{"id":184497,"date":"2022-07-18T11:07:09","date_gmt":"2022-07-18T11:07:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/"},"modified":"2022-07-18T11:07:09","modified_gmt":"2022-07-18T11:07:09","slug":"when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/","title":{"rendered":"When should you euthanize a dog with degenerative myelopathy?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/#When_should_you_euthanize_a_dog_with_degenerative_myelopathy\" title=\"When should you euthanize a dog with degenerative myelopathy?\">When should you euthanize a dog with degenerative myelopathy?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/#How_long_will_my_dog_live_with_degenerative_myelopathy\" title=\"How long will my dog live with degenerative myelopathy?\">How long will my dog live with degenerative myelopathy?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/#Is_degenerative_myelopathy_painful_in_dogs\" title=\"Is degenerative myelopathy painful in dogs?\">Is degenerative myelopathy painful in dogs?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/#Can_degenerative_myelopathy_progress_rapidly\" title=\"Can degenerative myelopathy progress rapidly?\">Can degenerative myelopathy progress rapidly?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/#What_are_the_final_stages_of_degenerative_myelopathy_in_dogs\" title=\"What are the final stages of degenerative myelopathy in dogs?\">What are the final stages of degenerative myelopathy in dogs?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/#How_long_can_my_dog_live_with_degenerative_myelopathy\" title=\"How long can my dog live with degenerative myelopathy?\">How long can my dog live with degenerative myelopathy?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/#Is_my_dog_in_pain_with_degenerative_myelopathy\" title=\"Is my dog in pain with degenerative myelopathy?\">Is my dog in pain with degenerative myelopathy?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/#Is_degenerative_myelopathy_fatal\" title=\"Is degenerative myelopathy fatal?\">Is degenerative myelopathy fatal?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/#How_long_can_a_dog_live_with_canine_degenerative_myelopathy\" title=\"How long can a dog live with canine degenerative myelopathy?\">How long can a dog live with canine degenerative myelopathy?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/#How_do_I_make_my_dog_comfortable_with_degenerative_myelopathy\" title=\"How do I make my dog comfortable with degenerative myelopathy?\">How do I make my dog comfortable with degenerative myelopathy?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/#When_should_you_put_a_dog_down_with_degenerative_myelopathy\" title=\"When should you put a dog down with degenerative myelopathy?\">When should you put a dog down with degenerative myelopathy?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/#How_quickly_does_degenerative_myelopathy_progress\" title=\"How quickly does degenerative myelopathy progress?\">How quickly does degenerative myelopathy progress?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/#Does_degenerative_myelopathy_in_dogs_come_and_go\" title=\"Does degenerative myelopathy in dogs come and go?\">Does degenerative myelopathy in dogs come and go?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/#Can_degenerative_myelopathy_symptoms_come_and_go\" title=\"Can degenerative myelopathy symptoms come and go?\">Can degenerative myelopathy symptoms come and go?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/#How_long_can_a_dog_live_with_degenerative_myelopathy\" title=\"How long can a dog live with degenerative myelopathy?\">How long can a dog live with degenerative myelopathy?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/#What_are_the_final_stages_of_DM_in_dogs\" title=\"What are the final stages of DM in dogs?\">What are the final stages of DM in dogs?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/#How_long_did_your_dog_live_with_DM\" title=\"How long did your dog live with DM?\">How long did your dog live with DM?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/#How_fast_does_dog_myelopathy_progress\" title=\"How fast does dog myelopathy progress?\">How fast does dog myelopathy progress?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/#How_long_will_a_dog_live_with_degenerative_myelopathy\" title=\"How long will a dog live with degenerative myelopathy?\">How long will a dog live with degenerative myelopathy?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/#How_long_does_dog_live_with_degenerative_myelopathy\" title=\"How long does dog live with degenerative myelopathy?\">How long does dog live with degenerative myelopathy?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/#Is_degenerative_myelopathy_in_dogs_fatal\" title=\"Is degenerative myelopathy in dogs fatal?\">Is degenerative myelopathy in dogs fatal?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/#How_Long_Can_dogs_live_with_DM\" title=\"How Long Can dogs live with DM?\">How Long Can dogs live with DM?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/#How_fast_does_canine_degenerative_myelopathy_progress\" title=\"How fast does canine degenerative myelopathy progress?\">How fast does canine degenerative myelopathy progress?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/#How_can_I_help_my_dog_with_degenerative_myelopathy\" title=\"How can I help my dog with degenerative myelopathy?\">How can I help my dog with degenerative myelopathy?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/when-should-you-euthanize-a-dog-with-degenerative-myelopathy\/#Should_I_walk_a_dog_with_DM\" title=\"Should I walk a dog with DM?\">Should I walk a dog with DM?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_should_you_euthanize_a_dog_with_degenerative_myelopathy\"><\/span>When should you euthanize a dog with degenerative myelopathy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Generally, a dog with canine degenerative myelopathy will be euthanized or put down <b>within 6 months to 3 years after diagnosis. Based on the stage of the disease and how it impacts your dog&#8217;s quality of life, the vet will advise when to put down a dog accordingly. Note that all cases of DM are different.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_will_my_dog_live_with_degenerative_myelopathy\"><\/span>How long will my dog live with degenerative myelopathy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Sadly, most dogs with degenerative myelopathy eventually lose control of their legs, bladder and bowels completely, and need to be put to sleep. The average life expectancy of a dog with degenerative myelopathy is <b>1-2 years from diagnosis.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_degenerative_myelopathy_painful_in_dogs\"><\/span>Is degenerative myelopathy painful in dogs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In some severe cases the fore limbs (front legs) also become affected and affected dogs can become unable to walk and may develop incontinence. Degenerative myelopathy is <b>not a painful condition and, as a result, affected dogs are generally well and keen to exercise, despite their disability.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_degenerative_myelopathy_progress_rapidly\"><\/span>Can degenerative myelopathy progress rapidly?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Unfortunately <b>DM tends to progress very quickly. Most dogs that have been diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy will become paraplegic within six months to a year.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_final_stages_of_degenerative_myelopathy_in_dogs\"><\/span>What are the final stages of degenerative myelopathy in dogs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Late Stages of Degenerative Myelopathy<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dog is unable to bear any weight on its rear legs for any length of time.<\/li>\n<li>Even once lifted, the dog is unable to stay standing without support and will collapse.<\/li>\n<li>Urinary and bowel incontinence.<\/li>\n<li>Weakness begins in the shoulders, causing front end weakness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_can_my_dog_live_with_degenerative_myelopathy\"><\/span>How long can my dog live with degenerative myelopathy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Sadly, most dogs with degenerative myelopathy eventually lose control of their legs, bladder and bowels completely, and need to be put to sleep. The average life expectancy of a dog with degenerative myelopathy is <b>1-2 years from diagnosis.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_my_dog_in_pain_with_degenerative_myelopathy\"><\/span>Is my dog in pain with degenerative myelopathy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Degenerative myelopathy is not a painful condition and, as a result, affected dogs are generally well and keen to exercise, despite their disability. A German Shepherd Dog with degenerative myelopathy  the hindlimbs are weak and inco-ordinated, and the toes of the right hind paw are being dragged.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_degenerative_myelopathy_fatal\"><\/span>Is degenerative myelopathy fatal?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects older dogs. It initially results in paralysis of the pelvic limbs but progresses to affect all limbs.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_can_a_dog_live_with_canine_degenerative_myelopathy\"><\/span>How long can a dog live with canine degenerative myelopathy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Late Stages of Degenerative Myelopathy<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dog is unable to bear any weight on its rear legs for any length of time.<\/li>\n<li>Even once lifted, the dog is unable to stay standing without support and will collapse.<\/li>\n<li>Urinary and bowel incontinence.<\/li>\n<li>Weakness begins in the shoulders, causing front end weakness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_make_my_dog_comfortable_with_degenerative_myelopathy\"><\/span>How do I make my dog comfortable with degenerative myelopathy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Late Stages of Degenerative Myelopathy<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dog is unable to bear any weight on its rear legs for any length of time.<\/li>\n<li>Even once lifted, the dog is unable to stay standing without support and will collapse.<\/li>\n<li>Urinary and bowel incontinence.<\/li>\n<li>Weakness begins in the shoulders, causing front end weakness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_should_you_put_a_dog_down_with_degenerative_myelopathy\"><\/span>When should you put a dog down with degenerative myelopathy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Treatment for Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs Veterinarians may be able to treat some related symptoms to relieve discomfort, but <b>a healthy diet and plenty of exercise, including walking and swimming, are the main ways to keep dogs with the condition as mobile as possible.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_quickly_does_degenerative_myelopathy_progress\"><\/span>How quickly does degenerative myelopathy progress?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>How quickly does degenerative myelopathy progress? Unfortunately DM tends to progress very quickly. Most dogs that have been diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy will become paraplegic within <b>six months to a year<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_degenerative_myelopathy_in_dogs_come_and_go\"><\/span>Does degenerative myelopathy in dogs come and go?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Unfortunately, <b>degenerative myelopathy is a progressive, incurable disease. Although bladder and bowel control are not affected initially, as the spinal cord continues to degenerate, the dog&#8217;s mobility becomes severely restricted and it has more difficulty controlling urination and defecation.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_degenerative_myelopathy_symptoms_come_and_go\"><\/span>Can degenerative myelopathy symptoms come and go?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Degenerative Myelopathy has a slow, insidious onset with a slow progression of weakness. <b>It is not uncommon for the signs to progress slowly, plateau, and then start to progress again<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_can_a_dog_live_with_degenerative_myelopathy\"><\/span>How long can a dog live with degenerative myelopathy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Sadly, most dogs with degenerative myelopathy eventually lose control of their legs, bladder and bowels completely, and need to be put to sleep. The average life expectancy of a dog with degenerative myelopathy is <b>1-2 years from diagnosis.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_final_stages_of_DM_in_dogs\"><\/span>What are the final stages of DM in dogs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Generally, a dog with canine degenerative myelopathy will be euthanized or put down <b>within 6 months to 3 years after diagnosis. Based on the stage of the disease and how it impacts your dog&#8217;s quality of life, the vet will advise when to put down a dog accordingly. Note that all cases of DM are different.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_did_your_dog_live_with_DM\"><\/span>How long did your dog live with DM?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Generally, a dog with canine degenerative myelopathy will be euthanized or put down <b>within 6 months to 3 years after diagnosis. Based on the stage of the disease and how it impacts your dog&#8217;s quality of life, the vet will advise when to put down a dog accordingly. Note that all cases of DM are different.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_fast_does_dog_myelopathy_progress\"><\/span>How fast does dog myelopathy progress?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Late Stages of Degenerative Myelopathy<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dog is unable to bear any weight on its rear legs for any length of time.<\/li>\n<li>Even once lifted, the dog is unable to stay standing without support and will collapse.<\/li>\n<li>Urinary and bowel incontinence.<\/li>\n<li>Weakness begins in the shoulders, causing front end weakness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_will_a_dog_live_with_degenerative_myelopathy\"><\/span>How long will a dog live with degenerative myelopathy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Changes to be aware of during the final stages of DM: Dog is unable to bear any weight on its rear legs for any length of time. Even once lifted, the dog is unable to stay standing without support and will collapse. Urinary and bowel incontinence. Weakness begins in the shoulders, causing front end weakness.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_does_dog_live_with_degenerative_myelopathy\"><\/span>How long does dog live with degenerative myelopathy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Sadly, most dogs with degenerative myelopathy eventually lose control of their legs, bladder and bowels completely, and need to be put to sleep. The average life expectancy of a dog with degenerative myelopathy is <b>1-2 years from diagnosis.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_degenerative_myelopathy_in_dogs_fatal\"><\/span>Is degenerative myelopathy in dogs fatal?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Canine degenerative myelopathy (DM) was previously known as chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy (CDRM) and is a progressive degenerative spinal cord disease. Ultimately <b>it is a fatal disease with devastating consequences for the dogs and can be distressing for owners caring for them.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Can_dogs_live_with_DM\"><\/span>How Long Can dogs live with DM?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>between six months and three years<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_fast_does_canine_degenerative_myelopathy_progress\"><\/span>How fast does canine degenerative myelopathy progress?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>How quickly does degenerative myelopathy progress? Unfortunately DM tends to progress very quickly. Most dogs that have been diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy will become paraplegic within <b>six months to a year<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_I_help_my_dog_with_degenerative_myelopathy\"><\/span>How can I help my dog with degenerative myelopathy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>There is no effective treatment for degenerative myelopathy at present. Treatment of other concurrent problems such as arthritis or hip dysplasia may provide some relief from pain or discomfort. It is important to avoid obesity, so diet and exercise (walking and swimming) are vital components of treatment.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_walk_a_dog_with_DM\"><\/span>Should I walk a dog with DM?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Yes, dogs with Degenerative Myelopathy should stay as active as possible. Keeping a DM dog active can actually help slow down the progression of the disease. <b>Physical therapy and regular structured exercises, including walking, can help dogs with DM maintain muscle strength and minimize their risk of muscle atrophy<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents When should you euthanize a dog with degenerative myelopathy?How long will my dog live with degenerative myelopathy?Is degenerative myelopathy painful in dogs?Can degenerative myelopathy progress rapidly?What are the final stages of degenerative myelopathy in dogs?How long can my dog live with degenerative myelopathy?Is my dog in pain with degenerative myelopathy?Is degenerative myelopathy&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"spay_email":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[622],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-184497","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-pet-care"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/184497"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=184497"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/184497\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=184497"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=184497"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=184497"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}