not in pain and still loves being rubbed on her belly... ill be rubbing her belly tomorrow saying goodbye... thanks for your stories everyone... at least I'm not alone

]]> Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:39:20 -0700 item_251 Joseph Our sweet lovable pittie mix, Ginger, a female brown/black sweetheart I strongly suspect has DM. She hasn't been diagnosed but I think she probably had it for awhile but her energetic activity allowed her to compensate for awhile before a few nights ago starting to notice frequent urinary and fecal accidents and the wobbly gait and her beautiful tail doesn't wag much anymore when it used to go a mile a minute when you gave her a belly rub and told her you loved her. It's going to be hard....REALLY hard as she's been been my cuddle buddy for 11 years (she's 12 we got her when she was a year old as a former forced breeder from an illegal puppy mill operation and likely was a product of the same operation). We're waiting to hear from the vet for an appointment to confirm DM and will likely discuss euthanasia then :(

]]> Tue, 14 Sep 2021 18:47:29 -0700 item_248 Paula S Thank you this was so helpful to me. Our golden is almost 13, she has trouble getting up, her back legs are so weak. I physically have to turn her and help her up but once she is up she can very slowly move toward the door. He back feet knuckle and she is very wobbly. She has urinated and defecated lying down, she really still tries, but cant hold herself up long. Her front legs are so tired, she has lost all the hair on her elbows and they become red sore and swollen, sometimes the skin splits. I use medication and keep elbow pads on her. She refuses to sleep on her ortho bed because she gets hot easily. She gets anxious if she cannot see me so I stay close. Recently the vet said she is losing protein in her urine and now will not prescribe any anti inflammatory for her. She is on Gabapentin, CBD oil, vitamins, blood pressure medication, Glucosamine. She loves to eat, and be petted still. I made the appointment for in home euthanasia., so SAD, I love you Marley.

]]> Sat, 22 May 2021 08:23:46 -0700 item_238 Barrie Hazzard Thank you..I'm facing this now with my 15 year old PugEnglish Bulldog Mix.He has had DM for about 6 months.We did swimming(on a tether around in a horse exercise pool) Accupuncture, Western Meds for Pain Eastern meds for health...nut I'm afraid the time I've been dreading has arrived...The fact that he is mentally alert is hard,but I do not want him to suffer..Thank you again

]]> Mon, 01 Mar 2021 11:28:37 -0800 item_233 Robyn Thank you for this article. Our beautiful 10 yr old boxer boy Max has been struggling with DM since his diagnosis a year ago. He went from scraping his paws and walking clumsily to having complete paralysis in his hind legs in two months. Recently he is completely incontinent and that has been the hardest part for him. He is a very dignified dog and is constantly sniffing his groin area but is unable to groom himself. Having washable dog diapers, pet wipes, rear end harnesses, and kong toys stuffed with peanut butter and treats have really helped his quality of life. I'm afraid it is not enough anymore though. He isn't really living, at least not like he used to when he could walk. It has been hard on us as well, we have so much anxiety about leaving him alone and now we barely leave the house. I don't want him to feel like a burden ever. He deserves only the best. I love him and that is why we have to say goodbye soon.

]]> Wed, 24 Feb 2021 15:02:03 -0800 item_231 Sharon Childress My heart is heavy and sad my Ellie is a GSD and has DM. I am very blessed I have had her for 16 years and 3 months. I think its time to put her to sleep but then she seems to get better. Then right back to its time. She has had a bout of diarrhea and now has a UTI she can no longer get up by herself and she can only be happy on her sit an go wheel chair, It is winter and so hard to get her out. My heart is breaking I wish she would just go in her sleep. I am so torn I hate this disease

]]> Sun, 21 Feb 2021 01:12:18 -0800 item_230 Jennifer Thank you so much for this article and all the comments people have made. On 12.12.20 I lost my 12 year old Golden to this hideous disease. I have been doing a lot of research into DM since his diagnosis and I think my dog was in late stage, but was so physically fit it staved off the visible symptoms for quite some time. My boy was fully active in late July. On August 1st our whole world changed—almost overnight. His symptoms progressed very, very quickly. Every day over his last 4.5 months I would notice something new happening and the feeling of powerlessness was overwhelming. It paralyzed his voice/bark, he was knuckling in all 4 of his feet and I think he was having trouble swallowing & drinking. I answered YES to all six of your questions/observations above and this has helped me tremendously today. I feel as though his life was stolen from me, but I know that I did the right thing for him. Blessings to all those dealing with a beloved pet and this awful, awful disease.

]]> Thu, 31 Dec 2020 07:45:48 -0800 item_227 Sharon On November 6 we lost our 14.9 year old corgi. Bandit was diagnosed at 12 with DM. His rear legs did not become completely immobile until he was a little over 13. He was so lively and full of energy. We could not give up on him. We got a wheel chair , but soon he did not like it and got frustrated. A harness made him a new dog. It demanded a lot from us, but he was worth it. We needed to walk him with the harness he used his front legs. He loved his walks! Eventually, it did affect his bladder so there we were expressing his bladder for him. There were some very challenging times, but as long as he appeared happy and willing, he was worth it. He started to become weaker in the front paws and his body got tired. He started to have seizures, and there was no question it was time. We miss him terribly, but he lived a long and happy life. Thank God for companies who sell products for disabled pets. That harness gave him nearly three more years!

]]> Wed, 25 Nov 2020 18:01:36 -0800 item_226 Catherine To Jess and Lenora

We purchased a “Help Me Up Harness” for our corgi who started showing signs back in Feb. This harness has been a God send!!!

Ziggy has lost control of his right hind leg. This harness is very well made and we are able to assist him with walking around the house as well as in the yard. We hold him up for his bowel movements and while he pees. Because of Covid 19 we are home most of the time so we are always available to help our boy. I am sorry I didn’t read your messages earlier. If you still have your precious dogs I hope this helps.

My heart goes out to both of you and your dogs.

]]> Mon, 12 Oct 2020 08:59:17 -0700 item_222 Catherine Ryan,

I am truly sorry for your loss. I know how heartbreaking it is to lose a beloved pet but I also know that I wouldn’t trade a second I have had with any of them. Pets only give us one bad day. Our precious Ziggy is dealing with DM. He has lost the use of his right hind leg. We are dreading the day that we will have to say goodbye. DM is a cruel disease. Our Ziggy is only 9 1/2 yrs old . His symptoms started to show 7 months ago.

Hurley was a lucky dog to be so loved. His spirit will remain with you.

]]> Mon, 12 Oct 2020 02:40:28 -0700 item_221 Ryan Today we put down our handsome Hurley and my heart is broken. He had been dealing with DM for almost a year and a half. This is such a terrible disease and my heart breaks for everyone on this thread who has faced or is facing this with their beloved pets. I am thankful for the posts on this thread as it helped make the decision for us a little easier. I do not have the words to describe what Hurley meant to me and I am thankful for the 11 years I was blessed to have with him. I know he is at peace.

]]> Sat, 10 Oct 2020 17:18:57 -0700 item_220 nicky Thankyou for this article though it has broke my heart reading it my border collie Alfie has been suffering with this awful disease for a few years, its so heartbreaking to watch him deteriorate ,I love him so much ,my vet recommended I let him go as his condition is getting worse so he is coming thursdsy to my home ,I keep changing my.mind as I just don't want to say goodbye to Alfie I've had 15 beautiful years with him after him choosing me as his family at a rescue centre i went to visit poor alfie can't stand up or barely keep his balance once ive lifted him up anymore and can't control his bladder or bowels,and last few days has not even been really interested in his food I have to keep putting it under his nose ,but yet he is still alert still wagging his tail its soooo hard to know whether im making the right decision i don't want him to suffer or be unhappy but neither do I want to let him go i will miss him so much my heart is broken

]]> Tue, 06 Oct 2020 12:35:22 -0700 item_219 Laura OToole Thank you for this article. Our sweet rescue Aussie is losing her year long battle with DM. She is only 7. We are so sad but she is still fighting so hard. This is such a awful disease. She dragged herself down the hill to the trails behind our house when I went running this week. It just broke my heart having to help her back up the hill.

]]> Thu, 01 Oct 2020 10:29:38 -0700 item_218 Catherine Our 9 year old corgi was diagnosed approximately 6 months ago with DM.

A few days ago he was unable to walk and now drags his body. Our hearts are shattered.

This disease is a thief!!!! Ziggy is a happy and otherwise healthy dog.

We purchased him from a veterinarian. I never knew about this disease and I have since learned that breeders can responsibly gene test for DM. Ziggy’s breeder apparently continues to breed these dogs. This disease devastates people’s lives while shortening the of the dog and puts them through absolute hell. These breeders have no conscience. Our lives will never be the same.

I will never get the vision of our spunky boy being reduced to dragging his body around like a seal.

No, I wouldn’t trade one second we shared with this wonderful dog but shame on any breeder who continues these selfish, reckless and irresponsible breeding practices.

]]> Sun, 27 Sep 2020 23:23:20 -0700 item_215 Lenora Im so sorry. We are in the the exact situation, with our Labrador. We are at a complete loss. As of yesterday, he needs to be hand fed and he wont drink any water we bring to him. For the first time we are going to express his glands today because he can no longer to hold himself up to pee or poop as of today. He cannot drag himself along at all, so we have to carry him. I need someone to tell me what to do.

]]> Tue, 22 Sep 2020 10:59:15 -0700 item_214 Jess M I am having such a hard time with my baby, an 8 year old German Shepherd. She showed minor signs in January and now, just 9 months later, she can hardly walk straight and is stumbling everywhere. She has had some accidents in the house and I am not sure when the right time is. She has progressed very quickly in the last month and two days ago our vet spoke to us about euthanizing her. I think I am searching for someone to give me the answer, but I know I will know when it's time. This is very difficult, as I've had her since she was a baby and has been with me through so much. I am so sorry for everyone having to go through a pet with this disease.

]]> Wed, 16 Sep 2020 09:22:43 -0700 item_212 Rob Thankyou so much reading about your thoughts on when to let a dog go with degenerate myelopathy has helped me a great deal xx

]]> Sun, 26 Jul 2020 11:22:40 -0700 item_206 Ray Wise Oh Maureen, I’m sitting here weeping reading these comments, and especially yours. Just last month we had to put our beautiful German Shepherd to sleep, over 2 brief days both her back legs stopped working. She was 11.5 years old, but what is wracking us with guilt is she wasnt ready to go, she was still so alert and happy, but she could not walk, could not go to the toilet, and she was getting frustrated not being able to get up and greet people. Our trusted vet who has looked after her for years advised us not to prolong the inevitable, even though her condition has been managed for 2 years, it was time. I couldnt sleep or eat for 2 days after hearing this, this just could not be happening. One good thing with this Covid business is we were all home with her as a family for the last 3 months, that was a blessing. My sincere sympathies and thoughts go out to pet lovers who have to make these horrible decisions.

]]> Sun, 19 Jul 2020 06:49:19 -0700 item_205 Maureen Ferguson Despite our intentions, we were not able to euthanize our Boxer yesterday. My husband just could not do it. The dog still eats and sleeps well, enjoys sitting on the porch looking out the window and enjoys being in the yard. we have ordered a wheelchair to give him some mobility in his last few months. It just wasn't time yet, for him or us. We know the time will come, but we want to know we did everything we could.

]]> Fri, 17 Jul 2020 07:20:17 -0700 item_204 Maureen Ferguson Our hearts are breaking. Our handsome rescue Boxer has gone down hill from DM in the last 8 months drastically. We adopted him at age 5 from Vermont , and have only had him for 5 years. Started with rear paw dragging, and has progressed to no ability to walk without a sling. This dog doesn't have a mean bone. My husband slept on the floor next to his hiking buddy last night. Vet is coming tomorrow. We will sit with him in the yard, as always. He will smell the mountain air, as always, and look at the green trees and grass. We will hold him as he crosses the Rainbow Bridge. We really cannot bear this.

]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2020 12:49:36 -0700 item_202 patricia Hamilton I have a dog 11 years old he has problems for years with his back legs he does have a stent in one back leg from a torn legiment my vet didn't diagnosis my dog but I read up on DM after my dog couldn't walk his legs buckle he drags them and there criss crossed i have to help him up he can't walk at all he does have accidents in the house when I do get him out I have to hold him up he can't stand or squat on his own he can't urinate at all his appetite is ok drinks little water now he can't do his business at all I have made the decision to put my dog to sleep and put him out of pain and suffering this has been a toll on both me and my dog but now he won't suffer anymore I will miss him dearly but always keep him close in my heart I know how it feels to have to decide to put your dog to sleep ill never forget my dog and always keep his memories alive all the time

]]> Sun, 17 May 2020 18:28:34 -0700 item_197 ScamperingPaws DM is NOT preventable at this time, unfortunately (unless maybe through testing / selective breeding). The DNA test can detect whether or not a dog has the gene mutation that causes the disease, although apparently not every dog with the mutation will get it. Search for the website for the Veterinary Health Centre at the University of Missouri for more info (remove the spaces in the URL): vhc. missouri. edu/ small-animal-hospital/neurology-neurosurgery/ facts-on-neurologic-diseases/degenerative-myelopathy/

]]> Wed, 26 Feb 2020 14:39:42 -0800 item_190 Jan FREDRICKSON I am losing my 11 yr old Boxer to DM ..... She was diagnosed about 8 months ago, and back legs are very very weak, mostly dragging them with a few hops when using them together. Front legs seem to be getting weak now. She has an enornmous appetite and still does 'Guard Duty' at the front window. You NEED to know... DM has been completely PREVENTABLE for several years with a simple DNA cheek swab and sent to the University of Missouri Ortho Vet Center.

]]> Wed, 26 Feb 2020 11:33:02 -0800 item_189 Nadine Murray Today we let our 11 1/2 year old GSD go. He had DM diagnosed 4 years ago. The last two weeks his face changed - he looked more tired and mobility was worsening. He let us know last night he was done. His eyes told us. His passing was peaceful, but our hearts are broken. This is a horrible disease and my only hope is someday we will have a cure.

]]> Fri, 21 Feb 2020 10:55:56 -0800 item_187 Jessica Harvey So very hard to decide. Izzy eats and loves her treats. She is 10 1/2 and such a sweetie. She has had DM for 1 1/2 years. We carry her out to the yard and back. She only has use of her front legs and her tail still wags. But sores are on her back legs. She has had no accidents in the house still. But her happiness is beginning to start to show. We want to give her the dignity of a good death. Not when its really to late. Vet says we will know....Im not sure we will.

]]> Fri, 10 Jan 2020 09:46:47 -0800 item_182 Dawn I too have found comfort after reading this article & comments. My 8 year old frenchie has DM. It’s been about a year and he is slowly declining. His hind area has reduced muscle mass & he wobbles a lot. Sometimes he also falls. It’s heartbreaking to watch. He can no longer make it thru walks. We have constant problems with his incontinence. He has bowel movements in the house 5 times a week on a good week & urinates frequently as well. He tries to make it to the doggie door but cannot keep it in. His inability to control his body is causing him stress. I’m not going to lie, it’s exhausting. We constantly have to clean up & Yesterday, our roomba vacuum tracked poop thru the house. It’s unsanitary. We love Vader but we’re tired. He seems happy enough but it’s definitely affecting his quality of life. We used to take him everywhere but he has to stay home now & doesn’t understand. We’re torn on what to do

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