*** BLOG UPDATE *** – November 2017
Since we first published this blog post January of 2017, we have developed, tested and successfully launched a formula specifically to help dogs who are susceptible or already have DM!
Why use our (DM) Defense and Support Formula?
This formula is based on the already successfully proven benefits of Healthy Joint Formula which has helped dogs reduce the effects of Degenerative Myelopathy. This new formula provides all of the proven benefits of Healthy Joint Formula with the added scientifically confirmed benefits of the highest quality Spirulina.
Spirulina delivers 60% protein and an excellent source of vitamins A, K1, K2, B12, iron, manganese and chromium. A rich source of health-giving phytonutrients such as carotenoids, GLA, SOD and phycocyanin and contains:
- 2800% more beta-carotene than carrots
- 600% more protein than tofu
- 3900% more iron than spinach
- 280% more antioxidants than blueberries
- 550 times more powerful than vitamin E
- 800 times stronger than CoQ10
- 6000 times greater than vitamin C
- 11 times stronger than beta-carotene
- 550 times more powerful than green tea catechins
Description:
Degenerative Myelopathy is a devastating disease. Affected dogs develop weakness in the rear legs and gradually become paralyzed. Eventually they can’t control their bowels and lose motor control on the entire upper half of the body. This degenerative process can take anywhere from six months to three years.
There is ongoing research for this disease and there is evidence suggesting that Degenerative Myelopathy is an inflammatory autoimmune disease. There is a nerve sheath (called myelin) that surrounds and insulates the nerve fibers of the spinal cord and is necessary for the conduction of nerve impulses. What happens in Degenerative Myelopathy is the dog’s own immune system cells attack the spinal cord sheath. This creates an accumulation of inflammatory cells locally and the chronic inflammation destroys the myelin sheath, leading to progressive nerve tissue damage. The damage typically begins in the middle of the back and this is where the most severe damage can be found. The nerve damage results in loss of voluntary and involuntary motor control. Some neurologists compare Degenerative Myelopathy in dogs to Multiple Sclerosis in humans.
Commonly Affected Breeds
There are about 43 breeds that have been found to have the defective gene responsible for Degenerative Myelopathy. The breeds most often affected include;
- German Shepherd
- Boxer
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Irish Setter
- Dalmatian
- Weimaraner
- Great Pyrenees
- Samoyed
- Briard
- Siberian Husky
- Miniature Poodle
- Standard Poodle
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Golden Retriever
- Wire Fox Terrier
- American Eskimo Dog
- Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Pug
Diagnosis
The diagnostic tests that are normally performed are blood work (including a thyroid panel) and spinal X-rays. Other tests may include an electromyogram (EMG), MRI or CT, myelogram, and spinal tap to help rule out other spinal diseases, such as Intervertebral Disc Disease, spinal cord tumors, Degenerative Lumbosacral Syndrome, and Degenerative Joint Diseases as in Dysplasia.
If your vet highly suspects Degenerative Myelopathy, a blood sample can be submitted to the veterinary school at the University of Missouri to test for the mutant gene – or dogs can be screened with a cheek swab sample.
Symptoms
Degenerative Myelopathy initially affects the rear legs first. The dog may start to drag a foot on walks and the owner can hear or see this. The two middle nails on that weak paw may be worn down. Eventually, a lack of coordination and wobbliness in the gait is seen and the reflexes will slow in the hind feet and legs. Soon afterward, the thigh muscles will start to atrophy and the tail may be limp.
As the disease progresses, the dog will have difficulty standing for long periods of time and getting up from lying down. Fecal and urinary incontinence inevitably follow. The rear legs become so weak that the dog will need assistance to get up and he will have trouble holding a position to defecate or urinate (affected dogs often walk and poop).
As the disease progresses, the front limbs will start to become affected and weaken as well. Normally, the dog is so debilitated by this point that most patients are euthanized because of poor quality of life. Thankfully, this disease is not painful but there may be compensatory issues that will eventually cause discomfort since the dog’s biomechanics will change and tissues will be overused.
Holistic Treatments
There is no conventional veterinary medicine treatment for Degenerative Myelopathy. Holistic veterinarians use their skills and modalities to improve the quality of life. There is no need for pain meds (usually) or steroids. Treatments that do help and are readily available include acupuncture, exercise, diet and nutraceuticals.
- Acupuncture can help by stimulating the nervous system. More than likely, electroacupuncture will be used. The acupuncture needles are inserted and then small electrodes are connected to a few needles to create a microcurrent between them. This drives the acupuncture effect deeper and is very beneficial for paralyzed or partially paralyzed patients. This is performed once or twice a week for a few sessions in a row.
- Exercise is probably the most important modality for affected dogs. The nervous system has to be constantly stimulated to keep the nerve impulses firing. There is now documentation showing that physiotherapy can improve symptoms and prolongs the length of time that the dog remains mobile.
- Hydrotherapy is the safest and most effective form of exercise for these patients. Free swimming and underwater treadmill therapy have many advantages to the nervous and musculoskeletal system and the properties of water make it the safest form of exercise.
Walks and structured therapeutic exercise are very important to maintain balance and proprioception, flexibility of the joints, keep muscles toned, and maintain good circulation. Eventually, a cart may enable the dog to remain active and maintain its quality of life once weakness or paralysis of the hind legs sets in.
The Importance of Nutrition
- A balanced nutritional protocol will support the body and help control inflammation and regulate the immune system. First and foremost, the quality of protein needs to be evaluated. The higher the bioavailability of the protein, the better off the dog will be. The digestion process takes a lot of energy and creates a lot of heat which is not what the body needs, so the less work the intestines have to do, the better. Since Degenerative Myelopathy is potentially a problem with an over-reactive immune system, you want to give your dog anti-inflammatory ingredients. One of the most profound and effective is PUFAS (polyunsaturated fatty acids). They are required (essential) in the diet because they are not produced by the body. The most important is Omega-3 essential fatty acid from fish oil because it gets broken down to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.
- Inflammation anywhere in the body creates free radicals which are unstable electrons that can cause damage to cell DNA and cause cell death. Antioxidants can neutralize the free radicals and help maintain proper levels. Some antioxidants beneficial to Degenerative Myelopathy-affected dogs or to help prevent the development of the disease are: ascorbic acid (vitamin C), vitamin E, vitamin A, carotenoids, selenium, glutathione peroxidase, super oxide dismutase, coenzyme Q 10, S- Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe), N-Acetylcysteine, and taurine. Most of these antioxidants are found in fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Another important ingredient, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), is an effective anti-inflammatory substance that is naturally found in protein from red meat, poultry, eggs, legumes, garlic, onions (but not for dogs!), Brussels sprouts, asparagus, kale and wheat germ.
Lecithin is composed of fatty substances and phospholipids which make up a portion of the nerve cell wall membrane. It may provide building blocks for the myelin sheath and nerve tissue in the spinal cord. Most unprocessed nuts, unprocessed grains, unprocessed soy, and eggs contain lecithin.
Dr Kruger Pet Supplements Helps Dogs with DM utilizing All Natural, Organic, NON-GMO, Human Grade Quality Ingredients !
Since 1986 Dr Kruger Pet Supplements has been providing supplements that help a dog achieve and maintain proper health and natural balance as required by nature. Our customers with breeds that have a predisposition to Degenerative Myelopathy or have already developed this disease utilize the Healthy Skin & Coat Formula and our Canine Degenerative Myelopathy Formula to assist in addressing the issues that Degenerative Myelopathy is noted for in dogs.
As a preventative measure; customers start their puppies (after 6 months of age) on these formulas to build up their bodies and immune system. This will help your dog by providing the necessary systems support through its life.
After being diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy; customers start their dogs on these formulas to improve the quality of life for their dogs. Provide the dogs with the systems support, immune support and mobility support that is most critical for a dog with Degenerative Myelopathy.
Dosage Recommendation; You never want to exceed 1 ½ scoops (teaspoons) per one cup of food. The most common way it is given;
1 full scoop of Canine Degenerative Myelopathy Formula and ½ scoop of Healthy Skin & Coat Formula per one cup of food.
3 Golden Rules that lead to success using any of the Dr Kruger Pet Supplements Formulas
- The formulas are dosed based on the amount of food your pet eats per meal; this is the only true way to determine the proper amount of supplement/s your pet should be getting. Your goal is to get your dog up to 1 full scoop per one cup of food and your cat up to the equivalent amount of supplement/s based on the amount of food being fed.
- This will not work if you are trying to give supplements to more than one pet in a “free feeding” environment. This is based on predictive feeding as explained above.
- You must follow our dosage instructions; your pet must have the supplement/s on every meal; skipping days or only giving the supplement/s on one meal a day (unless your pet only gets one meal a day) will not be sufficient for the supplement/s to do their job properly.
For more information about Dr Kruger Pet Supplements Formulas go to http://www.drkruger.com
Article sources: A Natural Approach to Managing Degenerative Myelopathy Holistic Care – By Dr Julie Mayer; Dr Kruger Pet Supplements – www.drkruger.com