The Sorrow of DM and other inheritable diseases - Page 4

OK I am going to try and put in a photo of my old boy Luke. I didn't realise how bad photographs were 20+ years ago LOL. Anyway, if nothing appears it didn't work! Hey it did work, sorry it's so small, but like I say photo's were so bad then (and SMALL!), I had to resize it and this was the best I could do! (Yes, he is wearing a cowboy hat!) He was a king of a dog, a big gentle bear, and EVERYBODY loved Luke, without exception. My friends 4 year old daughter actually bit him on the head once, and he screamed and rushed into my arms. Her mouth was full of black fur. One of the first cases of child bites dog. We were both there, but it happened so fast as these things can. Such a solid dog. An escape artist who could easily clear a 6ft fence if the fancy took him to go and checkout the neighbourhood, and my other dog would come and tell me he'd taken off and we would have to go and find him. He protected me from a man waving a stick at me (care in the community), but he would let 8 week old kittens nestle into him to sleep and share his bone.

I don't even like to remember the days we struggled with his DM. The hardest part is that they cannot understand. One day he made a mess on the sofa as he lost control of his bowels. He looked stricken. It didn't matter and I told him so. But it mattered to him and I couldn't change that. One day his eyes told me everything I needed to know....  

Thanks for the info on AF. My 2nd GSD suffered from that disease.  One of the vets I consulted with told me he'd rather deal with lymphosarcoma in dogs that PF's since nothing really helped much.(My first GSD died from lymphosarcoma.) I ended up putting Blitz down after about 4, 5 months of trying one treatment and another. The fisulas never did get any better, he was a nasty dog and hard to treat - I got bit one time - and then he developed a malignant rectal tumor.

Good to know that there is a test availble to help detect carriers. I'm all for trying to prevent diseases; I've had my fill of treating sick GSD's.

So sorry to everyone!
These stories are sooo heart breaking!  Very, very sad!

This is a wonderful rememberance thread that beetree has started. She knows that the discussion part is very important. So, she was kind enough to make you a thread, where you could have your back and forth discussions.  If you are missing a post here, please check this thread

The role of DNA testing and Genetically Inherited Diseases

Thanks for your understanding

Thank you so much for the information Shepherdhope. After I saw your original post I did research on AF and the DNA test for the condition.  Through another forum I found info on Genoscoper and have already passed it on to some breeders. For anyone who is interested, here is the link to Genoscoper for the order form: http://www.genoscoper.com/in_english2/sampling_and_payment_information/

Maybe an odd addition to this thread, but in memory of a beautiful Shepherd who came to our clinic with DM.  He was treated for 3 years enabling him to walk on... but the inevitable day came when no  medication kept his feet going in the same direction.  This magnificent dog would walk on the lawn and if he turned would loose his back end and flop 1/2 way to the ground before righting himself and walking on.  That last day I held him in my arms as we began the sad process.  For the first time in 3 years he struggled, snapping at the Vet, then at me.  I still bear the scar on my forearm... we treated my wound then again gently held him for his last journey.  His huge heart stilled and he sighed his last sigh in my arms. 
   I don't remember his name, just his face and his spirit... 

There's now a test to save dogs and humans from this heart wrenching disease. PLEASE do get yours tested before breeding...

Jill

Luke sounds like a very special dog, Abby.  He had a super life; how many dogs have their own cowboy hat?

Thank you, starrchar, for the kind words.  My boy Daro was and still is an inspiration to me even years after I had to say goodbye to him.  He never let anything get him down, always maintained hope things would be fine, and I enjoyed every minute with him even with the DM.  There were some good things that came with the DM, too.  He was a very high drive dog that my grandkids didn't interact with much before the DM for fear he'd accidentally knock them over.  It was heartwarming to watch my young grandson attach the flexi lead to Daro's collar and tell him "Get up, Daro, I know you can do it. I'll help you."  Daro got to experience the love of a child when he could no longer accidentally hurt him, and that was a special gift for all of us. 



Yes, it's a very sad disease...but we tried to make the best of it and there were good moments, too.  I appreciate this thread and reading what others have experienced with the disease.  I'm thrilled to be able to finally honor Daro in this way, so thank you all!

I was truly lucky to have had Keira in my life.  Through out her life she let me treat her for what ever condition was at it's worst at that time.  Never once growling or showing her teeth.  When that final day came I had already talked to my vet about taking tissue samples after she'd gone.  Keira was a walking medical miracle she helped so much in life if she could help just ONE dog in the future that would make her life even more amazing.  Kee had a homoeopathic nosode made to help dogs with AF.  Like many of the dogs in these very sad stories you can not help but be in awe of theses amazing dogs.  Are hearts are all breaking but we have been so lucky.

shepherdhope

Phew, what a bittersweet thread.