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This
article first appeared in the November 4th, 2004 issue of the
Boxer Ring.
Dealing with Degenerative Myelopathy in Boxers
By:
Tracy L. Hendrickson Website:
Sunchase Boxers
Email: Brindoll@cox.net
Melanie Seaman, P.T., A.T.C., S.C.S., C.S.C.S. (Physical
Therapist)
We cherish every day with our Boxers. Each day
you get to spend with your Boxer after he reaches 10 years of
age is more of a blessing. We, as their life long caregivers,
need to uphold their health, well-being and comfort.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a slow progressive wasting
disease of the hindquarters most often seen in German Shepherds
but affects Boxers as well. Too often these dogs are put to
sleep even though their minds and front ends are healthy.
DM is similar to multiple sclerosis in people.
It affects the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of
the brain and spinal cord. The CNS is responsible for carrying
nerve impulses or messages to and from the muscles. Axons carry
these messages and are similar to electrical wires. As with
electrical wires, axons require insulation. Without insulation,
the message leaks out. In the progression of DM, the myelin
sheath (insulation) on the axon is damaged or slowly destroyed
rendering the muscle incapable of carrying out a movement.
Many of the following exercises were originally
used with MS patients and have been adapted for use with dogs.
If your Boxer has been diagnosed with DM, you
can immediately start with a series of exercises to keep or
build muscle tone and perhaps slow the disease process.
DM can be divided into 4 progressive stages:
1. Toe dragging or knuckling over.
2. Crossing of the back legs and mild loss of side-to-side
hip control.
3. Moderate to severe loss of side-to-side hip control to
the point of no control.
4. Total hind end paralysis.
To date there is no cure for DM, however, there
are several additional measures you can take that will help slow
its progression, therefore maintaining your dog’s quality of
life.
Keep your dog at his appropriate weight. Extra
weight will make his symptoms worse and add more stress to his
joints. Aerobic workouts will be easier for a dog that is not
overweight.
In the beginning stages of the disease, swimming
and walking are the two most important exercises. (See
How to
Teach Your Boxer to Swim. This article first appeared in the
September/October 2004 issue of the
Boxer Ring).
Accessibility and conditions permitting, swimming will increase
muscle tone and allow movement with little stress on the joints.
Daily walks help build strength since gravity is involved.
It is best to exercise your dog every other day, giving him a
day of rest for strained muscles to rest and build up strength.
Start with 5-10 minutes every other day for 2 weeks. Increase to
30 minutes twice a week plus a long walk of 1 hour once a week.
Walking uphill does wonders to build up the hindquarters. Never
exercise your dog to the point of fatigue. Keep your dog cool
during walks; symptoms often worsen if the dog becomes
overheated. If your dog’s back toenails begin to wear to the
point of bleeding, use "doggie booties" to protect the nails and
pads. The booties will also help stabilize his back end and may
be worn around the house as well. Give your dog adequate rest.
He will want to sleep more, so let him.
(
click picture to enlarge)
  Lateral
stabilization exercises will help with hip control. Position the
dogs rear legs about a hips width apart. Lightly push hips to
the left to the point that the dog resists. Hold for 2-3
seconds. Repeat 10 times. Repeat the process pushing to the
right side. This can be done on a daily basis.
(
click picture to enlarge)
The “stepping exercise” is great for gaining
hind end muscle tone. Hold the dogs front legs up and slowly
take 5 steps forward and 5 steps backward. Repeat this 3-5 times
on a daily basis.
(click picture to enlarge
 )
  The
“alternate leg weight bearing exercise” helps with balance and
hind end control. Pick up the dog’s right front leg and the left
rear leg and hold for 30 seconds. Switch legs and repeat 5 times
on a daily basis.
(
click picture to enlarge)
Encourage your dog to jump up for treats. You
know your dog’s limitations. Try to get him to reach to the
point that he is just able to grasp the treat. Repeat 10 times
daily. (click picture to enlarge
)
 Slowly
push your dog into a sit and then bring him back to a standing
position. This will build his back hip muscles. Repeat 5 times
on a daily basis.
(
click picture to enlarge)
Dogs that are totally paralyzed need therapeutic
massages on their back legs. Slight stretching motions will help
circulation as well.
Use of a Dog Cart and Hind End Slings
Some owners of DM dogs use a cart when their dog is no longer
able to walk without help. Have your dog measured for external
aids early in the disease process while he is still able to
stand upright. Most dogs start in a standard rear wheel cart
that allows them to use a normal stride, and they are used as
walkers. As they loose sensation in their feet, start
“knuckling” and loose motor function in their legs, they
graduate to the use of stirrups. See
HandicappedPets.com for
cart information. Expect to pay $325- $400 for a cart that will
fit your Boxer. Finding a used one is great, but make sure it
fits your dog’s height and length measurements. There is even
chat group devoted to “wheelchair dogs.”
Some owners of DM dogs use a cart when their dog
is no longer able to get around without help. It is best to have
your dog measured for a proper fit early on in the disease
process, while he is still able to stand upright. See
HandicappedPets.com for
cart information. There is even chat group devoted to
“wheelchair dogs.”
  Use
the cart for exercise purposes around the house and back yard.
Never leave your dog unattended in a cart. Make sure your dog
always has a positive experience in his cart. The first few
times your dog uses his cart will be stressful but with help
from you he will acclimate to this new attachment to his body.
Encouraging him with his favorite toy or treat will help. A cart
may not be the right choice for your dog. It will depend greatly
on his attitude towards his disability. Canine hip slings
function to “wheelbarrow” your dog’s hind end around. The handle
of the hip sling helps you distribute your dogs weight evenly
onto his front end and also helps prevent you from straining
your back. Taking your Boxer for a daily walk may no longer be
an option for you. Using a child’s wagon (padded with blankets)
is great for getting your dog outdoors for fresh air and mental
stimulation.
Bowel and Bladder Control
Bladder and bowel control is a problem for many DM dogs.
Remember that you are trying to maintain as much quality of life
for your dog as possible. Not every dog is a fighter, and you
cannot fight this fight for him. For an owner or caregiver, the
last stage of this disease (total paralysis) is very time
consuming. You may have time for little else. Cleaning up after
your dog will become a large part of your daily routine.
HandicappedPets.com has
many useful items for the incontinent dog. An excellent article
on bowel and bladder control can be obtained at the same web
address. Use the “SERVICES/ARTICLES”
link to the article.
When to Let Go
When you feel that your dog has given up and you decide that the
time has come to release him to the bridge, do not feel guilty.
Many dogs will “ask” to be put down. This is a decision you and
your dog will make together. You must honestly ask yourself,
“when does his quality of life end?” Euthanasia may be the
kindest thing you can do for your dog under the circumstances,
knowing you supported and aided your Boxer to live his life
fully in the company of someone who loved him.
“All dogs DO RUN IN HEAVEN.”
This article is available in
digital format
with the hyperlinks to all sites and to pass on to others.
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