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Degenerative myelopathy
 Research
at the Broad Institute of Harvard
University and the University of
Missouri’s College of Veterinary
Medicine has demonstrated a genetic
link between degenerative
myelopathy, DM, (degeneration of
nerves) in dogs and Lou Gehrig’s
disease in humans.
A spontaneous genetic mutation in
dogs causing nerve degeneration is
the same mutation which in humans
causes Lou Gehrig’s disease, also
known as ALS. Researchers found that
dogs with DM had mutations of the
SOD1 gene just as people with ALS
had mutation of SOD1. These dogs had
nerve changes similar to changes
seen in human patients with ALS.
Researchers report that canine DM is
the first recognized spontaneously
occurring animal model for ALS. It’s
hoped that this finding will aid in
understanding ALS in people.
Degenerative myelopathy is a disease
that affects the spinal cord of
German Shepards and other large
breed dogs. The disease causes
degeneration and dysfunction of the
spinal cord starting near the tail
and gradually moving forward. Early
symptoms include mild rear limb
weakness and ataxia as well as
scuffing or dragging of the rear
limb toes. These symptoms often
appear similar to arthritis in the
early stages of the disease. As the
disease progresses dogs experience
greater difficulty walking and
eventually it can lead to paralysis.
If your dog is having difficulty
walking or using his rear legs you
should have him examined by your
veterinarian.
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