Degenerative myelopathy
http://www.newbedford360.com/articles/articles/1079/1/Degenerative-myelopathy/Page1.html
Anchor Animal Hospital
Ancor's mission is to provide high quality medicine, surgery, and preventative veterinary care to the South Coast of Massachusetts and the eastern shore of Rhode Island. We strive to bring the latest technology and techniques in a friendly, personal atmosphere.Anchor Animal Hospital has been an accredited member of the American Animal Hospital Association since 1980. To achieve this we have regular reviews and inspections to make sure that we meet high standards and keep abreast with the latest technology and techniques.
Anchor Animal Hospital was one of the first veterinary hospitals in the South Coast of Massachusetts to bring ultrasound into veterinary practice. For 15 - 20 years we have been performing both abdominal ultrasound and echocardiograms (ultrasound of the heart). We now are offering referral ultrasounds to other local veterinary hospitals to help them take advantage of this very useful diagnostic tool.
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Anchor Animal Hospital
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By Anchor Animal Hospital
Published on 06/2/2009
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.
Degenerative myelopathy is a disease that affects the spinal cord of German Shepards and other...
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.
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.