DM
Degenerative Myeopathy

DM is a disease that usually has a later live onset 8-12 years of age.  It is a progressive deterioration of the spinal cord that results in eventual paralysis and subsequent euthanasia.  DM is not a painful disease, however, it is mortifying to watch your beloved pet deteriorate towards paraplegia in 6 months to 1 year.  

This disease can be screed for by a simple DNA analysis.  Carriers (posessing 1 copy of the gene) are not at risk for developing DM.  Affected dogs (posessing 2 copies of the gene) are at risk for developing the disease but may never do so. Two carriers should never be bred together for the risk to the next generation inheriting this disease. 

To learn more about DM click here and here.