Lucy's voice is a blog by dogs for dogs, written by dogs.
I actually have not much business here hogging the blog with my opinion. I only intended to explain to you the nature of Windsor's illness because he does not mention it.
Then the stunning and exciting news hit: Researchers identified the gene responsible for degenerative myelopathy in dogs. The work was/is sponsored financially by AKC Canine Health Foundation and others.
I read the available facts, followed links and did my best to assess the consequences for our companion pets. Here are my final thoughts, at least for now:
Let us all rejoice in this significant discovery. Let us also thank those who contributed financially to this effort. Those of us who can afford it should contribute to this noble cause in order to assure that the research efforts continue to full fruition.
The good news is that pet veterinarians and pet guardians now have a tool that allows to test dogs for the presence of the gene. Identifying dogs at risk early allows for early counter measures, which could reduce the risk of acute illness considerably. In the future it might even prevent the onset of an acute outbreak in some cases. Since DM symptoms can be mimicked by other problems with a dog's musculoskeletal system, only an sinfully expensive MRI could give an reasonably accurate diagnosis in the past. A simple 60.00 dollar test now can do better!
At the same time, it poses a challenge to breeders everywhere. Any responsible breeder, especially those that raise dog breeds known for their propensity to this disease, should make it a mandate to test both parent dogs for the gene before entering them into the breeding pool. This is just common sense and not an anti-breeder action. However, I fully understand that breeders will be less than enthusiastic to support this course of action. The strongest opposition will naturally come from 'backyard breeders'. Their only agenda is money anyway.
Now to the bad news: Finding the gene responsible for degenerative myelopathy in dogs is not a cure for the disease. At this time it is only a diagnostic tool. Future generations of dogs will benefit from it. Those living now are not affected; their guardians will have to hope for equally good news from ongoing stem cell research.
If your companion suffers already from DM, the discovery will not save him or her. In due time and after much more research and experimentation, veterinary science will certainly develop a way to splice the malicious gene out of existence or replace it with one that does not mutate. But, I guess, we are talking years here and, not to forget, lots of money.
Right now, I encourage you to have your dog tested for the gene as soon as the tests are available to the general public. At least it will give you peace of mind (in case of a negative test) or alert you to required changes in the lifestyle and diet for your dog. The test is inexpensive; it is even free for dogs over 8 years old.
Additionally, use any of the many methods that claim to slow down progression of the disease, if not to cure it, to maintain a good quality of life for your companion for as long as possible. I have mentioned some of them in my first article about the subject. Who knows, your companion pet might just hang in there long enough to be saved by the bell.
Sometimes miracles happen and research progresses faster than expected to a successful treatment!
In this context we should not forget the work done at UC Davis. The School of Veterinary Medicine is engaged in important research right now with the goal to use the dog's own stem cells from bone marrow to repair damaged spinal cords and nerves. They had significant success in mice. Now it is time to apply the lessons learned to dogs. The AKC Canine Health Foundation is financially supporting this research effort as well.
I am confident that the concerted efforts of the two research facilities will find ways to control incidents of DM in dogs and to heal afflicted animals. Modern gene technology will in time most likely eliminate the mutating gene from the canine gene pool.
As promising, exciting and great as these news are, I regret from the bottom of my heart that my loyal companion, Windsor King MacArthur, will not be able to share in the fruits of this research. The destruction of his nerves and spinal cord is steadily making it's way towards the upper body.
Though he is almost exactly one year into his DM, he is still strong enough to prance his wheel chair up to every woman in sight to extort shamelessly pets and kudos. “Hi, my name is Windsor. Have you ever petted a Boxer in a wheelchair? You may pet me!”
You have not heard his last word yet!
PJJ
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