Degenerative Myopathy In A German Shepherd Dog. Advice?

[Gold Metal Flake]

My beautiful GSD is getting old. After observing some issues with her gait and leg control the diagnosis from the vet was Degenerative Myopathy. Wondering is other DUers can offer advice as to dealing with the condition, diet, excercise (if any) and what to expect as the disease progresses.

:cry:


Edit: Myopathy, not Myelopathy.

[flvegan]

1. Was an MRI done?

[Gold Metal Flake]

2. No.

Needed?

[flvegan]

3. It defines the nature of the problem.

States if this is a physical or neurological problem. Oftentimes, the symptoms that lead a vet to suggest this disease are caused by disc issues. Could be the difference between surgery and Amicar and heavy vitamins.

Is the dog dysplastic?

[Gold Metal Flake]

4. The vet performed a careful manual examination of the spine and found no anomalies..

He also manipulated the legs and such and there was no painful reaction from the girl. There is no displaysia. The vet said there are two issues. One is the myopathy. The other is a nerve problem that causes one leg to not get signals. When this happens, the leg is kind of like asleep, gets crossed up with the other leg. She recovers quickly when this happens, but it is worrisome to see it happen. Her gait has been affected recently with her taking on a bit of a limp but she's not hindered yet.

The vet said that xrays or such would be costly and would most likely not show a problem.

We have no idea what her true age is as she is a rescue dog. She had a little chin grey when we got her. We were told then she was about five. I'd apply a bit of used car salesman correction factor to that as I was seriously not impressed with her "handler". He tried to give her water and she refused, so he tossed a handful in her face. I decided that asshole had tended for her long enough. Only took a coupla days to know that she won't drink when stressed. Hell, she still won't urinate or make a movement on walks. Just ain't her way, being such a lady and all. Anyway, I guess her to be around 9 or 10 by now.

[flvegan]

5. Indeed.

Xrays are costly, but will define the problem. A manual exam won't show any issues with her discs. I'm not faulting the vet, I'm stating what could otherwise be done. The "asleep" leg may well be a physical issue.

Where are you in SoCal? You rescued this dog, so the least I can do is find you a good reference with a vet that will take a second look at minimal cost.

Feel free to PM me...