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Permalink Reply by Jane on March 7, 2011 at 9:19pm

There is a recent thread regarding DM here: http://www.mycorgi.com/forum/topics/degenerative-myelopathy-2

Unfortunately it is common in the breed. An "at risk" status does not guarantee he will develop DM, but it is a possibility.

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Permalink Reply by Solomon & Naomi's Page on March 7, 2011 at 9:36pm

First let me tell you that I have just had experience with this.  My Chloe was 11 and I thought she was going thru that.  Actually she was not but I got in touch with some very wonderful people.  Very knowledgable people.  Very kind people.  VERY CORGI PEOPLE!!!   Go to Wheel Corgis.com  Just post your questions and your in-box will be so full within minutes you will be amazed!!!  I got the most knowledge and they have so many links to DM and IVDD.  They will tell you everything you need to know.  You see they live DM and IVDD 24/7.  They will give you support and help every step of the way!  Good luck and don't be afraid to ask.

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Permalink Reply by Beth on March 7, 2011 at 9:39pm

I can understand your concern!   Just so you know, 8 would be young (but not impossible) for a Corgi to have DM symptoms.  While it's common for German Shepherds and some large breeds to get it in middle age, in Corgis it is more common in old age (10+).

 

Also, while the majority of Corgis seem to be at-risk for DM, the huge majority of Corgis do not get DM.  I have had trouble finding reliable statistics, but the best I found was the percentages are in the single digits.  Compared to 50+% At Risk, you can see that most will not get it.

 

I hope that your Dylan does not end up with DM.  And if he does, there are ways to cope.  The suggestion to join the Yahoo group is a good one.  

 

Also, if you have or can establish contact with his breeder, she/he might be able to tell you if DM has cropped up in Dylan's lines.  

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Permalink Reply by Sylvia & Timmy on March 7, 2011 at 10:53pm

Remember that the test is only an indicator.  Dylan can be "at risk" and never develop the disease.  What you now know is that if the early symptoms show up, ie, toe dragging, wobbly, and unsteady, then you know it could be the start of DM.  DM is one of those diseases, like Alzheimers, where it can only be confirmed 100% post mortem.

 

I'm going to have Timmy tested this year, he's 8 also.  I just want to know if it's a possibility.  

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Permalink Reply by Melissa and Franklin! on March 7, 2011 at 11:34pm

Another thing to consider is hip dysplasia. It is very common in this breed also and will produce some similar symptoms. If he is slowing down it could be due to arthritic changes in his joints and not DM. I'd talk to your vet about it and get him on some kind of supplement to help his joints.

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Permalink Reply by John Wolff on March 8, 2011 at 1:42am

The genotype doesn't tell you much, but GG or GA can rule-out DM.  There are some other threads on DM here and I posted a link to Dr. Coates' paper.  I heard her talk to the Cascade PWCC in Seattle last fall.  I thought closer to 66% of Pems are at-risk.

Gwynnie has slowed down a little.  8 y.o.  She does not leap up as sprightly, I think.  Neither do I, 58 y.o.  Lessee, in dog years, I'd be... dead.  :)

Hey everybody, if you have an UNAFFECTED older corgi, your friend may help DM research even after they've left for the bridge.  Dr. Coates said (10/2011)  they need NORMAL CONTROLS.  It's an involved necropsy sampling process requiring advance planning; unpleasant to think about, but a gift:

http://www.mycorgi.com/forum/topics/dm-research-how-you-can-help

Contact: Ms. Liz Hansen HansenL@missouri.edu or CoatesJ@missouri.edu.
http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/

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