A: I beg all who read this article – please do not breed a dog that has degenerative myelopathy. While DM may not be called a 100% genetic disease, it does seem to involve genetic factors. Until these factors are better understood, responsible breeders should not pass on the genetic predisposition. Once the genetic profiles of DM dogs are scientifically understood, this issue may be clearer. Right now, caution is our best ally. When in doubt – don’t.
Q: I know you have devoted a great deal of time and energy to fighting DM. I felt relief the minute I found your web sites.
Tell us about them.
A: I have poured my heart and soul into my web sites. My main site address is:
http://www.mzjf.com/index.htm I have also created a mirror site to mzjf.com, and that web site address is: http://mzjf.info as
servers sometimes become problematic. A mirror site will assure that information is always readily available.
The address of my Degenerative Myelopathy Message Board is: http://pub113.ezboard.com/bmarjoriesdmboard
The address of my Degenerative Myelopathy Pedigree Board, for German Shepherd Dogs, is: http://pub41.ezboard.com/bthegermanshepherddogdegenerativemyelopathypedigreeboard80626 This site takes information for both pedigreed and rescued/adopted German Shepherd Dogs.
I have also created a database for the causes of death in the German Shepherd Dog, which I call "Heaven's Gate". That website address is: http://mzjf.info/hgate
My Degnerative Myelopathy Support Group website has information regarding warning signs, tests, treatment programs, support, links for items ill pets will need, a listing of indoor pools for dogs, facts for caring for a DM dog, directions for joining DM a newsgroup, articles I have written and photos to make you laugh and think.
We have a message board for many diverse topics and some are: DM Treatment Programs, Helpful Hints, Coping with Losses, Medications Available at No Cost, and for a smile, The Happy Corner.
I must say more about the ”Happy Corner.” It is a place of renewal and hope, where support group members may introduce their new puppies to others, sharing the silly puppy antics, bringing smiles to the faces of all who are feeling “down”. There is nothing like puppy stories to make one laugh. Even when a fur friend is lost to DM, there is always a place on the board to bring a smile.
The old support group members always help the new ones. I am proud of my board – the love, caring and sharing never ceases to amaze me. I can say, almost with certainty, that friendships formed on my message board will last a lifetime, just like our love for our dogs.
Q: You said there might be a genetic predisposition to DM. Tell us about your Pedigree Project.
A: I am gathering pedigrees of DM dogs in an attempt to establish a database. One day this pedigree collection may
provide valuable insight into which dogs may be at risk for developing DM. If we can uncover those at risk, we may be
able to provide early intervention or prevent the disease from developing.
Many support group members have posted the pedigrees of their DM dogs on my message board in the Pedigree Forum. In addition, some have submitted pedigrees, privately, wanting them to be revealed only to researchers, rather than the general public.
When pedigrees are publicly posted, knowledgeable breeders are able to see which combinations of breeding have produced a DM dog/dogs. There is no shortage of breeding animals, and neither sire nor dam must be cut from a breeding program. However, this information provides responsible breeders with knowledge about the combinations that could lead to a DM litter. Sibling DM is not uncommon, and the posting of pedigrees can make for wiser choices and healthier pups.
Last, but not least, perhaps with pedigrees being posted, we might get a better idea of where DM has been and learn where it may be going. It would be great to have a handle on which combinations of lines might have the highest risk for developing DM.
Q: Tell me more about the questionnaire appearing on your web site.
A: As my knowledge of DM has grown, so has the questionnaire on my web site. One question leads to another and, in
science, often the situation must be examined microscopically. My survey is anecdotal and not scientific. However, I
have begun to uncover possible patterns. I do hope that this information can, in the future, provide valuable data to a
scientific study.
The more people with DM dogs who participate in my surveys, the more information I can glean as to the possible “who, what, when, where and why” of DM.
DM is a worldwide disease; I want and need worldwide input. I can start the ball rolling, but without your participation, the ball will just stop at a wall of indifference. Please, help spread the word – to your friends, associates, clients and animal health care professionals.
