A debilating spinal disease to be known in Great Pyrenees.    See studies and slides in the links listed.   Studies suggest that this disease (aka "DM") is  an Autoimmune Disease and similar to "MS" in humans.   Affecting many breeds, and many dogs being euthanized due to "no use of rear legs", and "down in the rear".

Without process of elimination, many "self diagnose this as "HD", "Spondylosis" or "Arthritis".    To date - only a necropsy can determine if a dog has "DM".

Please see the slides below to see photos of the disease in German Shepards.

Do watch the video from the CHF on how to care for a dog with "DM".

7/2007 -   Degenerative Myelopathy DVD Available

RALEIGH, NC - The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), in cooperation with Scout's House in Menlo Park, California, is pleased to announce the release of an instructional video outlining how dog owners can correctly care for their pets diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy (DM).   Click here for more information 

More information on DM - Medical Links

http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/dm_web/dmofgs.htm http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/DM_Web/DMslides/sld001.htm    http://www.drnancysplace.com/myelopathy.html  http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/DM_Web/Funding.htm