Degenerative Myelopathy Symptoms - Page 4

I just lost my Wiko vom Kirschental son at the age of 10 on May 1 from what apparently were complications arising from DM. He had been diagnosed with advanced DM a month earlier; complicating his diagnosis was the fact that he had been diagnosed with left rear leg fibrotic myopathy (scarring of the gracilis muscle) 2.5 years previously, so progressive gait abnormalities were to be expected. Accordingly,it was not until he began having serious problems navigating the stairs and moving in general that I brought him to the vet neurologist (a many-times-published expert in the field at a teaching hospital). Before the appointment I had read up extensively on DM, as Otto's regular vet suggested this disease was a possibility, and was very hopeful that Dr. Clemmons' dietary and exercise regimen could provide some additional quality time for Otto. Unfortunately, the vet neurologist informed me that other veterinary school studies attempting to confirm Dr. Clemmons' claims that his regimen could slow the progression of the disease and lead to an increased life span had failed to do so. He further informed me that such failure to obtain the claimed results was the direct reason why Dr. Clemmons has failed to garner significant funding for his work. He also stated that no other vet neurologists had been able to confirm the reliability of the "flash" test. Accordingly, I decided not to disrupt Otto's remaining time (estimated then to be complete loss of hindquarter function in less than three months) by forcing drastic dietary and lifestyle changes upon him. In the last month following his diagnosis he visibly declined from day to day and was at the point where he could only take a few steps before his legs would give way - yet he spent his last full day outside fulfilling his property protection duties with his usual gusto and proudly hobbling after his ball when I would flip it a few feet for him. I miss him like hell but am grateful that he went quickly and on his own terms. Please understand that I do not post this to disparage Dr. Clemmons or his work - for all I know, he may be on the verge of some breakthroughs. But I do believe that it is significant that no one else has been able to duplicate the results he claims, and that one should be in possession of all the facts before annointing him a savior whose regimen is guaranteed to help dogs with DM. And as for posting information about DM dogs on Marjorie's website or other places so as to identify "carriers" of the disease, I am loathe to do this, for the simple reason that I believe it is grossly unfair to breeders to do so if this is done anecdotally and not scientifically - especially in light of the fact that there isn't a consensus among vet neurologists as to what even causes this disease. For example, in poking around the net, I found another person whose GSD sired by Wiko vom Kirschental also died of DM, and this person - understandably emotional - absolutely blamed the breeder for the event (I do not recall if this was on Jack Flash's site). So, in posting info about my Otto's death from DM, would I be perhaps casting unjustifed aspersions upon the sire? Since that is a possible outcome, I cannot do it. In any event, best of luck to Theresa and her dog - I hope things turn out well for you both.

My vet spoke at a Veternary Conference in Europe several years ago and shared a vehichle with Dr. Don Hamilton (wrote the book, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs). Dr. Hamilton has been doing his own studies and he beleives that many cases of DM and spondylosis are directly related to the distemper vaccine. It would appear that with some dogs, this vaccine takes a 'life of it's own", mutates and mimics symptoms of these. I have done reading on how they are finding 'stealth virus's' inside vaccines (they find a virus within a vaccine that is not suppose to be there). There is also literature out on how vaccines can and DO change DNA. I personally do not believe that all cases of DM that are diagnosed are actually DM.

Sadly it does appear that Dr. Clemmon's protocol does not work consistently for all dogs. Most owners feel it's worth a try I think.

Sorry to hear of the loss of Wiko. I probably would not try Clemmon's protocol on an older dog either. When I said it's worth a try I was thinking of a younger dog. I didn't want to sound critical of your decision to let nature take its course.

My male Vishnu is now 9. He's had DM for about a year now. He's always had immune issues/allergies since we got him at 2 yrs old. So I'm not surprised that it's related. We take each day at a time with him. He gets worse for awhile then stabilizes for a few months, then goes down again. It's hard watching your friend deteriorate but when it's his time, we'll know and do the right thing for him. I had tried the vitamins, etc with no difference noticed. My other female Duchess who is almost 10 has spondylosis and only has problems typically during cold snaps or if she does alot of water sprinkler chasing, so we do have to restrict things that they do.

Well, we don't have a definitive answer either way. Could be a bulging disc, could be DM. Syptoms are so minor right now it's hard to tell. They took 6 x-rays, the hips look fine but between 2 of the lower vertebra there is space smaller than normal. Could be indicative of a bulging disc, or not. Unfortunately, during the rectal exam, there were two growths felt up inside the pelvis. They aren't in an are where a needle aspirate can be done, they would have to go through the rectum, and that is not a good idea, for obvious reasons. We are going to wait a week or so and see if the back issue gets better or worse. Before scheduling the MRI for the back though, they want me to have an ultrasound for the lumps to check and see if there are any in his belly. If there are, then that becomes the priority. He isn't in any pain, so there is no need for meds at this time. Thank you everyone, for all of your support and information. P59teitel- " He also stated that no other vet neurologists had been able to confirm the reliability of the "flash" test." That is basically what my neurologist just told me as well. Thank you all for the weel wishes- Theresa

One thing I will say is any dog diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy must be excluded from breeding. Unfortunately I have heard of a breeder “Wolfstraum, spelling??” who bred a female with DM twice. Some folks just don’t think very far in advance. The research that Dr Clements has been doing indicates this is genetically predisposed so I hope there is a test in the near future.

Although I have not bred this dog, and am not planning to now that he is having these problems, I can see how one could breed a dog and then find out later in life that the dog has a problem like this. Unfortunately, it is impossible to test for everything that our dogs are coming down with these days. Theresa

Hmmmmmm it seems we have a number of new members posting lately. Good luck with your boy, Theresa.

Thanks Blitzen.