Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy (CDRM)
This is a common disease in the older German Shepherd, but can occasionally occur from 5 years of age and is due to the loss of myelin, the fatty deposit which coats the nerves of the spinal cord.
It is a progressive disease for which there is no cure. It has been described as the most common cause of hind limb dysfunction in the older GSD - not hip problems as is often and incorrectly believed by distressed owners.
It affects both males and females and the degeneration occurs over time (sometimes years) in the hindlimbs.
Affected dogs often start with some lameness or slight dragging of their hind legs resulting in scuffing of the nails, or tops of their toes, progressing to ataxia or inco-ordination, where their legs will criss-cross and often trip themselves up, especially when turning. The hind limbs and tail lose sensation and become weak and muscle is lost from the hindquarters. The affected dog may sway when standing as the disease progresses. He will eventually become incontinent, but this is usually in the very late stages when the hind limbs become completely paralysed.
The dog remains pain free and mentally alert. Appetite is not normally lost. Exercise is very beneficial and this should be encouraged. The disease can progress very slowly in some individuals and these dogs can maintain an excellent quality of life for quite a number of years.
There is a DNA test available (from Laboklin) to detect clear, carriers and affected animals ie: carrying the SOD1 gene. However, if an animal's DNA test result is 'affected', it may not necessarily develop the disease. The test is still in it's early days and there is the possibility of other genes involved, but at the moment it is the only test available.
