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; Ein betroffener Hund 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 133 breeds
American CollieMandatory testMandated by Club für Amerikanische Collies (CfAC) e.V.
BernedoodleRecommended standard
Bohemian ShepherdMandatory testMandated by Klub přátel chodského psa v ČR z.s. (KPCHP)
BordoodleRecommended standard
BorzoiRecommended standard
Boston TerrierMandatory testMandated by 1. Club für Boston-Terrier in Deutschland e.V. (1. CBD)
Canaan DogMandatory testMandated by Deutscher Club für Nordische Hunde e.V. (DCNH)
Canadian Eskimo DogMandatory testMandated by Deutscher Club für Nordische Hunde e.V. (DCNH)
Cardigan Welsh CorgiMandatory testMandated by Club für Britische Hütehunde e.V. (CfBrH)
CavapooRecommended standard
Chesapeake Bay RetrieverMandatory testMandated by Deutscher Retriever Club e.V. (DRC)
Czechoslovakian WolfdogRecommended standard
DoxiepooRecommended standard
Dutch ShepherdMandatory testMandated by Holländischer Schäferhund Club Deutschland e.V. (HSCD)
Dutch Shepherd (Longhair)Mandatory testMandated by Holländischer Schäferhund Club Deutschland e.V. (HSCD)
Dutch Shepherd (Shorthair)Mandatory testMandated by Holländischer Schäferhund Club Deutschland e.V. (HSCD)
Dutch Shepherd (Wire-Haired)Recommended standard
East European ShepherdRecommended standard
FrenchtonRecommended standard
German HoundRecommended standard
HavapooRecommended standard
Irish Glen of Imaal TerrierRecommended standard
JackapooRecommended standard
LandseerRecommended standard
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment costs. Actual costs depend on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked questions
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, Bohemian Shepherd, Bordoodle, Borzoi, Boston Terrier, Canaan Dog, Canadian Eskimo Dog.