Degenerative Myelopathy information
In 2009, a DNA gene was identified so we can now test our dogs for DM genes before breeding them.
Every dog gets a Dm gene from each parent.- If they have 2 affected genes, they are At Risk of getting the disease before they turn 15. They can produce Carrier or At Risk offspring.- If they have 1 affected gene and 1 clear gene, then they are Carriers and will not come down with the disease, but can produce offspring with DM if they are bred to another Carrier or an At Risk dog.- If they are Clear, then they have 2 clear genes and can only produce Clear or Carrier offspring.This is why there have not been as many DM cases in boxers as Heart Disease and Cancer.There are also dog wheelchairs for them to support their back legs.Eddie's Wheels was highly recommended to me and they also sell used wheelchairs.
Another site for dog wheelchairs with additional DM information is the K-9 Cart Company East. At least we now have DNA tests and can breed boxers who will not develop this disease. |
