Health Condition

Degenerative Myelopathy

A progressive, inherited neurodegenerative disease affecting the spinal cord, leading to hind limb weakness and paralysis.

Detailed Description

Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is caused by a mutation in the SOD1 gene, resulting in degeneration of white matter in the spinal cord. Clinical progression is slow, with initial hind limb weakness advancing to paralysis. There is no cure, and the disease is ultimately fatal.

Common Symptoms

Hind limb weakness and ataxia
Dragging of rear paws
Loss of coordination
Progression to paralysis

Management Options

Supportive care (physical therapy, mobility aids)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DM common in dogs?

DM is rare in most breeds but more common in certain breeds like German Shepherds and Pembroke Welsh Corgis.

Can DM be prevented?

Yes, through DNA testing and responsible breeding.

Condition Details

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Typical Age of Onset

7 years and older

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Testing Available

Yes

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Diagnosing Methods

Clinical signs and exclusion of other causes; DNA testing for SOD1 mutation

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Preventative Measures

DNA testing and breeding only clear or carrier-to-clear matings

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Related Conditions

Intervertebral disc disease, Hip dysplasia

Affected Breeds

American Water Spaniel

Carrier frequency in AWS is estimated at 5-10%. Clinical cases are rare, but DNA testing is important for responsible breeding.

Australian Shepherd

Prevalence: 0.5% Severity: 5/5

Degenerative myelopathy is rare in Australian Shepherds but present; carrier rate is higher than affected rate.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Prevalence: 5% Severity: 4/5

Bernese Mountain Dogs have a higher carrier rate for the SOD1 mutation than the general population, with clinical disease seen in older dogs.

Bohemian Shepherd

Prevalence: 1% Severity: 5/5

Lower prevalence than German Shepherds but higher than average for all breeds; subtle hind limb weakness in older adults may be an early sign.

Boxer

Prevalence: 7% Severity: 4/5

Boxers have a higher than average risk for DM, with 20–25% being carriers and 6–8% at risk.

Boykin Spaniel

Prevalence: 0.5% Severity: 4/5

Degenerative myelopathy is recognized as a breed concern in Boykin Spaniels, with a slightly higher risk than average.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Prevalence: 3.5% Severity: 5/5

Cardigan Welsh Corgis have a documented increased risk due to the SOD1 gene mutation, with a higher carrier rate than most breeds.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Degenerative myelopathy is a concern in large breeds including the Caucasian Shepherd Dog; genetic testing can help reduce incidence.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Prevalence: 10% Severity: 5/5

Carrier frequency is estimated at 10-15%; higher risk than most breeds; subtle hind limb weakness and dragging toes may be early signs.

Chinook

The SOD1 mutation is present in the Chinook breed; screening is recommended to avoid producing affected puppies.

Croatian Sheepdog

No confirmed cases as of 2024, but screening is recommended due to risk in related breeds.

Czechoslovakian Vlcak

Prevalence: 2% Severity: 4/5

Carrier frequency is moderate (10–15%), with affected dogs being rare. Slightly higher risk due to German Shepherd ancestry. Early signs may be subtle hind limb weakness in older adults.

Dutch Shepherd

Carrier frequency for the SOD1 mutation is present in Dutch Shepherds, but clinical disease is rare.

Finnish Lapphund

Prevalence: 1% Severity: 5/5

Degenerative myelopathy is rare in Finnish Lapphunds, but the gene is present in the breed. Carrier rate is estimated at less than 5%.

German Shepherd Dog

Prevalence: 0.19% Severity: 5/5

German Shepherd Dogs have a significantly higher risk for degenerative myelopathy than most breeds, with a notable carrier frequency for the SOD1 mutation.

Great Pyrenees

Prevalence: 2% Severity: 5/5

Degenerative myelopathy is less common in Great Pyrenees than in some other breeds but is present and should be screened for in breeding stock.

Hanoverian Scenthound

SOD1 mutation is present in the breed, but clinical cases are rare. Risk is lower than in high-risk breeds.

Icelandic Sheepdog

Carrier frequency is estimated at 7–10% in Icelandic Sheepdogs; clinical disease is rare but possible. Early signs include subtle hind limb weakness in older adults.

Komondor

The SOD1 mutation is present in the Komondor population, but clinical cases are rare. Subtle hind limb weakness in older Komondors may be an early sign.

Lapponian Herder

Prevalence: 1% Severity: 5/5

Degenerative myelopathy is rare in Lapponian Herders but the at-risk allele is present. Testing is important for breeding decisions.

Miniature American Shepherd

Prevalence: 8% Severity: 5/5

Carrier rate is similar to other herding breeds; DM is a late-onset, progressive disease in MAS.

Mudi

Prevalence: 1% Severity: 4/5

Degenerative myelopathy is present in the breed but at a lower risk than in some other breeds. Subtle hind limb weakness in older Mudis may be an early sign.

Norwegian Buhund

The SOD1 mutation is present in Norwegian Buhunds, but clinical cases of degenerative myelopathy are rare compared to high-risk breeds.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Prevalence: 10% Severity: 5/5

Carrier rate in NSDTRs is estimated at 10-15%. Higher than average risk compared to general canine population.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Prevalence: 1.5% Severity: 4/5

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are among the most affected breeds, with a high carrier rate for the SOD1 mutation and a significant risk of developing clinical disease in older age.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Degenerative myelopathy is rare but present in the breed. Subtle hind limb weakness or dragging feet in older dogs may be early signs.

Portuguese Sheepdog

Degenerative myelopathy is rare in Portuguese Sheepdogs but has been reported. Genetic testing is available and recommended for breeding dogs.

Puli

Degenerative myelopathy is documented in Pulis, with a lower frequency than in high-risk breeds but higher than average for all breeds.

Pumi

Degenerative myelopathy is present in the Pumi breed, though less common than in some other breeds. Genetic testing is recommended for breeding dogs to prevent propagation of the mutation.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a higher carrier rate for the SOD1 mutation than the general canine population.

Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog

Rare but possible in the breed; risk is lower than in high-risk breeds but present.

Slovensky Cuvac

Degenerative myelopathy is rare but present in the breed. SOD1 mutation has been detected in some individuals. Early signs include subtle hind limb weakness and stumbling.

Thai Ridgeback

Degenerative myelopathy is rare in Thai Ridgebacks, but the SOD1 mutation is present in the breed. Genetic testing is recommended to avoid producing affected puppies.

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