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 Negative, then they have 2 normal genes and can only produce Normal or Carrier offspring.This is why there have not been as many DM cases in boxers as Heart Disease and Cancer.Check the DM Registry for test results on specific dogsScroll down & click New Search In the Breed section, Click Boxer, then scroll down on the right In the Report Type section, Click on the word Blood and then type "D" and it should select Degenerative Myelopathy , then scroll down on the rightClick Begin Search
Offa DM statistics for boxersWheelsThere 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. The videos below are of a grandpup of mine and his introduction to the Eddie's Wheels:1. Dekan has DM and will use my Eddie's Wheels for the first time.
2. Dekan getting his wheels.3. Dekan is getting comfortable with his Eddie's Wheels.4. DeKan is getting familiar with his wheels5. Dekan loves using Eddie's Wheels!Here are Youtube links with boxers in wheelchairs for various reasons
My
neighbor has a boxer with DM. She bought this product below and put
them on her dog and the dog is walking soooo much better. She has some gripping power now. _http://www.therapaw.com/sticky-pawzboots.aspx_ (http://ww w.therapaw.com/sticky-pawzboots.aspx) The boots are somewhat thick and when her foot slides or buckles under, it also protects her feet. The boots also don't seem to come off her feet when she's walking. At least we now have DNA tests and can breed boxers who will not develop this disease. |
