Understanding Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Management Exploring Causes, Treatment, and Prevention of Degenerative Myelopathy By Adrienne Kruzer Adrienne Kruzer Adrienne Kruzer is a veterinary technician with more than 15 years of experience providing healthcare to domestic and exotic animals. She is trained as a Fear Free Certified Professional to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 09/24/25 Reviewed by Petal Smart Reviewed by Petal Smart Petal Smart is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and has been an editor in the veterinary and medical sciences since 2015. She has edited more than 700 assignments, including research studies published in various academic journals, continuing medical education materials, and articles on pet health. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Veterinary Review Board Credit: The Spruce / Catherine Song In This Article Expand What Is Degenerative Myelopathy? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention FAQ Key Takeaways Degenerative myelopathy is a genetic disease affecting the spinal cord, leading to hind limb weakness and eventual paralysis, similar to Lou Gehrig's disease.At-risk breeds include German Shepherds, Boxers, and Poodles, and this disease often manifests in dogs over eight years of age.There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed with exercise, physical therapy, and supportive devices like harnesses. Degenerative myelopathy significantly affects dogs, often being mistaken for other conditions in its early stages. Understanding this genetic issue enables dog owners to recognize signs like limb weakness, preparing them to manage the condition effectively and provide a better quality of life for their pets. What Is Degenerative Myelopathy? Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a disease affecting the white matter of the spinal cord, leading to its degeneration. This results in hind limb weakness that progresses to paralysis, and it may eventually affect the front limbs. DM is similar to some forms of human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. This condition is devastating for dog owners as it results in the loss of crucial functions necessary for daily activities. Symptoms of Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs Initial signs of degenerative myelopathy in dogs are subtle and typically appear in dogs over eight years old. As DM progresses, its symptoms become more evident. The progressive signs and symptoms include: Symptoms Swaying in the hind end when standingEasily falls over if pushedWobblingKnuckling of the paws when trying to walkFeet scraping on the ground when walkingAbnormally worn toenailsDifficulty walkingDifficulty getting up from a sitting or lying positionFalling down when walking or standingInability to walkParalysis of the hind limbs Swaying and Wobbling Initially, a dog with DM may exhibit slight wobbling or swaying in the hindquarters when standing. The dog may also easily fall over if slightly pushed, although it does not experience pain at this stage. Feet Scraping and Knuckling of Paws As the disease progresses, the hind limbs weaken, causing the feet to scrape on the ground when the dog attempts to walk. This results in hair loss and skin irritation. Knuckling of the paws may occur, beginning with the hind paws, causing the dog to turn its knuckles under while trying to walk. Worn Toenails Excessively worn claws and wounds to the feet may develop due to the dog's impaired walking ability. Difficulty Walking and Getting Up The dog may struggle to rise from a sitting or lying position. Once standing, walking is notably difficult. At this stage, challenges may include climbing steps and squatting to defecate. Falling Down As the disease advances, the dog may easily buckle at the knees and fall due to balance loss, even without any external push. Inability to Walk and Paralysis Eventually, a dog with DM will fall while attempting to walk and may become completely paralyzed in the hind limbs. Over time, the disease may also affect the front limbs. What Causes Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs? Degenerative myelopathy in dogs is caused by a mutation in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene. This risk factor was identified in 2009. How Do Vets Diagnose Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs? The initial symptoms of degenerative myelopathy may resemble those of other diseases, necessitating a full physical examination and diagnostic testing to rule out other causes of hind limb weakness. The veterinarian will assess the dog's medical history, breed, and age. Diagnostic tests may include X-rays, CT and MRI scans, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. Although a spinal cord biopsy can be done, it is uncommon. Typically, a DM diagnosis is made after excluding other potential diseases. A DNA test is available to check for the SOD-1 gene mutation and is often recommended for at-risk breeds. It is offered by multiple laboratories. At-risk breeds include: American Eskimo Dogs Bernese Mountain Dogs Borzoi Boxers Cardigan Welsh Corgis Chesapeake Bay Retrievers German Shepherd Dogs Golden Retrievers Great Pyrenees Kerry Blue Terriers Pembroke Welsh Corgis Poodles Pugs Rhodesian Ridgebacks Shetland Sheepdogs Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers Wire Fox Terriers How to Treat Degenerative Myelopathy Currently, there is no cure for degenerative myelopathy in dogs. Managing symptoms as they progress can help maintain a dog's quality of life. Regular exercise, walking, swimming, and physical therapy are crucial. Utilization of special hind-end harnesses to assist walking, prevent foot damage, and increase traction—by walking on grass instead of concrete and placing rugs on slippery floors—can help delay the need for euthanasia. Prognosis for Dogs with Degenerative Myelopathy Symptoms in dogs with degenerative myelopathy worsen quickly after diagnosis. The spinal cord continues to degenerate, leading to difficulties in standing up and increasing mobility challenges over time. Eventually, the dog may become incontinent, with paralysis marking the final stage of DM. How to Prevent Degenerative Myelopathy Preventing degenerative myelopathy in dogs is primarily achieved through selective breeding. When considering an at-risk breed, request breeders provide results of SOD-1 gene mutation testing on the parents, confirming they carry two copies of the normal gene. Ataxia in Dogs FAQ When should you put down a dog with degenerative myelopathy? When a dog reaches late-stage degenerative myelopathy, and your veterinarian advises you, there will be a point when pain necessitates considering euthanasia. How do I care for a dog with degenerative myelopathy? You may need to purchase special shoes to aid your dog's walking and use a harness for rear support. Physical therapy can substantially extend the dog's life. Switching from a bed with sides to a flat one may facilitate easier exits. Your dog might require diapers to prevent messes, reducing stress for both of you. How long can dogs live with degenerative myelopathy? After a diagnosis of degenerative myelopathy, a dog's life expectancy ranges from six months to three years. How fast does degenerative myelopathy progress? This illness progresses rapidly, with most dogs becoming paraplegic within a year of diagnosis. If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet. Explore more: Dogs Dog Health & Wellness Dog Diseases & Disorders Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs. VCA Hospitals. Degenerative Myelopathy. University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center. Degenerative Myelopathy (DM). UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.