Degenerative myelopathy (DM), also known as chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy (CDRM)

What is CDRM in Dogs To begin, lets start with the main types of breeds this disease affects: * Very commonly found within the German Shepherd dog breeds and also the GSD Crosses. * Boxers * Collies * Huskies * Bernese mountain dog, * Corgis * Certain retriever breeds * Poodles There may be others on the list few more on the list. If you are concerned because your dog is dragging their feet and knuckling a bit or swaying, we recommend that you urgently see a veterinarian practice and get a vet to have a look. The most common symptoms to look out for are: 1. Knuckling – this is where the dog walks on their knuckles and you see soars appearing on the knuckles. Here, we recommend that you place good solid strong boots on your dog. 2. Swaying – This where the dogs back legs sway as if drunken. 3. In the later stages, you will often find that the knuckling and swaying gets worse, and may get to a stage where the dog can no longer get up without assistance. There is no time limit as to how quickly this will happen and sometimes it may be a matter of weeks to months and other times, it may take a year or two years to get to this stage. You may also see in the later stages the dog starts to become incontinent. 4. In the more aggressive and severe instances, the disease may spread to the front legs. Degenerative myelopathy (DM), also known as chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy (CDRM), is said by some vets to not be a painful condition and although we cannot confirm this, we did notice that dogs with this condition are very keen to exercise. They find their new situation very frustrating due to this disability and the best form of exercises we can recommend here would be swimming through a qualified canine hydrotherapy centre that have the experience to treat such cases. The exact cause of chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy (CDRM) or Degenerative myelopathy (DM), is unknown. What is known is that the disease affects the spinal cord and that the white matter of the spinal cord degenerates over a period of time. There is currently no known cure for this. The sad fact is that all you can do is care for your dog as long as you can. Degenerative myelopathy (DM), chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy (CDRM) occurs mainly as the dogs age from 8 years upwards however, it may occur in dogs as young as 3 to 4. This is why its always best to see a veterinary practice and a vet can then rule out any other similar conditions such as spinal conditions which has similar symptoms to CDRM.

What causes DM?

The cause of degenerative myelopathy is unknown but what is known is that is that it is progressive eventually leading to becoming incontinent and the inability to walk. There is a very big range to products designed to help from mobility dog wheel chairs, to boots and even our own harnesses which are designed to help the handler and dog - GenX harness. Although supplements have been suggested none of these have been proven to slow down or stop the progression of CDRM. The supplements that have been discussed in the past have ranged from, Omega 3 vitamin A and E, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), coenzyme Q 10, S- Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe), N-Acetylcysteine, and taurine – most of these can normally be found in fresh fruit and veg. There is plenty of research available on these supplements through the various website but none have been proven. Conclusion: See your vet to confirm that it is indeed CDRM and if it is, consider a mobility harness such as the GenX to help you from the start and will become invaluable throughout for you and your dog.

What is Arthritis in Dogs and how Quincysdogs can help.

Arthritis is something that most dogs will get at some stage of their lives, and as this affects the joints, it makes the area quite swollen and is extremely painful for the dog.

The bones within a healthy dog would normally have smooth surfaces and fit perfectly within sockets. Whereas dogs with arthritis, the joints tend to be jagged and uneven. This causes them to rub against each other and is the cause of the swelling and discomfort. This is why they say that arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. Over time, new bone forms around the affected areas that are rubbing, making it harder for the dog to move. This is sometimes referred to as degenerative joint disease.

You would imagine arthritis would only affect older dogs; however, this is not the case. Too much exercise at a young age can also cause the bones to grow abnormally, which can lead onto arthritis at an early age. Arthritis is hereditary or genetic. It is commonly seen that larger breeds of dogs will be more susceptible to arthritis than the smaller breeds. Being overweight is another contributing factor for the onset of arthritis.

Unfortunately, once your dog has arthritis and the cartilage has been damaged all you can do is manage the condition. This is not as drastic as it may sound for your dog to live a pain free life, but it is advisable to seek professional medical help in managing the arthritis.

There are various treatment options available and weight management is crucial as well as controlled exercise. Your veterinary practice can discuss various plans ranging from drug therapy, pain medication, anti-inflammatory pills and in addition alternative therapy such as physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and acupuncture. The type of drugs your vet may discuss to treat arthritis could be cartilage protectors, NSAIDS-anti-inflammatory drugs, and food dietary supplements to promote healthy joints.

If your suspect that your dog has Arthritis - it is recommended to go and see your vet immediately. The symptoms to look out for include Limping,

At Quincysdogs, we care for each and every dog and feel the anguish the owners go through. Our GenX harness was specifically designed as an aid for dogs suffering from ailments such as cruciate ligament injuries, arthritis, spinal injuries and much more.

The Genx harness is a strong and lightweight harness, which is extremely easy to put on and take off, with only two clips to attach. The harness has extra padding on the neck strap, chest strap and tummy strap, to avoid chaffing. There are strong padded handles on the front section of the harness and also on the rear section of the harness. Additionally, there is a D ring on both the front and rear of the harness.

When a cruciate ligament injury occurs the dog will bear most of their weight on the functioning rear leg. This is how very often within a year; the dog develops a similar problem on the good leg. To avoid the possibility of this happening, the dog would need assistance. The back handles on the GenX harness are designed so you as the walker can assist your dog on walks. By using the back handles you are able to support your dog, by taking some of the weigh off. For more information please contact us directly or look at our videos at www.quincysdogs.co.uk

Arthritis is usually seen in middle aged to older dogs

Which dog breeds are the most prone to a Cruciate Ligament injury?

Acute or traumatic cruciate rupture is caused by a twisting injury to the knee joint of the dog

All dogs are susceptible to cruciate injuries however; certain dogs are more prone than others.

Here is a list of the dogs more likely (but not limited) to suffer a cruciate ligament:-

· Labrador retrievers

· Newfoundlands

· Border Collies

· German shepherds

· Rottweiler’s

· Saint Bernard

· Bullmastiff

· Akita

...the list is endless

The main cause for cruciate ligament injury is through placing weight on one leg whilst at the same time twisting or turning, this prompts the tendons to expand ever so slightly and over time this leads to a strain injury inevitably with the tendon tearing or snapping completely. We have other blogs where the cruciate ligament injury in dogs is explained in more detail, how, please click the link to see how you are able to dog right now with the aid of our products... click here