Degenerative Myelopathy

Degeneraive Myelopathy (DM) may also be called chronic degenerative radiculomyeloptahy (CDRM). It is an ongoing and progressvie disease that means the slow deterioration of the spinal cord. Unfortunately, there is no cure or fix for the disease. However that doesn't mean that it can't be managed to keep your dog as comfortable as possible.

As a spinal condition, this disease will affect the mobility of the hind limbs, leading to weakness and eventually paralysis. But hydrotherapy uses a low weight bearing environment with the added benefit of resistance to maintain hind limb musculature and strength, maintain the neuropathways that are being affected, and also help ease any discomfort that the dog might be feeling. Generally DM is deemed a painless condition however we should consider that if one part of the body is getting weaker, then we will see compensatory efforts in other areas, which will lead to soreness and likely discomfort.