Natural Pet Animal Hospital

Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a condition of the spinal cord. This canine condition is very similar to Multiple sclerosis in people. DM occurs in dogs because of spinal trauma or autoimmune disease. In German Shepherds, the disease is immune-mediated, meaning the dog’s own immune system attacks the nerve-conducting coating around the spinal cord (called myelin.) Other breeds, such as Belgian Shepherds, Old English Sheep Dogs, Weimaraners and Rhodesian Ridgebacks may also exhibit signs of DM due auto-immune disease. 

Symptoms occur very similarly in most dogs, regardless of how or why the condition is present. Usually signs appear between the ages of 4 and 10. The disease is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms: progressive weakening in the rear limbs, wobbliness and rear limb muscle atrophy. The condition cannot be detected with Xrays. Conducting an EMG will demonstrate non-specific spinal disease. Currently, there is no cure for the disease. Veterinarians will routinely give steroids to try and decrease inflammation (which I do not recommend) but the disease itself is not addressed.

Although holistic medicine does not offer a cure, it can potentially slow the progression of DM in many ways. When the body produces antibodies to its own tissue, inflammation occurs.  Aminocaproic acid has been shown to help decrease this inflammatory reaction within the central nervous system.  Inflammatory cells also produce by-products of cell destruction called “free radicals.” Anti-oxidants such as vitamin C  E+selenium and grapeseed, as well as Acetylcysteine scavenge free radicals, removing them from the circulatory system. B Complex  improves nerve function. Consider adding Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oils) to the diet to also help reduce inflammation, as well as phosphatidylcholine to protect remaining myelin. The Gammalinolenic acids (GLA’s) found in borage and primrose oils are also good for auto-immune inflammation. Bromelain (derived from pineapples) is probably the very best at reducing circulating immune complexes. Recently, CoQ10 has demonstrated some remarkably positive effects in many dogs with DM. It improves the utilization of oxygen at the cellular level of nerves.

80% of dogs treated with both Aminocaproic acid and n-acetylcysteine will either stop or dramatically slow the demyelination process, or show clinical improvement, based on University of Florida’s DM Veterinary Medical research study.  Dogs who have just begun to exhibit symptoms respond better than chronic cases, and improvement is usually seen within 7-10 days. This solution must be compounded  from a special pharmacy.   

In addition to supplementation, Natural Pet Animal Hospital recommends regular mild exercise. This is important for “nerve memory.” Acupuncture has been used to slow the de-myelination process, increase circulation and decrease inflammation.  Massage helps to slow muscle atrophy and reduce physical discomfort. 

Yes, we do recommend supplements and exercise for this condition, but we also can’t say enough about the role of your dog’s diet in DM. You may greatly reduce your need for supplements if you can feed your dog a very healthful, natural, enzyme rich diet. Your dog’s immune system is based on what nutritional building blocks it is provided with to maintain itself. If your dog has auto-immune DM, its immune system has short-circuited and is not responding correctly. To help correct this problem (and, therefore, slow the progression of the disease) we strongly recommend weaning your dog onto a balanced raw food diet. Please ask Dr. Becker more about a raw food diet if you are interested.