Degenerative Myelopathy

Body function:

Muscle & Neurological

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Degenerative myelopathy is a genetic disease caused by a mutation in the SOD1 gene. It affects a dog’s spinal cord, impacting both their muscles and coordination. It is inherited in the autosomal recessive fashion, meaning both parents must be carriers for a dog to be affected.

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List of affected breeds:

Genetic research has linked this gene and condition in the following breeds:

American Pit Bull Terrier, American Water Spaniel, Australian Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, Border Collie, Borzoi, Boxer, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Collie, Czechoslovakian Vlcak, English Springer Spaniel, French Bulldog, German Shepherd, Great Pyrenees, Irish Setter, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard, Shiloh Shepherd, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Tibetan Terrier, Wire Fox Terrier

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What does this mean for a dog with this trait?

There is no known cure for degenerative myelopathy. Care for dogs with the condition includes creating an easier environment for dogs to navigate, like adding steps or ramps, covering slippery floors in grippy materials like rugs or yoga mats, and even incorporating physical therapy.

Symptoms

Symptoms of degenerative myelopathy typically begin around age 8. Dogs with the condition begin to lose coordination and suffer from weakness in the hind legs. Over the course of a year, they lose the ability to walk. In some cases, the condition can affect their front legs as well. If left untreated, degenerative myelopathy can lead to death.

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