Hello,

I will be taking my pup in to a specialist to check out her back end. She has been dragging mostly her back right leg. To the point where she has almost worn off all
of her nail and getting close to the quick. I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for paw protection?

Thank You..
Susan

I had a GSD x Dane in the 70s - 80s that had this but, at the time there wasn't much that could be done.

The only good news was my vet told me there was no pain involved because of the nerve damage.

This was a 130lb dog and it eventually came to having him put down.

Hopefully there are better ways of treating this today.

He was nine when this developed.

I have a rescue dog who has similar problems like your's. He hasn't been examined properly and so I thought I jusr had to train him within the problems he has. ( for those who don't know: In hin previous life he must have suffered probably various stong blows on his head, has problems with his balnace, orientation, coordination.) Untreatable the vet said. But he is treatable.
He has learned to climb a long stairway, also to lift himself up on his hind feet, though only for a short moment. We also trained swimming. after the first insecurity he swims nwq quite well, but not for long diastances. In the beginning he didn't find his way out of the pool, he swam against the walls. Meanwhile he has understood, where the exit is. He has great difficulties then to master those steps, but he he can now, though I have always to be with him in the water in order to support him.

I don't know if the two cases can be campared, but somehow it gives me that impression.Yout question has motivated me to go again to a Vet and insist on examining yhoroughly.

I've been googling about this and have found varios sitrd. E.g. https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/degenerative-myelopathy-in-dogs/
although your dog seems to suffer from a degenerative idesease, mine seems to be harmed severly from the blows. But I can't exclude if there is an additional reasion in his previous life, which led to his symptoms, perhaps additionally to the blows.

Maybe the linkI put here can give some hints. Although there actually is no direct cure, but there are measures to help this dog in varios ways and make his life more comfortable. I wish you all good luck!

Thank You Christina and Bob,

Last time i was at the Vet they gave me some information about DNA testing for Degenerative Myelopathy. As that is what the Vet said was causing the dragging.
I found the paper work and will be submitting a DNA sample. I also have been told there are possibly medications to strengthen the legs.

Here is a link that has more info on Myelopathy.

http://www.ofa.org/diseases/dna-tested-diseases/dm

Thanks again,
Susan

Thanks for the article Susan. Very interesting.

Has the vet given you any long term relief on the DM?

When my dog had it was 40 yrs ago and it was progressive at that time.