mypretti
(Know it all)
Fri Nov 06 '09 01:37 AM
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Degenerative Myelopathy
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Hi all, I'm sorry I haven't been on the Planet in awhile, we've been dealt a difficult hand that has taken up all our time. Long story short, since July, Jessy has slowly been losing her ability to know where her back right leg is and has increasingly been dragging it, knuckling the toes and having it give out or slide out beneath her. She's also lost a total of 7lbs in 8 weeks. With Bruce and Lori's support, we've seen a specialist, had a lot of tests run, and ruled out Degenerative Disk Disease (the vets treated it with prednizone which has had no effect on Jessy), Cancer and Encephalitis (all the blood tests and ex-rays came back normal).
We also had a fairly new test run for Degenerative Myelopathy, and the results came back positive (this test does not prove that she has it, only that she carries the gene). Both the specialist and our regular vet (whom we love) believe the DM is the problem, but there is no sure way to tell, or so I'm told.
We are 3 months into the symptoms of an incurable disease that generally ends in euthanasia after 6 to 12 months. We've begun Accupuncture treatments (on week 3) and will start Chiropractic on Monday (hoping it's a pinched nerve...but knowing it most likely is not). I didn't want to try the Chiropractic until we were sure it wasn't the Disk disease. We're also on a regimine of regular walks every other day, as long as she is able. Bruce is looking for a used dog wheel chair for Jessy, and we will begin supplements along with "Pain Free" which is an all natural pain medication (non-narcotic).
Ok, so now that I made my short long story long, I am asking for the Power of the Planet's prayers. Jessy is only 10yrs old, and although she's no longer a young pup, the ex-rays show she has no arthritis and has excellent hips (which I was so proud of for my rescue girl!). Your experience with DM and any advice is welcome. I've done research on the internet and learned that basically what's happening is that the spinal nerves are dying. How the hell is that even possible!?!? And why can't we stop it?!?!?!? I'm sorry, I'm just so mad and worried and scared I could hardly even bring myself to tell you about it. Writing it all down makes it even more real, and I so don't want it to be. I just want to make sure Jessy's quality of life is not compromised by anything I fail to do for her. So please...any help, prayers, words of wisdom you may have are welcome.
Thank you for always being here!
~Lee Anne
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2Gr8Tervs
(Know it all)
Fri Nov 06 '09 01:50 AM
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I can offer no words of wisdom for you, but I can offer support and healing energies for you and Jessy.
((((hugs))))
Tanya
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sloplay
(Know it all)
Fri Nov 06 '09 04:20 AM
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LeeAnne is one of my oldest friends on Planet Belgian. I ask that you join with the TakiShan Pack in sending positive thoughts, licks and wags for Jessy.
LeeAnne and Smokey, you're not alone. We are here for you all the way.
Bruce Freedman
TakiShan Belgians
www.takishanbelgians.com
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TaqaTerv
(Know it all)
Fri Nov 06 '09 07:07 AM
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Oh, LeeAnne, this just can't be happening! I've been sitting here staring at the keyboard for five minutes trying to think of something to say. Of course, prayers are coming! I know there are supplements that are purported to help nerves and even specifically DM. I will search them out - although I'm pretty sure you've already done so. Other than that - I'm afraid there's little I can tell you. DM does not always progress at a steady rate; this rapid deterioration may slow down for a while and give Jessie more time.
I'll put out feelers for a used wheelchair here, too. Jessie is about 45lbs and 22" tall?
The vet diagnosed Taqa with DM a couple of years before her death. (Although as you've found out, DM seems to be a diagnosis one can't really MAKE; one just rules out everything else.) While it didn't make sense to anyone, she actually seemed to improve on canine SynFLex although there were no clinical signs of arthritis or joint issues.
LeeAnne, I am very, very sorry. Know that you are being enveloped in hugs and prayers.
Storm & Taqa Animals aren't my whole life; they make my life whole.
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SLafuse
(veteran)
Fri Nov 06 '09 07:58 AM
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Lee Ann,
I too offer good thoughts to you and Jessy. I hope you can enjoy the time you have together no matter how long or short.
I have no advice on DM. Its hard when our dogs or humans have diseases we cant cure.
Sharon--
De La Fusee
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JHoffman
(Know it all)
Fri Nov 06 '09 08:25 AM
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I'm so sorry you, the family and Jessy have to go through this. It must be so painful to watch and live with.
Prayers coming from me and my gang to give you all strength and faith that this will have the outcome you want.
Lee Anne, hugs to you!
Judy & Kira
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Aleron
(just a pup)
Fri Nov 06 '09 08:41 AM
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Sorry to hear about Jessy. Have you read anything by Dr. Clemmons? He has probably done more research than anyone else on the disease. He has a lot of dietary and supplement suggestions, as well as a couple medications he has found effective. Here is an article to check out:
http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/DM_Web/DMofGS.htm
Nikki & The Bad Black Dogs
www.alerondogs.com
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lizabets
(enthusiast)
Fri Nov 06 '09 09:22 AM
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Positive, healing thoughts and lots of tail wags being sent your way.
Beth  & Bruin & Cheevers
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bonnie_b
(just a pup)
Fri Nov 06 '09 09:25 AM
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Many good thoughts heading your way....
Unfortunately, I've had experience with degenerative myelopathy. Our first White GSD had it many years ago. We tried all kinds of food & vitamin supplements along with anythign else we could think of to no avail. The disease just kept progressing. The good news was that there wasn't any pain involved - just the continued loss of function...
I don't know how long Chopin would have lasted with "just" that but since he was also suffering from congestive heart failure, the aftereffects of several strokes, as well as the canine version of dementia, we let him go when he lost control of his bladder & bowels. He was still able to get up on his own, most of the time, but his quality of life was gone. Our promise to all of our pets is that as long as they are happy, we'll move Heaven & Earth to do whatever it takes to keep them that way. But when the time comes that we can't do any more, we'll help them go. When he looked at us and there wasn't any happiness left in his eyes, we knew what we had to do & we did it.
From what I understood then, DM in dogs is similar to Multpile Schlerosis in humans in that the damage is done to the myelin sheathing which surrounds the nerves. At that time, they weren't sure what caused it. I assume they can now test for a GENE that indicates that a dog is susceptible?? That's new since then - I wish we'd known about it so many years ago when we were breeding white GSD's. We'd have never bred Chopin if we'd known he was carrying such a gene....
I don't know if any progress has been made in treating this disease over the years or not. I know at that time, the vets at the University of Pennsylvania (I think that's the name of it - in Pittsburgh) were highly involved in research. You (or your vet) might try contacting them to see if there's anything new.
I'm saying prayers for you & Jessy. It's tough enough to watch your furbabies age without facing something like this as well...
I've got a friend who works with a company that manufacturers doggie wheel chairs. I'll ask her if she has any suggestions for finding a used one. (Sometimes she even loans out the one her dog used... but I think it's "out" already right now.) I'll add another post here if I find out anything.
(((((hugs))))
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Siouxzi
(Know it all)
Fri Nov 06 '09 09:30 AM
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Oh dear Lee Anne - you are definitely getting any and all possible prayers and healing wishes from me!! I know you'll do everything you can for your dear girl - I just hope you keep up your self-care as well - be strong in the knowledge that you have a group of friends that will support you through anything you have to go through. Hugs to you my old friend and a special gentle hug for our Jessy.
Susi & the Bergique Gang
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