Vet suspects DM Degenerative Myelopathy HELP Needed!
Hi, my Corgi Katie has just been home from the vet and he took full xrays of her hips and lower spine, and I am really worried, need some help please!
I had 1st taken her because we attended a corgi walk yesterday and Katie was the only corgi there not playing or running around. When we arrived, I had 1st taken her down to the lake (abt 1/4 Mi round trip walk) and on the way back, I really didnt think she was going to make it. She had a lively step when we 1st started and was dragging me. The others there said she was favoring her right leg when I was walking her and I should take her in. So I did. She ws very protective of her hind area and didnt want any other dog to get near that area or she would snap.
Katie has always been wobbly in her hind area, ever since she was a pup,. I had asked the vet if she was ok, but never pursued a full exam, he really said as long as she was happy she was fine. And she was. Katies always been very active all her life, shes 3 1/2 now and really has slowed down the last few months. I thought even getting another corgi in the house would help get her going again. I always thought she was mopey, she would sit by the door when my daughter left the house and wait for her to come home. I thought she was getting depressed. She has not had too many happy times this summer.
At the vet today, the vet ruled out hip displaysia, arthritis, and thoughly checked her legs and hind area. He said nothing abnormal. He even went over the xrays with me. He did say there is a certain area in her mid spine that she is sensitive but didnt look to be in pain or did the exam hurt her poking around. He did the test on her back legs and the right one is less responsive to get right when he turns it back. So he suspected DM. He said its definately neurological, and hes been a vet for 40 years, has treated dogs for DM but its been awhile and he said he has to do some research and get back to me on treatments..
I really need some help if someone out there can help with DM, I saw that the univ of Missouri is doing research on this, and several trials are going on so I will be contacting them. My vet is willing to cooperate. I also read on ther posts in this forum, and someone had used ACTH shot that helped? If anyone had info on this please let me know! Or any other treatment that helps? I really would like to bring her back to the spark she had even last year. or even 6 months ago!
Also is another dog ok to introduce? I will wait until Katie is on some treatment for this, but is excercise good for her? is a little more excercise good to add to her routine?
This summer was really hot and she doesnt like the heat and really didnt want to go out. She sleeps 90% of the day. When I come home she eats and goes out, but the rest of the time she is in my room sleeping on her pillows. Alot of the timne I will check on her and her eyes are open shes jsut laying there, poor Katie!
Please I really need help! I've been in tears about it, and I am so lost!
Pat
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on
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Pat, She seems awfully young for DM. Try the Wheeled Corgi group. Some one there might have some resources for you. Good luck!
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Permalink Reply by Ann B., Scout and Summer on
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Pat, my corgi's breeder is currently trying to breed DM out of her bloodlines, and I have learned a lot from her (my corgi, Scout is "At Risk" for DM). There is a genetic test--and if your Katie is tested "clear" or "carrier" then you know it is not DM. From what I know, she sounds too young for DM to show up. Also, I would advise you to get into the Mail-list "Corgi-L" (do a Google search)--there are many breeders and knowledgeable folks on this list. Also have your vet check for disc disease. Good luck!
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Permalink Reply by Wendt Worth Corgi's on
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Hello Pat....I have never heard of a dog this young indeed showing symptoms of DM and even if you have your dog DNA tested and that test comes back as AT RISK...this does not mean its a diagnosis...the only way to diagnose DM is postmortem by cutting into the spinal cord. Many AT RISK dogs are showing no symptoms and at age 15 still doing agility and winning their class..prime example was a bitch at the CO Specialty this past weekend. Many other things can be going on..for example IVDD. Her snipping at you and not wanting anyone in the area suggests pain...there is no pain with DM. To be okay one minute and then show signs of an ailment suggest injury or pinched nerve. There are a couple of groups I highly suggest and one of them as Bev suggested, Wheeled Corgis, another conservative management on yahoo groups, and of course Corgi-L. I have a DM clear bitch that is getting bred to a DM clear male from out of state this winter but it took me a year or more to find this male. I've seen a handful of clear males but as a breeder, we need to breed to breed standard so we don't lessen the breed or cause other health issues..This dog is a great match for her and have been saving her for this very moment. Even carrier to carrier is appropriate since they can produce a clear and then your gaining some heading way into the right direction.
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Permalink Reply by Pat Piotrowski on
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HI And thanks, I gues the vet thought in that direction because its common. but we are thinking outer directions now, possibly wobblers, or it may be something else. He is waiting until monday and he can conult with the Dr at the Univ of Missouri and get some better direction.
He only suspected this, but really wasnt sure. I will know more next week.
thanks again! -
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