K9 Carts Glossary

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

is characterized by a progressive rear limb weakness or paresis.  It typically occurs in older dogs and is often confused with osteoarthritis.  The disease is progressive.  Some call DM the canine equivalent of multiple sclerosis (MS).  There are no definitive tests for DM.  DM is suspected when all other neurological and orthopedic diagnoses are ruled out.  German shepherd and Corgis are two breeds that are over-represented with DM. A K-9 Cart may extend the quality of life for a pet with DM for several years.