Degenerative Myelopathy: Early Signs, Smart Training & How to Slow Progression

This week, my world shifted. My beautiful girl Shadow had her first knee done last year and it really knocked her around. Her recovery was slow. My vet and I discussed the possibility of Degenerative Myelopathy. This week we went in for a check-up and assessment to see how Shadow was progressing, and to determine whether she should have her second knee done — or if it was, in fact, Degenerative Myelopathy. It breaks my heart to say Shadow was diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy- a progressive spinal disease that slowly takes away strength for their back legs. You start noticing a slight wobble, or them dragging their toes, hesitation on steps, and the next thing you're hearing the words that are heavy and permanent.

If you are reading this because you’re worried about your own dog, I want you to know two things: you’re not alone, and this is not the end. In this blog, I’m going to explain what Degenerative Myelopathy is, the early signs many owners miss, how to slow its progression with science-backed strategies, and how to help your dog live fully, confidently and with dignity. I am also going to Share with you what this diagnosis means for my Shadow— and the heartbreak, determination, and hope that comes with it. Because even in devastation, there is still so much we can do.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a progressive neurological disease that affects the spinal cord, most commonly in middle-aged to older dogs. It is often compared to ALS (Motor Neurone Disease) in humans because it involves the gradual degeneration of the white matter tracts in the spinal cord that carry signals between the brain and the back legs. Over time, those nerve pathways lose their ability to communicate effectively, meaning the brain is still telling the legs to move — but the message simply isn’t getting through properly. DM is not painful in itself, which can make it even more confusing and heartbreaking. Dogs are usually bright, happy, and willing… their body just doesn’t respond the way it used to.

With Shadow, the signs were easy to overlook at first. She has always been one of the “lazier” Border Collies — happy to potter rather than power around — so subtle slowing didn’t immediately raise alarm bells. At nine years old she was diagnosed with a disc injury, and I had her thoroughly assessed to rule out neurological issues. At that stage, she had none. We supported her with acupuncture and deep tissue massage, and she managed well.

Last year, while she was already going under anaesthetic for another issue, I asked for a full body X-ray to check how her spine was progressing. Around that time, she was having more trouble getting up and down, struggling with stairs, and generally slowing more than I expected. That’s when we discovered the issue wasn’t her back at all — it was both knees. After surgery, Shadow refused to weight bear properly on her operated leg, and her recovery was slower than typical. That’s when I started paying closer attention to the other subtle signs.

I noticed occasional knuckling of her back paws. When she was tired, she would drag her toes slightly along the ground. She became hesitant going downhill. There were moments where her back feet would stand closer together than normal. Sometimes her hips would sway gently when she walked. On slippery floors she seemed less confident. Rising from lying down took more effort. There were brief moments where her back legs crossed slightly when turning. These were small, inconsistent changes — easy to attribute to surgery recovery or ageing — but together they painted a different picture.

Early signs of Degenerative Myelopathy can include:

• Mild hind limb weakness

• Subtle wobbling or swaying at the hips

• Scuffing or dragging of back toes (often worn nails on the top)

• Occasional knuckling of the hind paws

• Crossing of the back legs when walking or turning

• Difficulty rising from lying or sitting

• Hesitation on stairs or hills

• Slipping more frequently on smooth surfaces

• Standing with back feet positioned unusually close together

• Reduced muscle tone in the hindquarters over time

• Fatiguing more quickly on walks

Because DM is painless and progresses gradually, these signs are often mistaken for arthritis, post-surgical weakness, spinal injury, or “just getting older.” But DM is progressive — meaning the neurological weakness slowly increases over months to years. Catching it early doesn’t change the diagnosis, but it changes how we respond. And how we respond can make a meaningful difference.

Shadow in her prime

So I have spent a lot of time this week doing further research to get a better understanding to try and get some more answers. While Degenerative Myelopathy can technically affect any breed, research has shown that some breeds are significantly more predisposed than others. The condition is most commonly diagnosed in German Shepherd Dogs, and much of the early research into DM was conducted within this breed. Boxers and Pembroke Welsh Corgis also have a notably high prevalence, particularly due to a genetic mutation linked to the disease. Other breeds frequently reported include Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Golden Retrievers, and, less commonly but still recognised, Border Collies.

The increased risk in these breeds is largely associated with a mutation in the SOD1 gene. This gene plays a role in protecting nerve cells from damage. When mutated, it is linked to the degeneration of the spinal cord seen in DM. However, it is important to understand that genetic testing indicates risk — not certainty. Some dogs can carry two copies of the mutation and never develop clinical Degenerative Myelopathy, while in rare cases, dogs may show symptoms despite testing negative. The presence of the gene does not automatically mean a diagnosis is inevitable.

Most dogs that develop Degenerative Myelopathy begin showing signs later in life, typically from eight years of age onward, with many cases presenting between nine and thirteen years. In highly athletic or working breeds, early weakness can sometimes be masked by muscle strength and drive, which may delay recognition of the subtle neurological changes.

For breeds like the Border Collie, DM is not the most statistically common diagnosis compared to German Shepherds or Corgis, but it is certainly documented. And as many owners discover, when your dog is the one affected, statistics matter very little. What matters most is early recognition, informed management, and doing everything possible to support strength, mobility, and quality of life for as long as we can.

A diagnosis of Degenerative Myelopathy changes the future — but it does not take away the present. While we cannot cure DM, we can absolutely influence how well and how long a dog maintains mobility, confidence, and quality of life. Management becomes intentional. It becomes proactive. And for us, it became about making immediate changes for Shadow.

The first shift we made was within our home. Shadow no longer uses stairs at all. We’ve blocked access completely to remove the risk of slipping or straining as coordination changes. We’ve minimised her exposure to slippery floors by adding non-slip runners and guiding her movement through safer pathways. These small environmental changes instantly reduce falls and builds confidence.

On the physical support side, Shadow continues with deep tissue massage to maintain circulation, flexibility, and muscle health. On our walks, we now intentionally seek out slight inclines so she can gently engage her hind end and maintain strength. The walks are slower, more purposeful, and always stopped before fatigue sets in. We have also introduced specific strengthening exercises at home — controlled sit-to-stands, balance work, and proprioception exercises to keep those neurological pathways firing for as long as possible.

Nutrition has become even more important. We have increased omega-3 rich foods to support anti-inflammatory and neurological health, and Shadow has lost a little more weight — which is absolutely crucial. Every extra kilogram places additional strain on weakening limbs. Keeping her lean is one of the most powerful ways we can support her mobility long term.

Mobility aids are something I am open to using early, not late. If she needs a rear support harness to help her balance on harder days, we will use one. We already use a pram to allow her to still come on big outings with us, when she tires we pop her in. Inclusion matters. Routine matters. Being part of life matters.

Managing Degenerative Myelopathy isn’t about restricting life — it’s about adapting it. It’s about protecting strength where we can, reducing unnecessary strain, and giving our dogs the best possible quality of life for as long as possible. With thoughtful adjustments, consistent exercise, weight control, and supportive care, we are choosing to focus not on what DM may take — but on what we can still preserve.

If you are reading this and know of any emerging research, clinical trials, rehabilitation protocols, or studies around Degenerative Myelopathy that may help — please reach out to me at chasingperfectiondogtraining@gmail.com. I am absolutely open to learning, collaborating, and exploring anything evidence-based that could give Shadow the best possible fighting chance. The average progression after diagnosis varies, but many dogs lose independent mobility within 6–24 months as the disease advances. That statistic is heavy to sit with. But statistics are averages — not guarantees. With Shadow, we are not passively accepting a timeline. We are committing to proactive management, structured exercise, weight control, home modifications, and every supportive strategy available to us. If there is something more we could be doing, I want to know. Because she deserves every possible good day — and we intend to extend them for as long as we can.

Degenerative Myelopathy may be part of our story now — but it does not define it. Shadow is still Shadow. She still wags her tail, still watches me closely, still wants to be involved in everything we do. This diagnosis has brought heartbreak, yes — but it has also brought clarity. Clarity to slow down. To be intentional. To notice the small wins. To fight for strength, for dignity, for quality of life. If you are walking this path with your own dog, know that you are not powerless. There is so much we can do. And while we cannot control the disease, we can control how we show up for them — every single day. 🐾💛

References

Awano, T., Johnson, G. S., Wade, C. M., et al. (2009). Genome-wide association analysis reveals a SOD1 mutation in canine degenerative myelopathy that resembles amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 106(8), 2794–2799. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0812297106

Coates, J. R., & Wininger, F. A. (2010). Canine degenerative myelopathy. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 40(5), 929–950. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2010.05.001

Kathmann, I., Cizinauskas, S., Doherr, M. G., et al. (2006). Daily controlled physiotherapy increases survival time in dogs with suspected degenerative myelopathy. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 20(4), 927–932.

American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). (n.d.). Degenerative myelopathy in dogs.

University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. (n.d.). Canine degenerative myelopathy and SOD1 genetic testing information.

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). (n.d.). Degenerative Myelopathy DNA testing and breed statistics.