Description: Dog degenerative myelopathy is a serious late-onset neurodegenerative disease. This disease was first described as a spinal cord disease mainly in German shepherds. In addition to the German Shepherd, however, degenerative myelopathy affected many other breeds. The primary image is paralysis of the hind legs with progressive deterioration. Uncoordinated movement of the back of the body develops, sensitivity and reflexes are impaired. With the progression of the disease, the forelegs are also affected and the disease manifests as paresis and paralysis. Eventually, an individual may lose control of the bladder and intestinal function. In this disease, the subject does not suffer from pain as there is a loss of spine function due to myelin destruction and subsequent axon degeneration causing progressive ataxia and paresis.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive

Mutation: in exon 2 of SOD1 gene, SOD1: c.118G>A

Sample: EDTA whole blood (1.0 ml) or 2 buccal brushes. For official purposes, the confirmation of the dog’s identity by Veterinarian is recommended.

The analysis is suitable for the following breeds: Dogs of all breeds can be tested for DM and is particularly recommended in the following breeds: Deutscher Boxer, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, German Shepherd, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Poodle, Wire Fox Terrier, Labrador Retriever

Notes: # – performed by a partner laboratory; DM-SG is performed by a partner laboratory under the supervision of Slovgen. DM-EVG is performed by the Partner Laboratory EVG.