PPB Lazarus Jon Turpin inherited one copy of the variant we tested for Degenerative Myelopathy, DM
This variant should not impact Lazzy’s health. This variant is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that a dog needs two copies of the variant to show signs of this condition. Lazzy is unlikely to develop this condition due to this variant because he only has one copy of the variant.
Your dog carries this variant and will pass it on to ~50% of his offspring. You can email breeders@embarkvet.com to discuss with a genetic counselor how the genotype results should be applied to a breeding program.
The dog equivalent of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, DM is a progressive degenerative disorder of the spinal cord. Because the nerves that control the hind limbs are the first to degenerate, the most common clinical signs are back muscle wasting and gait abnormalities.
Affected dogs do not usually show signs of DM until they are at least 8 years old.
Definitive diagnosis requires microscopic analysis of the spinal cord after death. However, veterinarians use clues such as genetic testing, breed, age, and other diagnostics to determine if DM is the most likely cause of your dog’s clinical signs.
As dogs are seniors at the time of onset, the treatment for DM is aimed towards increasing their comfort through a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and physical therapy.
- Talk to your vet about your dog’s degenerative myelopathy result, as it may influence how they monitor your dog’s mobility and overall health, especially in their senior years.
- Keep your dog active with regular, low-impact exercise to help them maintain a healthy weight and support their mobility.
- Watch for changes in movement, such as wobbling, reluctance to jump, or dragging their back paws, and consult your vet if you notice any of these signs.
- Provide good traction in your home with rugs or mats to help prevent slipping as your dog ages. If mobility becomes difficult, ask your vet about supportive devices such as harnesses or wheelchairs.