Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy Holistic Protocol for Dogs has been developed by a certified Master Herbalist and certified Canine Nutritionist with The Pet Health and Nutrition Center. Our DM Protocol is the finest coordination of science and research-based recommendations that include diet, supplementation and herbal remedies to help support your dog's neuromuscular system. Everyone here at The Pet Health and Nutrition Center truly cares and wants to help your dog feel better.
1. What is Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs?
Myelopathy is a disease of the spinal cord. It is often referred to as Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) because the condition is slowly progressive. It is an adult onset spinal cord disorder that affects dogs and is similar to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease in humans.
Dog degenerative myelopathy is believed to be caused by changes in the spinal cord, including damage to the surrounding myelin sheath, that is important to nerve transmission from the brain down the spinal cord. Damage to this nerve communication results in messages from a canine's brain not traveling down the spinal cord to the rest of the body as they should.
When Does DM Typically Occur?
Degenerative myelopathy in dogs is a progressive disease that comes on slowly. The disease typically begins to display in dogs between 5 and 14 years of age. It does not come on suddenly, so if there is a sudden onset of symptoms that mimic those of degenerative myelopathy then other disorders such as disk disease, disk herniation, spinal cord tumors, and FCE (a “stroke” in the spinal cord) should be investigated by a competent veterinary practitioner.
In What Dog Breeds is Degenerative Myelopathy Most Common?
DM is most common in several breeds including German Shepherds, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Boxers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Wire Fox Terriers and Standard Poodles. Other breeds predisposed to degenerative myelopathy include American Eskimos, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Borzois, Golden Retrievers, Great Pyrenees, Kerry Blue Terriers, Pugs, Shetland Sheepdogs and Wheaten Terriers. Even mixed breed dogs can be susceptible with both sexes of all breeds being equally affected by this condition.
DNA Testing for Degenerative Myelopathy
A DNA degenerative myelopathy test exists, available through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) that can clearly identify dogs that are clear of degenerative myelopathy; those who are carriers; and those who are at much higher risk for developing this disease. However, even those canines whose results show that they are at higher risk for developing degenerative myelopathy may not develop the disease. The degenerative myelopathy test does not diagnose DM, it only identifies the presence of normal or mutated genes. One version of the DM test, for dogs who are suspected of having degenerative myelopathy, requires a blood sample be submitted by your veterinarian, while the other requires a simple cheek swab and can be performed at home. Nevertheless, it is recommend having the degenerative myelopathy test performed and submitted in consultation with your veterinarian.
2. Causes & Symptoms of DM in Dogs
What are the Causes of DM in Canines?
While the majority of medical practitioners feel this degenerative condition is primarily related to a dog's genetic predisposition and write it off as having no known cure, others feel very differently. Knowledgeable holistic veterinarians suspect that degenerative myelopathy in dogs is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's own defenses (antibodies) attack the body's own proteins (spinal cord protein). Even though there may be a genetic predisposition in some animals, a primary suspected contributing factor in dogs developing DM is vaccinations. This is because vaccinated animals have higher levels of autoantibodies, the antibodies responsible for autoimmune conditions, circulating in their blood stream. Over-exposure to toxins from repeated vaccinations, flea and tick chemicals, poor quality food or the environment can also be contributing factors to degenerative myelopathy in dogs.
Other possible causes of myelopathy symptoms include damage to disks, spinal misalignment, spinal tumor or even hypothyroidism. These other possible causes should be investigated by a competent veterinarian or, better yet, a canine chiropractor because they may not be indicative of degenerative myelopathy in dogs. A typical allopathic veterinarian may just write these symptoms off as degenerative myelopathy and tell you there is nothing you can do.
The graphic below depicts a healthy nerve (left) and a nerve with a damaged myelin sheath covering (right).
What are the Symptoms of DM in a Dog?
Initial symptoms of degenerative myelopathy in dogs include loss of coordination in rear limbs, wobbling when walking, rear feet knuckling under and/or dragging. Very often a clear sign of canine DM is when the rear nails start to become very worn. A quick test you can perform at home is to gently bend a rear paw under so the knuckles are on the ground and see if your dog quickly readjusts his foot so the pad is back on the ground. Dogs with degenerative myelopathy will often not realize the paw is knuckled under or be very slow to set the paw properly on the ground.
As the disease progresses, the limbs become weak and the canine begins to buckle and has difficulty standing. The weakness gets progressively worse until the dog is unable to walk. The clinical course can range from 6 months to 1 year before dogs become paraplegic. If signs progress for a longer period of time, loss of urinary and fecal continence may occur and eventually weakness will develop in the front limbs. Another key feature of degenerative myelopathy in dogs is that it is not a painful disease because of the loss of nerve transmission.
3. Standard Veterinary Medicine Treatment for DM in Canines
In standard western veterinarian medicine the dog degenerative myelopathy treatment procedure would be to attempt to reduce the immune response in a canine by using corticosteroids or NSAIDs, neither of which are an effective stand-alone treatment for this condition. Antioxidants may be recommended as a treatment and this is a good idea. However, synthetic, isolated vitamins and minerals are typically used as a dog degenerative myelopathy treatment. The body treats synthetic chemicals typically found in most multivitamin supplements more like drugs, causing a dog's liver and kidneys more work only to have the majority end up being eliminated in the urine. We feel that the best way to feed a canine's body is with whole foods that are easily recognized and metabolized by the body often resulting in exceptional healing results.
4. Holistic Degenerative Myelopathy Protocol for Dogs
The goal of our Holistic DM Protocol for Dogs is to provide the body with the high-value nutrition it needs to heal and rebalance itself. In the case of dogs with DM this includes mitigating undesirable symptoms when appropriate while working to slow the degenerative process that is occurring, repair damaged myelin sheath and promote your dog's lean muscle mass.* At the same time, in a holistic fashion, we want to educate you and help you to remove any contributing factors to your canine's degenerative myelopathy whether these are in your pet's diet, environment or occur during veterinary visits. We do not necessarily know the root cause(s) of this degenerative condition in your particular animal (outside of genetics), but we do know from our research and experience the primary contributing factors in most cases of degenerative myelopathy in dogs.
Please note: It is important that degenerative myelopathy is recognized and a holistic treatment regimen for your dog is begun as early as possible to give your animal the best chance for a longer quality of life. Dog degenerative myelopathy treatment begun when the unfortunate canine is unable to stand anymore is most likely a little late in the trajectory of this condition. It doesn't mean you can't try our holistic DM protocol at this later date (see Karma video above!), it just means the chances for a return to higher quality health for your canine may be decreased.
What can I expect for my dog with degenerative myelopathy?
1). An improved quality of life for as long as possible. For the majority of our clients this means that their canine will feel and act better than they have in a while. There are no other supplements that provide results comparable to our holistic DM protocol. We make this assertion based on feedback received from clients that have used other supplements for dog with degenerative myelopathy found online.
2). Some dogs do not respond as hoped to our holistic DM protocol. We believe this is related to a much more serious autoimmune reaction in these animals, that destroys tissue faster, when compared with canines that respond better. Some clients will not be able to walk and after a few weeks on our degenerative myelopathy supplement therapy will be up walking and playing with their ball. Other, often younger dogs (frequently German Shepherds and Boxers), may continue a gradual decline for reasons that have to do with their underlying physiology and we are working to understand this better.
Degenerative Myelopathy Video Testimonial
Below is a video testimonial for our degenerative myelopathy treatment protocol for dogs. We wish we could tell you that your dog will respond as Neko has, however DM displays differently in each individual canine so results will vary.
Neko's parents write: Today is Neko's 8th Birthday! Dave & I can't thank you enough, if it was not for you and your holistic products and caring advice, we would not have Neko here with us today... I've attached a video of Neko barking at the next door neighbor's dog, and some 8th Birthday pix.. THANK YOU!!! Allison & Dave C.
Core DM Recommendations Suggested remedies are included in the Core Degenerative Myelopathy Package found below.
Our "Core Recommendations" form the backbone of our Holistic Degenerative Myelopathy Protocol. They consist of the supplement recommendations we feel are the most important to provide to your animal companion for DM. Supplements are displayed individually or as a package at the bottom of this page along with other helpful remedies from which you may make additional selections.
A complimentary DM Help Sheet is included with every core DM package purchase. If you require more direction to discuss dog degenerative myelopathy treatment options please feel free to use our Email Consultation Form.
Core Recommendation #1 - Daily Multi Plus
Our Daily Multi Plus is formulated with organic, whole foods that are extremely important to an animal's nutritional needs but are often missing from the majority of canine and feline diets. This special formula provides the enzymes, probiotics, prebiotics, glandulars, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients that are so beneficial to the body's daily maintenance and repair needs for healthy aging. In this formula you will find the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants recommended by the veterinariy in dogs - only in an organic, whole food form! Feeding a dog or cat organic, whole foods is holistic therapy for DM at its best!
Core Recommendation #2 - Myelin Sheath
During the degenerative process of DM the dog's myelin sheath surrounding the spinal cord is broken down. This occurs in what is suspected to be an autoimmune reaction as the body's own antibodies attack and destroy the proteins in the myelin. As the process continues the canine goes from bad to worse as it becomes more difficult for the neural impulses to travel down the spinal cord to the animal's hindquarters. This myelin sheath glandular contains proteins believed to be important in the process of myelination, which is the production of myelin. This is exactly what we are looking for to counter the demyelination, or destruction of myelin, that occurs with DM and makes a wonderful dog degenerative myelopathy holistic treatment therapy.
Core Recommendation #3 - Nerve Tonic
Since the damage from degenerative myelopathy targets the nervous system, a Nerve Tonic can be a very beneficial holistic therapy for canines. This organic, herbal supplement contains St. John's Wort, an herb renowned for its ability to rebuild damaged nerves. This herbal remedy also contains nerve tonics like skullcap, oat straw and gotu kola that are important to the health of the nervous system. This wonderful herbal supplement was formulated by a certified Master Herbalist and is a strong weapon against the debilitation seen in a dog with degenerative myelopathy.
Core Recommendation #4 - Immune Balance
Degenerative myelopathy is an autoimmune condition in canines in which the body's white blood cells attack its own tissue. There is existing research that indicates herbs that are beneficial for this type of condition and newer research that shows a constituent in hydrangea root that can halt the progress of autoimmune conditions. We have provided these herbs in our Immune Balance to act as a holistic immune system modulator for dogs with DM.
Highly Recommended
With a degenerative condition like DM, in which a canine needs the highest value nutrition possible to provide the body with what it needs for healing, we highly recommend a raw food diet. Raw food is how carnivores, like canines and felines, have evolved to eat and they do best on a high protein, low carbohydrate diet. This is, unfortunately, the opposite of how most pets are fed since the majority of commercial diets are low protein with 50% or more carbohydrates.
In addition, kibble diets are harder for an animal to digest and this is the last thing a dog with degenerative myelopathy needs at this point. Since proteins are being broken down in the autoimmune process (many believe DM is an autoimmune condition) and there is usually muscle wasting that accompanies degenerative myelopathy in dogs, without the right nutrition that is easily digested, absorbed and metabolized your animal will have a more difficult time getting better. If a raw food diet is not your cup of tea, the next best thing would be a cooked, whole food diet. There are now many quality premixes to choose from to which you can add your own raw or cooked meat. If you decide to make a homemade diet for your canine please research the proper way to do this and make sure to add a calcium source. For a quick and easy way to add high-quality protein for your dog with degenerative myelopathy take a look at our Whey Protein Isolate. For more information read our article How to Feed Your Dog that can be found in our Education section.
Lion’s mane mushroom is one of nature’s most powerful brain foods because it helps stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production. NGF is a neuropeptide that helps maintain neurons, which are the cells responsible for helping your dog's brain process and transmit information. This mushroom has been shown to regenerate damaged nerve cells, which means it may be a particularly beneficial holistic dog degenerative myelopathy treatment therapy for those with advancing neurodegenerative diseases like DM. We are excited our research to further help our canine DM clients has brought us to this supplement!
This special blend of four unique algae was developed by a Russian Scientist, Dr. Michael Kiriac after decades of research. It is grown in controlled hydroponic conditions so it is the purest microalgae supplement on the planet. Its thousand of nutrients are so bioavailable they do not have to be digested, they easily pass through a canine's digestive tract and feed cells on a cellular level. BioPreparation can cross the blood brain barrier to feed a dog's brain, support the hypothalamus to help balance the entire endocrine system and even cross the blood retinal barrier to nurture a canine's eyes. We have had outstanding success with this product and it is highly recommended as part of a holistic protocol for degenerative myelopathy in dogs. Select the F3+ Forte for this condition.
Our elk velvet antler contains all the nutrients necessary for a dog's joint health and repair in one whole food product. But the most important nutrients for those suffering with a degenerative disease are the IGF and EGF growth factors that help to repair damaged tissue and maintain/increase lean muscle mass. Highly recommended as part of a holistic dog degenerative myelopathy treatment protocol.
Enzymes can reduce inflammation and be very beneficial for degenerative myelopathy in dogs. These enzymes can help to reduce damage to the nerve cells that occurs during the autoimmune process of demyelination. However, it should be done in a way that will benefit the immune system, not fight it and suppress it as do steroids and NSAIDs. Suppressing a dog's immune system with drugs is unhealthy and dangerous with not only potentially severe side effects but the greater possibility of cancer and other serious disease in the future. Using systemic enzymes between meals on an empty stomach allows these enzymes to enter the blood stream where they eliminate waste and harmful proteins to reduce inflammation and balance the immune system in a safe, holistic manner in a canine with DM.
Other Recommendations
Omega 3 fatty acids are renowned for their anti-inflammatory benefits in dogs. They are particularly important to brain health because lipids, such as omega 3's, comprise a significant portion of this organ. One recent study found that aging humans who consumed more omega-3s had increased gray matter brain tissue volume and development. Omega 3's not only support brain cell structure, but they increase the production of vital neurotransmitters which on their own could play an important role as a holistic dog degenerative myelopathy treatment.
Colostrum contains proline-rich polypeptides and other constituents that help to regulate inflammation and the immune system both of which are hyper-excited when an autoimmune condition is present. In addition, colostrum contains growth factors needed to regenerate damaged tissue. Colostrum can make an effective part of your holistic therapy protocol for degenerative myelopathy in dogs.
This is a highly bioavailable form of protein for a canine with DM. Whey protein isolate is an important supplement to consider to help prevent muscle wasting and improve lean muscle mass in dogs with degenerative myelopathy in a safe, holistic manner. Highly recommended for dogs with DM, especially when low-protein kibble pet foods are being provided to a dog, or as an economical protein source when a raw or cooked whole food diet is too expensive for those large breed canines with DM.
Homeopathic Remedy Hypericum Perforatum (Hypericum)
Hypericum perforatum is the Latin name for St. John's Wort. This herb is found in our Nerve Tonic because it is well known for helping with nerve damage. Homeopathic remedies work on an energetic level, so it would make sense that this would be able to help animals with nerve damage, like that found with degenerative myelopathy. A study was performed using rats with damaged nerves and showed faster and better recovery of regenerated nerve axons. The conclusion was that "Hypericum improves functional recovery of peripheral nerve regeneration."(1) This may be huge for pets with nerve damage and is a new addition to our protocol. Use 30C twice daily for at least a month and reevaluate. Place remedy in fold at corner of your dog's mouth. Purchase online.
Acupuncture
The use of acupuncture is believed to improve the flow of blocked or stagnant qi (energy). This type of treatment may be able to help improve the neuromuscular weakness in a dog with degenerative myelopathy. To find a practitioner in your area you can visit the AHVMA website and click on "Find a Member".
Vaccinations and Toxins
Vaccinations and/or toxins from topical flea and tick products, household cleaners and lawn chemicals may contribute to degenerative myelopathy in dogs. Vaccinations should be avoided for those canines with DM and you should be able to get an exemption for the rabies vaccination for your DM dog with a letter from your vet because dogs with autoimmune conditions should not be vaccinated (read our article: Are You Over Vaccinating Your Dog or Cat). Topical pesticide products would be a big 'no' for your canine and you should eliminate their exposure to household and lawn chemicals for the good of your dog's long term health because all of these chemicals can increase the intensity of autoimmune conditions like DM. A successful holistic dog degenerative myelopathy treatment protocol incorporates taking the "whole" animal into consideration (diet, supplementation, environment and health care) and in doing so try to make choices that are the healthiest and safest possible for your canine companion.
Exercise and Other Complimentary Approaches
Weight bearing exercise is very important for degenerative myelopathy in dogs. By exercising your canine you will help to maintain or potentially increase lean muscle mass. This will extend the time for which your dog is mobile. Exercise also acts to benefit the lymphatic system helping the body to eliminate metabolic waste.
In a study conducted at the University of Berne in Switzerland, researchers determined that dogs who received intensive physical rehabilitation survived longer than dogs who received moderate or no physiotherapy. Their results also demonstrated that dogs who received physical rehabilitation remained ambulatory longer than dogs who did not receive treatment. It is important not to overdo these exercise sessions. Smaller more frequent sessions may be better than one longer, more demanding one and your dog shouldn't be brought to the point of heavy panting and obvious stress.
Chiropractic and acupuncture can be part of a holistic dog degenerative myelopathy treatment protocol as they are beneficial in maintaining an animal's spinal alignment and increasing energy flow, blood flow and nutrient supply to tissue in the rear of the body.
If your dog's DM condition deteriorates there is equipment designed to assist your canine's mobility. There are booties to protect back paws that may drag and become irritated, slings to assist you in helping your dog as well as devices with wheels to more directly help your canine maintain his own mobility.
References
Degenerative myelopathy testing: A DNA test for DM. Retrieved from http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/DM/testDM.htm
Troxel, M. (June 20, 2011). Symptoms of degenerative myelopathy. Retrieved from http://www.ivghospitals.com/specialty-services/symptoms-of-degenerative-myleopathy/
Degenerative myelopathy: Fact sheet. Retrieved from http://www.gavetrehab.com/files/GVR-Degenerative-Myelopathy-Fact-Sheet.pdf
Top 7 Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Backed by Science). Retrieved from: https://blog.kettleandfire.com/lions-mane-mushroom/
Hoffman, D. (2003). Medical herbalism: The science and practice of herbal medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
Kidd, R. (2000). Dr. Kidd’s guide to herbal dog care. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing.
Messonnier, S. (2001). Natural health bible for dogs & cats: You’re a-z guide to over 200 conditions, herbs, vitamins and supplements. New York, NY: Three Rivers Press.
Murray, M. T., & Pizzorno, J. E. (1998). Encyclopedia of natural medicine (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Three Rivers Press.
Pitcairn R. H., & Hubble-Pitcairn S. (1995). Dr. Pitcairn’s complete guide to natural health for dogs & cats. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, Inc.
Pitchford, P. (2002). Healing with whole foods: Asian traditions and modern nutrition (3rd ed.). Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
Puotinen, CJ. (2000). The encyclopedia of natural pet care (2nd ed.). Los Angeles, CA: Keats Publishing.
Tilford, G. L., & Wulff, M. L. (2009). Herbs for pets: The natural way to enhance your pet’s life. (2nd ed.). Irvine, CA: BowTie Press.
Thibodeau, G.A., & Patton, K.T. (2008). Structure & function of the body. St. Louis, MO: Mosby.
5. Natural Remedies for Dogs with Degenerative Myelopathy
