The first thing you should do is make absolutely sure its Degenerative Myeolpathy. A majority of cases turn out to be disc herniation, where standard Xrays or myelograms may not be able to pick up the disc problems. An MRI where available is more conclusive. Quite possibly you might be able to get a referral to a Vet school that has the equipment(?). There is also one case in the literature where they thought it was a disc problem and it turned out to be DM. In another words diagnosis can be difficult.Originally Posted by cathy00
Treatment options are very limited. One possible option is aminocaprioic acid, 500mg every 12 hours and Vitamin E, 2000 IU daily, where the Vitamin-E has to be introduced slowly due to diarrhea problems at that high a concentration. Results have been inconclusive. Some dogs respond with a better quality of life, and some don't. There is interest in the literature about the effects of COX-2 inhibitors possibly slowing down the disease. You might want to discuss with your Vet the prescribing of a COX-2 inhibitor which of course would also help control the pain and inflamation of the spinal nerve sheath. You might need an acid blocker and regular liver blood tests while on the COX-2 drug. Also periodic administration of dexamethasone might help. There is also mention in the literature of physiological therapy but no details were given. Possibly a referral to a specialist might help.
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