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Our dog wheelchair is fully convertible. Therefore, if your pet needs more or less support, parts can be added or subtracted to make sure it is the correct support system that your pet needs at its particular stage of mobility loss. The basic standard two wheel cart is for the pet that has lost, or is losing, its ability to walk with the rear legs, but is still strong in the front legs. This orthopedically designed cart gives total support to the rear, keeping the spine and body in alignment, while taking stress off the front legs. This K9 cart may be used either with the legs up and protected in padded slings, or with the legs down on the ground enabling the pet to walk on its paw or paws. If your pet is able to walk with one hind leg only, then we suggest covering the paw that is not functional with a protective boot. Strength in the front legs is important for the standard 2 wheeled cart. A pet dragging itself around is not an indication of forelimb strength as a pet will drag itself from A to B just to get there. Unfortunately, dragging itself around is weakening causes the front legs to weaken, and places strain on its body. The longer it goes without mobility help, the weaker your pet will become in the front legs, at which point they may not be able physically to handle the standard two wheeled dog wheelchair. We suggest making up a handheld sling to test the front leg strength. Take an old towel or piece of material, cut two holes in it for the rear legs to go down through, and then holding the ends of the towel and keeping the back level make sure that your pet is able to walk well on the front legs. If you have any doubt at all, or need questions answered, please call us and we will advise as to whether this design cart is suitable for your pet.

The most common question we're asked is, "Will my pet be able to go to the bathroom in the cart?" The answer is... Yes! Dogs are able to eliminate when in their K9 Cart dog wheel chair. They do not squat, but tend to spread their legs and urine and feces will fall onto the ground missing the supportive frame of the wheelchair. Indoor cats of course will be unable to get into their litter boxes, so we suggest laying some plastic on the floor and covering it with kitty litter, so the cat can roll over to it and void on the litter.       For those pets that need to have their bladder expressed, it is easier to do that when they are upright in their wheelchair. For small pets that use their K9 Cart in the house and are able to be in their cart for a long period of time, we do have an attachment designed by K9 Carts that can be put on the back of the cart called a Catch-It-All. The Catch-It-All will catch feces and urine in the case of a cat or female dog, and feces only for male dogs.  For urine absorption, sanitary pads will have to be placed in the Catch-It-All. The Catch-It-All is especially helpful for cats and rabbits.

Seeing your dog lose partial or complete mobility is not easy for any owner. Whether the condition is due to an injury or permanent paralysis, it’s never fun watching a pet struggle. Luckily, despite the unfortunate turn of events, your dog still appears to be generally happy. Sure, your dog may have a hard time running or using the stairs. But in general, he or she appears responsive, alert, and, most importantly, motivated to be active. If you find yourself relating to this situation but are unsure if your dog’s condition is severe enough for a wheelchair, then you have come to the right place! General Guidance: Consult your vet: If you notice your dog is experiencing any signs of mobility issues, don’t wait to talk to the vet. Although some conditions are easily managed, others may lead to chronic problems if they are not addressed in a timely manner. At-home evaluations: If you believe that a wheelchair is the best next step, try the “towel test” to see if the dog has enough strength to support itself by its forelimbs. Mobility issues can be caused by: Soreness General weakness of the limbs Accidental injuries Surgery recovery Spinal problems Paralysis Arthritis Amputations Neurological issues Aside from the mobility issues listed above, here are five specific conditions that could mean your pet will benefit from a dog wheelchair: Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) If your dog has IVDD, a wheelchair could be the best recovery option. IVDD is a common condition, caused by displacement or deterioration of the cushion between spinal discs. Although some dogs are more prone to developing IVDD than others, this uncomfortable and often painful disease can affect all dogs. Depending on the degree of damage, weakness or paralysis of the legs may occur. Depending on the severity and the stage in which IVDD is discovered, your dog may still maintain full usage of all four legs. In the early stages, a wheelchair would be useful for rehabilitation. If, however, the damage is too severe and your dog becomes paralyzed, the wheelchair would become a tool of your pet's daily needs. Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) The onset of DM usually appears in older dogs, ages 8-14. In the simplest terms, DM is caused by loss of connectivity between your dog's brain and its spinal cord. Dogs affected by DM will display symptoms like excessive wobbling and dragging of their feet. Although there are no known treatments for DM, the wheelchair is perhaps the most appropriate option for this condition because your dog is not experiencing physical pain. Regardless of the extent of your dog’s disability, the wheelchair is guaranteed to improve mobility and the overall well-being of your pet. Arthritis and Dysplasia Dogs with arthritis or dysplasia suffer from joint stiffness. Although arthritis occurs primarily due to old age, dysplasia tends to cause similar symptoms in your dog's health. Overall, both conditions make it difficult for your dog to be supported by its own legs, making basic tasks like running or walking painful and nearly impossible. Your vet may advise supplements (e.g. Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate, Omega Fatty Acids, Vitamin E, Selenium, and MSM), that work to reduce inflammation and create more comfort for your dog. However, the important thing to note about this condition is you still need to find the motivation to keep your dog active. Movement and exercise cause the production of joint fluid, which ultimately aids in lubrication of sore joints. A wheelchair for dogs can helps get your pet moving while strengthening muscles and taking stress off other limbs in the body. Sudden Paralysis As seen in the cases of IVDD and DM, paralysis in dogs typically occurs based on genetic predispositions or old age. There are, however, other completely unexpected instances in which your dog may become paralyzed without warning (e.g. complications of the spinal column, tick bite, and bacterial infection). Although such instances can be incredibly frightening, the good news is that most of these cases are treatable if they are identified early on. In any case, even if your pet’s paralysis is temporary, using a wheelchair will help your dog return to its happy mobile self. Knee and ACL Problems Whether your dog tore its knee ligaments or an ACL, the road to a full recovery can be both long and costly. Regardless of your dog’s prior health history, knee/ACL damage can occur at any time. While in some instances surgery may be necessary, in others, all your pet may need is rest. In this situation, “rest” does not mean a couple of weeks off from strenuous runs and hikes. A dog with a torn knee/ACL may be limited to very basic physical activity (e.g. taking a short walk in the park), for up to several months! Not to mention that if your dog does not receive adequate support during the rest period, he/she can also tear the adjacent knee. In any case, if approved by your vet, a wheelchair can support your dog’s recovery by ensuring that he/she is not overcompensating for the injured leg. No matter the size, age, or the needs of your dog, if he or she has any of the discussed symptoms or conditions, you should always start with contacting your vet. Remember, that above all else, your dog’s health is in your hands. Be sure to take full precautions by medical advice from a licensed professional and continuing with the prescribed treatment even if you see a drastic improvement in your dog’s mobility. After all, we all want your dog to receive proper care needed and be on his/her way to an improved well-being! Key takeaways: Exercise is a huge contributor to your pet's well-being. Getting your dog mobile again will ultimately prolong his/her life. Wheelchairs are handy for both long and short-term conditions. *If you’ve discussed the benefits of a wheelchair with your vet, but you are still hesitant about the full-time commitment, renting a wheelchair is a great option.

K9 Carts is proud to announce the winner of our 2016 Annual Veterinary Medicine Scholarship is Lia McCoy of Colorado State University. "I am honored to have the 2016 K9 Carts Scholarship Award," Lia said. "As a pre-veterinary student with a love for animals, this award will allow me to further my education in bettering animals and the research that follows." She considers the K9 Carts wheelchair a breakthrough for disabled dogs and hopes that, with the aid of the scholarship, that she can find a breakthrough just as beneficial. Lia's essay discussed the legal and regulatory obstacles that telemedicine faces in the veterinary industry. While having incredible benefits, particularly in rural areas where the number of vets and specialist vets may be limited, telemedicine runs into problems of licensing and state boundries along with the fact that in-person observation of animals is crucial for proper diagnoses. Lia sees telemedicine as important to the future of veterinary medicine and suspects it will be incorporated into curriculum studies on a regular basis. A third-year pre-veterniary biological sciences major, Lia plans to focus her studies on horses. "Along with general veterinary care, I hope to find amore efficient cure for equine arthritis as it is one of the most comon joint-debilitating diseases in horses." One avenue of study that could possibly yield a cure is stem-cell therapy research, which Lia expressed interest in pursuing. K9 Carts is dedicated to serving mobility-impaired dogs, cats, and other animals worldwide. With this scholarship, we aim to give future veterinarians the resources they need to realize their dreams and fulfill their potential. By supporting veterinarians-in-training now, such as Lia, we ensure that our animals can be well taken care of in the future. Once again, congratulations, Lia! Students enrolled in veterinary medicine or a related field for the 2016-2017 academic year at accredited universities or colleges in the US were eligible to apply.

According to a 2014 survey by Tripit, 56% of Americans travel with their pets for major holidays. Whether those surveyed traveled with their pets to save the expense of a kennel or because they love taking their pets on trips, it’s clear that taking a pet on the road is a fact of life for over half of all pet owners.  Traveling with an animal is never easy, but there are more complications when a disabled dog is involved. Kennels are difficult enough for fully-abled dogs, and it can be daunting to ask friends or family to watch a dog with special needs. Plus, no one knows how to take better care of a disabled dog than its owner. From driving to flying to choosing a place to stay and sights to see, here are a few things to keep in mind when planning a trip with a disabled dog. General Tips for Traveling with a Disabled Dog In both cars and planes, there are two major things to keep in mind: Keep medication handy: Many disabled dogs have needs beyond a wheelchair. Make sure medications are easily accessible in case of emergencies. Bring a small blanket or shirt that smells like home or a favorite toy or pillow. Something that reminds them of home can keep a dog calm both on car trips and flights. Also, keep in mind that not all travel destinations are wheelchair-friendly. Anywhere that isn’t easy for a person in a wheelchair to get around in isn’t going to be easy for a disabled dog. Fortunately, dozens of websites rate the accessibility of different vacation destinations, including this list of wheelchair-accessible beaches. Hotels for Disabled Pets Finding lodging can be a challenge when traveling with a special-needs dog, as some hotels don’t allow any pets. Websites like BringFido.com list pet-friendly hotels. However, some hotels only allow certain breeds and sizes, so double check. Also, some hotels charge fees for dogs, and many will not let you leave your dog inside the room unattended. In the case of choosing a vacation rental over a hotel, it’s important to make sure the rental is accessible. While most hotels are wheelchair-friendly, not all private homes and vacation rentals are. Sites like HomeAway.com allow users to filter vacation rentals by wheelchair accessibility. When it comes to hotels or vacation rentals, disabled dogs need more floor space than other animals so they can turn around in their wheelchairs. This may require booking a larger room or rearranging furniture. Disabled dogs, especially those with spinal injuries, are often more prone to accidents, so their owners may consider bringing an extra dog bed and possibly washable pee pads. Car Travel with Disabled Pets According to the Humane Society, traveling by car is often easier for pets than flying, but can still present its own challenges. When driving with a disabled dog, secure them rather than let them roam freely. Also, since pressure sores can be a big problem with wheelchair-bound dogs, let them move around and go to the bathroom at least every three hours. Keep an emergency travel kit when traveling with a disabled dog. It can include, but shouldn’t be limited to: Water Bowl Towels for any accidents Treats A blanket that smells like home First-aid kit Pillow or bed Toolkit in case cart needs to be adjusted Air Travel with Disabled Pets If your disabled dog is small, air travel can still be a good option. You probably won’t want to leave a disabled dog in the cargo hold, though, like you might with a fully healthy one. This is the hardest part about air travel with a disabled dog: If you do bring it on the plane, your dog must require no attention during the flight and cannot be removed from its carrier until you’re off the plane. If your dog can only stay in a carrier for two hours, that’s the longest flight you should book. A pet is considered a carry-on item, and it has to fit under a seat, not overhead. Each airline has their own restrictions, but typically if the dog still can fit in a carrier, it’s fine to bring on a domestic flight. Some airlines may charge a fee for dogs, and some only allow a certain number on board an aircraft on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, the dog has to be able to reasonably stand up and move around within the carrier. In other words, the carrier can’t be too small for the animal. If the dog would not typically stand or move around much anyway, it just has to have room in the carrier to be able to do that if it wanted or needed to. Some airlines will provide dog carriers, though some charge for them. Personal carriers that meet the airline’s size restrictions are allowed, but typically need to be ventilated and leak-proof. Finally, airlines require a recent veterinary certificate of health before allowing passengers to fly with their dogs. Passengers also must have food and water readily available for their dogs. Every trip, hotel, airline, destination, and dogs is different, so always do specific research for each leg of your trip. Traveling with a disabled dogs presents complications, but is worth considering for folks who enjoy life more when their entire family is along for the ride.

Elbow dysplasia (ED) affects the elbow joint in dogs primarily as a result of several genetic developmental abnormalities. These abnormalities affect the growth of cartilage at the joint or the surrounding structures. The lack of cartilage results in high levels of wear and tear on the elbow joint, eventually leading to other problems such as osteoarthritis.1,2,3 X-ray of canine elbow dysplasia, with arrows indicating defects in the joint. ED is commonly found in certain large-breed dogs, such as Chow Chows, Rottweilers, Boerboels, Bulldogs, Bernese Mountain dogs, Labradors, Newfoundlands, and smaller dogs, such as Pugs and Black Russian Terriers.4 Elbow dysplasia most commonly occurs as a result of several genetic developmental abnormalities that affect cartilage and bone development in the elbow joint. These abnormalities can result in separation of cartilage from the bone, failed or delayed development of cartilage to bone, or lesions, which in turn contribute to cartilage damage.2,3 Symptoms of elbow dysplasia include abnormal gait (how a dog walks, such as straight or normal versus wobbly or erratic), lameness, stiffness, and limping, due to the pain in the elbows.2,4 Dogs often become lame between six and twelve months of age and are typically diagnosed through arthroscopic surgery, MRIs, or X-rays. ED can be hard to spot initially, as the lameness can be difficult to attribute to a particular joint.2,3,4 Dogs diagnosed with elbow dysplasia can be treated in a number of ways depending on the age of the dog and severity of the disease. Conservative treatment involves regular exercise and weight control. Drugs can also be used to alleviate inflammation and pain. Harnesses or carts can also be used to reduce stress on joints. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to remove damaged cartilage, or, in some cases, total replacement of the elbow joint.2,4 Below are statistics of elbow dysplasia in dogs from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals between January 1974 through December 2013. Breed Evaluations Percent Dysplastic Chow Chow 953 48.4 Pug 138 44.2 Rottweiler 15804 39.1 Boerboel 108 38.9 Bulldog 159 32.7 Black Russian Terrier 483 28.2 Bernese Mountain Dog 13204 27.8 Chinese Shar-Pei 572 24.0 Newfoundland 6676 23.2 Fila Brasileiro 182 23.1 Dogue De Bordeaux 321 21.2 Sussex Spaniel 102 19.6 American Bulldog 411 19.2 German Shepherd Dog 36523 18.9 Irish Water Spaniel 506 17.2 American Staffordshire Terrier 729 16.9 Staffordshire Bull Terrier 225 16.9 American Pit Bull Terrier 262 15.6 English Setter 2862 15.4 Tibetan Mastiff 500 14.6 St. Bernard 253 14.6 Bloodhound 1165 14.5 Mastiff 6124 14.4 Bullmastiff 2401 14.2 Cane Corso 323 13.6 English Springer Spaniel 2375 13.2 Irish Wolfhound 702 13.1 Gordon Setter 864 12.8 Australian Cattle Dog 1133 11.1 Golden Retriever 34054 11.0 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 2327 11.0 Labrador Retriever 68823 10.5 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 319 10.3 Airedale Terrier 339 10.0 Belgian Malinois 1642 9.7 Bouvier Des Flandres 3195 8.9 Clumber Spaniel 333 8.7 Giant Schnauzer 515 8.3 Keeshond 1021 8.2 Shiloh Shepherd 477 8.0 Spinone Italiano 531 7.2 Standard Schnauzer 182 7.1 Afghan Hound 215 7.0 Rhodesian Ridgeback 5727 6.3 Kuvasz 436 6.2 Anatolian Shepherd 510 5.9 Havanese 1817 5.8 Chesapeake Bay Retriever 2407 5.5 Belgian Sheepdog 1880 5.1 Belgian Tervuren 3330 4.8 Beauceron 148 4.7 Kerry Blue Terrier 196 4.6 Puli 151 4.6 Leonberger 1524 4.4 Pointer 239 4.2 Australian Shepherd 7041 4.1 Shiba Inu 418 3.8 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 312 3.8 Tibetan Terrier 164 3.7 Great Dane 2331 3.7 Border Terrier 441 3.6 Cardigan Welsh Corgi 348 3.4 Shetland Sheepdog 762 3.4 Old English Sheepdog 469 3.4 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 213 3.3 French Bulldog 370 3.2 Basenji 375 3.2 Alaskan Malamute 832 3.1 Irish Setter 620 3.1 Pembroke Welsh Corgi 744 3.1 Poodle 2144 2.8 Boykin Spaniel 186 2.7 German Wirehaired Pointer 691 2.6 Dutch Shepherd 163 2.5 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Ret. 695 2.4 Samoyed 1374 2.3 Vizsla 1864 2.3 Bearded Collie 651 2.3 Hybrid 877 2.2 Mini American/Mini Australian 512 2.0 Welsh Springer Spaniel 691 2.0 Labradoodle 267 1.9 Brittany 1137 1.9 Finnish Lapphund 119 1.7 Weimaraner 1522 1.6 Rat Terrier 312 1.6 Norwich Terrier 123 1.6 Coton De Tulear 547 1.6 Collie 430 1.6 Portuguese Water Dog 2875 1.5 Great Pyrenees 854 1.5 Canaan 149 1.3 Akita 2236 1.3 Border Collie 2621 1.2 Cocker Spaniel 421 1.0 Doberman Pinscher 2267 0.9 German Shorthaired Pointer 1945 0.9 Flat-Coated Retriever 2350 0.8 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 573 0.7 American Eskimo Dog 134 0.7 Boxer 639 0.6 Dalmatian 386 0.5 Bichon Frise 634 0.5 Curly-Coated Retriever 262 0.4 Field Spaniel 266 0.4 Briard 601 0.2 English Cocker Spaniel 311 0.0 Finnish Spitz 113 0.0 Siberian Husky 279 0.0 Norwegian Elkhound 154 0.0 Beagle 128 0.0 "Elbow Dysplasia Types". Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. http://www.offa.org/ed_types.html. Retrieved 2014-03-14. "If Your Dog's Gait is Changing, Check for Elbow Dysplasia". Mercola.com. http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/04/16/canine-elbow-dysplasia.aspx. Retrieved 2014-03-14. Pead MJ and Guthrie S. "Elbow dysplasia in dogs - a new scheme explained". http://www.bva.co.uk/public/documents/chs_elbow.pdf. Retrieved 2014-03-14. "Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs". WebMD.com. http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/elbow-dysplasia-dogs. Retrieved 2013-03-14. "Elbow Dysplasia Statistics". Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. http://www.offa.org/stats_ed.html. Retrieved 2014-03-14.

Sadly, veterinarians have no cure for hip dysplasia. This abnormality in the connection between a dog’s pelvis and thigh bones is a genetic condition—you can no more change the fact that a dog has hip dysplasia than you can change the color of his eyes. While veterinarians can’t stop the condition from happening, they can suggest treatment options that slow the progression of hip dysplasia and reduce the discomfort it causes to your dog. Treatment ranges from simple weight control to surgery. A good veterinarian will design a treatment program for your dog based on several factors: Your dog’s age The severity of symptoms The severity of the abnormality How fast the disease is progressing Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Hip Dysplasia Weight control is the most important treatment for hip dysplasia. It’s also the one that you as the dog owner have the most control over. Hip dysplasia causes more pain and progresses faster in overweight dogs because the weight puts additional strain on their hips. Also, a dog that is overweight will be ineligible for some surgical options, since the risk of complications is so great. Massage can provide temporary relief from the symptoms of hip dysplasia. The simple heat of touch reduces pain. Massage can also help improve overall muscle function by loosening muscle fibers, improving flexibility, and calming your animal. Exercise is important—but only the right kind of exercise. Dogs with hip dysplasia must avoid high-impact exercise, which can make the condition worse. The lower the impact the better, which is why swimming is the best exercise for dogs with hip dysplasia. If that’s not an option, veterinarians recommend slow, short, steady walks on a leash. Dog wheelchairs can significantly enhance a dog's quality of life, both physically and mentally. These custom built mobility carts can also help slow down the progression of virtually all spinal diseases, and help with conditions such as hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, ruptured disc, spinal trauma, IVDD, ans arthritis. They also help with weight control, by enabling your pet to walk and run thanks to better mobility. Anti-inflammatory drugs are often part of the treatment regimen veterinarians recommend. These drugs can reduce the pain your dog is feeling, and will likely be necessary for the rest of their lives. You’ll need to be watchful, though, as anti-inflammatory drugs can cause severe side effects like ulcers that, if unnoticed, can be deadly. Surgical Treatment Options for Hip Dysplasia Invasive surgical procedures for dogs with hip dysplasia come in two categories: Surgeries meant to alleviate pain while the dog’s condition is still manageable, and surgeries that must be performed because the dog’s condition had advanced to a critical stage. Pectineal Myotomy/Myectomy is performed by cutting a tendon in the dog’s hip, which causes a more natural alignment of the hips and alleviating pain. Triple Pelvic Osteotomy involves lengthening the femur by breaking the bone, then inserting a gap for new bone to grow. The new longer femur has a more secure fit with the hip. Total Hip Replacement is a last-ditch option for dogs with advanced symptoms of hip dysplasia, or with clear signs that advanced symptoms are coming soon. Hip replacement comes with the risk of complications, but, for suitable candidates, one study reports a 95% success rate. What’s a suitable candidate? A dog that’s healthy, not overweight, and responds to the commands of its owner. However, hip replacement is costly. Rates vary depending on where you live, but expect to pay at least $1,500 and as much as $5,000. Alternative Treatments for Hip Dysplasia Some veterinarians have the equipment to perform laser treatment on dogs. Laser treatment reduces pain for dogs with hip dysplasia by quieting nerve cells and by lessening inflammation in painful areas. Your dog will need multiple treatments over a period of weeks. Dr. Robert Mayo, a veterinarian in the Seattle area, performs stem cell injections on dogs with hip dysplasia. The stem cells are harvested from the dog’s fat, then reinjected. Stem cell therapy is an alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs. Industrial designer Galia Weiss designed a harness called the hipster to relieve the symptoms of hip dysplasia. The rigid harness lifts the dog’s hips to stabilize them and achieve a more natural position for motion. Some veterinarians are pushing for research on medical marijuana for dogs with hip dysplasia. The drug could serve as a pain management tool, as it does for some humans. Plenty of dogs with hip dysplasia live full, happy lives. You’ll be a big part of that by helping your dog eat better, exercise the right way, and by nursing them through treatment. You’ll do it together—and your bond will get stronger along the way.

Unfortunately many owners and veterinarians believe that if they put a pet in a wheelchair, it will become dependent on the wheelchair and will lose its present mobility and desire to try and walk, when actually we have found the reverse is true. Over our 50 years of providing aid to mobility impaired pets, we have found that if a pet has the ability to recover while using a wheelchair, the wheelchair will promote that recovery. When a pet is fitted to an orthopedically designed and balanced K9 cart, your pet will exercise more. The K9 Cart takes the stress not only off the rear legs, but also the spine and front legs, allowing your pet to use their legs for a longer period of time. Very often, a pet will lose use of one rear leg faster than the other. In that case, it is important to leave both paws down on the ground, to keep the pet balanced in the wheelchair. You will need to purchase a protective boot for the paw that needs help. An added benefit is that it helps them mentally for like us pets become depressed when they cannot go for walks either on their own or with the other canine members of the family or chase balls or go back to doing all the things they love to do.

Canine degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a progressive disease of the spinal cord similar to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease) in humans.1 The disease, as a result of degeneration of the spinal cord, results in the eventual loss of use of the hind legs. Age of onset is generally after 7 years and most often seen in German Shepherds, Boxers, and Pembroke Welsh Corgis, though the mutation has also been found in a number of other canine breeds. A dog standing with its hind legs together due to degenerative myelopathy. Causes of degenerative myelopathy Though the cause of degenerative myelopathy is currently unknown, research strongly indicates that mutations in the super-oxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene are associated with developing DM1. Normally, SOD1 functions as a protector of sorts, destroying harmful free superoxide radicals in cells. Mutations in the SOD1 gene can allow free radicals to accumulate and cause damage to cells due to the loss of functioning SOD1 enzyme. Current research also suggests that mutant SOD1 causes toxic build up, resulting in cell damage and death. In humans, the SOD1 gene has been implicated in the cause of ALS.2, 3 Normally, the spinal cord acts as a communication line between the brain and the limbs. In DM-affected dogs, this line is essentially cut and the loss of hind limb use results. These mutations in SOD1 are believed to cause the loss of myelin sheaths (which acts as insulation for the spinal cord) and eventually the loss of neurons in the spinal cord, resulting in the ‘loss of communication’ to the hind limbs.4 Symptoms of degenerative myelopathy Symptoms of degenerative myelopathy typically involves the progressive loss of muscle strength and motor coordination in the hind legs, resulting in a wobbly gait and, eventually, the dragging of hind legs when the dog walks. Other symptoms of DM include loss of balance and incontinence. Further progression leads to the complete loss of function and paralysis in the hind legs.4 Diagnosis Previously, degenerative myelopathy was diagnosed through the elimination of other possible causes, such as spinal cord tumors, disc protrusions, or herniated discs, all of which mimic DM symptoms. More recently, DNA tests can be conducted to determine the presence of a mutated SOD1 gene.4 The chances of a particular dog developing DM as a result of genetics depends on the genetic make-up of its parents. Animals typically have two versions, or alleles, of a gene, one from each parent. Normal alleles are usually denoted as 'N' while mutated alleles are denoted as 'A,' for abnormal. For example, a particular dog might be N/A for a particular gene, indicating that it has one normal copy and one abnormal copy of a gene. N/N represents normal, while N/A and A/A respresent carrier and at risk, respectively. A 'normal' animal does not carry the SOD1 mutation and is highly unlikely to develop DM. A carrier has one mutated copy of the gene, but is unlikely to develop DM. They will, however, be able to pass on their mutated gene to offspring. An animal that is 'at risk' carries two copies of the mutant SOD1 gene and is at risk for developing DM. The possibility of inheriting a mutant copy of a gene can be calculated by the parent's genetics as follows: Both parents are N/N: All offspring will be normal. N/N x N/A: 50% of the offspring will be normal and the other 50% will be carriers. N/N x A/A: All of the offspring will be carriers. N/A x N/A: 25% of the offspring will be normal, 50% will be carriers, and 25% will be at risk. N/A x A/A: 50% will be carriers and 50% will be at risk. A/A x A/A: All of the offspring will be at risk. Is Degenerative Myelopathy Treatable? Currently, there are no known treatment methods to slow or stop the progression of degenerative myelopathy. The quality of life for the canine can be improved, however, through veterinary care, physical rehabilitation, and increased mobility through the aid of dog lift harnesses or wheelchairs for dogs. DNA Statistics from the University of Missouri and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals Below are statistics of Degenerative Myelopathy DNA testing conducted by the University of Missouri and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Note that these are only test results and not indicative of a particular breed's chances of developing DM. Reveal Breed Statistics Breed Normal Carrier At Risk Total Tested Akita 13 2 2 17 American Eskimo Dog 11 7 4 22 American Pit Bull Terrier 13 5 5 23 Australian Shepherd 19 9 14 42 Basenji 28 0 0 28 Belgian Malinois 19 0 1 20 Bernese Mountain Dog 1043 1248 278 2569 Bloodhound 124 112 15 251 Border Collie 16 4 3 23 Borzoi 619 227 24 870 Boxer 473 969 1195 2637 Canaan 55 42 13 110 Cardigan Welsh Corgi 265 197 72 534 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 8 16 11 35 Chesapeake Bay Retriever 931 962 190 2083 Chinese Crested 26 2 0 28 Collie 65 34 14 113 Coton De Tulear 37 8 0 45 Czechoslovakian Wolfdog 22 17 2 41 Dalmatian 63 0 2 65 French Bulldog 28 11 4 43 German Shepherd Dog 2044 1262 649 3955 Golden Retriever 142 4 3 149 Great Dane 21 0 0 21 Great Pyrenees 27 7 2 36 Hovawart 32 23 16 71 Hybrid 100 28 104 232 Jack Russell Terrier 14 3 4 21 Kerry Blue Terrier 179 153 43 375 Komondor 9 9 2 20 Labrador Retriever 146 9 12 167 Mastiff 50 20 1 71 Pembroke Welsh Corgi 236 787 1121 2144 Poodle 411 61 2 474 Pug 114 53 17 184 Puli 84 29 6 119 Pumi 22 4 0 26 Rhodesian Ridgeback 1463 1024 163 2650 Rottweiler 30 2 1 33 Shiloh Shepherd 176 55 3 234 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 9 10 7 26 St. Bernard 18 12 2 32 Tamaskan 41 19 2 62 Weimaraner 32 0 1 33 Welsh Terrier 17 8 4 29 White Shepherd 21 9 4 34 References Morgan BR, Coates JR, Johnson GC, Shelton GD, Katz ML. "Characterization of thoracic motor and sensory neurons and spinal nerve roots in canine degenerative myelopathy, a potential disease model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis". J Neurosci Res. 2014 Apr;92(4):531-41. doi: 10.1002/jnr.23332. Epub 2013 Dec 21. Milani P, Gagliardi S, Cereda C, et al. "SOD1 Transcriptional and Posttranscriptional Regulation and Its Potential Implications in ALS". Neurology Research International. 2011; 2011: 458427. Awano T, Johnson GS, Wade CM, Lindblad-Toh K, Coates JR, et al. "Genome-wide association analysis reveals a SOD1 mutation in canine degenerative myelopathy that resembles amyotrophic lateral sclerosis". Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2009 Feb 24;106(8):2794-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0812297106. Epub 2009 Feb 2. "Degenerative Myelopathy - Disease Basic". Canine Genetic Diseases Network. http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/DM/basicDM.htm. Retrieved 2014-03-14. "DM Test Result Statistics". Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. http://www.offa.org/stats_dna.html?dnatest=DM. Retrieved 2014-03-14.