There is no surgery for this problem at this time. Degenerative Myelopathy is characterized by the pet starting to drag its toes and knuckling over on one rear paw. It then travels to the other rear paw and this leads to a stumbling, weaving gait. Eventually, this condition may travel up the spinal cord and start affecting the front legs; however, especially in the younger pets, this can take some time. There is no pain associated with this condition and pets are bright and alert, other than their loss of mobility. Provided your pet is still strong in the front legs (see our Forelimb Strength section), we recommend a K-9 Cart. Carts give pets back their dignity, allowing them to go for walks and go back to their normal routines. Elimination is performed while running around in the carts, thus helping with cleanliness.
Strong in the Front Legs
If your pet still has some use of the rear legs, then use the cart with the pet's paws on the ground in a walking position. This gives full rear support while taking stress and strain off the back and legs. If your pet has no use of the rear legs, then the K-9 Cart comes with supportive slings allowing the legs to hang in alignment with the hips and still move and exercise.
Not Sure About Front Leg Strength
If you are in doubt as to your pet's fore limb strength, you may send us a video of your pet supported by a sling or towels under each hind leg. We shall be happy to evaluate it for you at no charge and based on our experience, make a recommendation.
Weak in the Front Legs
If your pet is weak in the front legs but is still eager to move around, we would recommend a Standard Cart with Front Extensions which can be viewed on our carts page.
