A: Through my discussions with Dr. C. I have been taught that generally there is progression to paralysis in 3-6 months, when DM is untreated. With appropriate treatment, this can usually be doubled. Some dogs will not progress with treatment. Almost all dogs will progress without it.
Once hind limb paralysis occurs, there is another progressive course toward forelimb paralysis. Eventually, there is another progressive course towards brainstem failure. Few dogs will survive beyond 2 years without treatment.
Although the only organ affected by DM is the spinal cord and brainstem (although changes are seen in the white matter of the cerebrum), the ravages of being paralyzed can result in failure of the kidneys, heart and/or lungs. Too often the veterinarian, who does not wish to put the dogs through any further testing or the owner through more expense, ignores these additional problems. Frequently, problems may be chalked up to being part of DM, which is certainly not the case.
It is important to monitor the health of a DM dog and treat those things that may be treated, including additional neurological problems.
A word about parasite prevention in the DM dog: To help a DM dog live a longer life, flea prevention and heartworm medications need to be examined. Dogs must receive flea and heartworm prevention if they live in areas where these are problematic. Dr C. feels Revolution is best for a DM dog, with Frontline added as needed. Otherwise, a combination of Frontline and Filarbits PLAIN (not plus) is preferable.
Q: Is Dr. Clemmons still involved with DM dogs?
A: Dr. Roger Clemmons is, in my opinion, the most knowledgeable person to consult when it comes to DM in the German
Shepherd Dog. Dr. C. is a DVM, Ph.D., and an Associate Professor of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Small Animal Clinical
Sciences, at the University of Florida, Gainesville. Now he is studying the effects of new drugs in relation to DM, hoping
to slow the progression of the disease further. He is also searching for a genetic (DNA) “fingerprint” for DM to see if “at-
risk” patients can be identified before developing signs.
Dr Clemmons continues to research ways of combating DM. He has written to the AKC Canine Health Foundation. His pre-proposal has been reviewed and approved. He was asked to submit a full proposal for possible funding.
Dr C. has a web site with the latest information pertaining to degenerative myelopathy: http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/DM_Web/DmofGS.htm There is also space on that web site devoted to many other canine neurological problems: http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neurohp.html
Q: Is there a way we can try to prevent DM in our dogs?
A: I think Dr C. goes by the old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.
He believes diet may contribute to the development of autoimmune problems. He prefers a more natural diet and even has a home cooked diet on his web site. Also, antioxidants may play a major role in the prevention of autoimmune disease, counteracting the damage done by free radicals. He combines a traditional allopathic approach with an alternative holistic approach recommends the following to keep a dog healthy:
High potency B-complex (B 50)
400 IU of vitamin E daily (over 2 years of age, give 800 IU)
250 mg vitamin C twice a day (over 2 years of age, give 500 mg)
100 mg of selenium daily (over 2 years of age, give 200 mcg)
500 mg of borage oil twice a day
12,500 IU Beta Carotene (over 2 years of age, give 25,000)
1 mg/kg (or 1 capsule) Ginkgo bilboa 2-3 times a day
1 capsule (or cup) Green tea, twice a day
50 mg grape seed extract, once a day
2 sardines or 1 T ground flax seeds
1-2 Raw Garlic Cloves (crushed)
Note: Add the supplements gradually, one new supplement every few days. That way, if something does not agree with your dog, you will know what has caused the problem. Overloading the digestive system of a dog with many new items, all at once, is never advised. Vitamin C is not recommended for dogs with IBD.
-Try to avoid exposure to pesticides.
-Check the rear nails of your dog once a month. Look for uneven wear on the nails, which may be an early tip off to DM.
