Musculoskeletal Health Plan (SM2)

• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

DM is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the spinal cord of dogs. The gene mutation has been found in more than 70 breeds. Dogs that have inherited defective genes will experience a breakdown of the cells responsible for sending and receiving signals from the brain, resulting in neurological symptoms. The disease often begins with an unsteady gait, and the dog may wobble when they attempt to walk. As the disease progresses, the dog's hind legs will weaken and eventually the dog will be unable to walk at all. DM moves up the body, so if the disease is allowed to progress, the dog will eventually be unable to hold his bladder and will lose normal function in its front legs. The onset of DM generally occurs later in life starting at an average age of about 8 years. The frequency of disease gene varies across different breeds. Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, German Shepherd, Collie and Boxer are at the highest risk of being affected by DM.

• Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) 

OI is an inherited disease that causes defective collagen, leading to extremely fragile bones and teeth. The disease is caused by a mutation in SERPINH1, a gene that promotes correct folding of the collagen. Affected puppies suffer from bone fractures after minor trauma, which can result from playing. The teeth are fragile and pink due to thin enamel, which exposes the underlying blood vessels. The overall frequency of OI carriers is 13% in the population and about 20% of dogs in Germany are OI carriers.