Allen M. Schoen, D.V.M., M.S. One of the saddest days for someone who is blessed with a wonderful german shepherd as a companion and friend is when their mature buddy is diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy. This disease is predominantly found in german shepherds and appears to have a hereditary component. Occasionally the disease has also been diagnosed in Belgium shepherds and Old English Sheepdogs. It is so sad because it is a progressive disease where they slowly, but steadily lose control of their hindlegs until they are completely paralyzed. They lose control of their bowels and urine and have to eventually be put to sleep, even though their head, front end and mental attitude is fine. Until recently there has been no successful treatment for this disease. It has been considered somewhat similar to multiple sclerosis in people. In other words, it appears to be a problem in the immune system, where the immune system recognizes parts of the nervous system as foreign and attacks the spinal cord leading to progressive deterioration of the spinal cord and paralysis. Unfortunately, I have seen too many wonderful german shepherds slowly, but steadily deteriorate with this dreadful disease. In my holistic practice, I have more success than with conventional medicine, using a combination of acupuncture, nutritional supplements and homeopathic remedies which appears to slow down the progression of the disease and increase strength in the hind end, but it is only successful in maybe 30% of the dogs and is still only temporary.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Jul 2013 01:44:38 +0000
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