Read Current Entries      Sign Guestbook      Message Boards Entry: 2008-05-12 21:29:52 Visitor's Name: jerry mullins Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: huntsville,, alabama How you found our site: searching for answers after losing my boxer Would you recommend our site to others?: Comments: How do you deal with the pain of losing your best friend? My boxer, Lex, passed on on February 28 after slowly deteriorating with what I was told was degenerative arthritis but the DM symptoms sound like the same thing. It has been eleven weeks now but the pain of losing him will no ease up. I will set up a memorial at Rainbow Bridge but cannot yet handle doing it because I break down every time. I know he understands in the same way we always communicated with each other. Do you have any suggestions on dealing with this loss? He was my shadow for 8 years and this is the worst loss I have ever dealt with and it is so hard. "I could have missed the pain but I would have had to miss the dance" Entry: 2008-05-10 17:22:12 Visitor's Name: Shauna Swale Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Parachute, Colorado How you found our site: On a search for DM Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes Comments: I just lost my boy Kodiak last weekend. He suffered from DM. Entry: 2008-05-06 01:47:05 Visitor's Name: Catherine Feng Homepage URL: none You are from: Albany, NY USA How you found our site: typed degenerative myelopathy Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes Comments: My 15 year old Greyhound Bubba has DM and it has progressively gotten worse within the past year. At this point right now, I cherish all the moments and all the joy he has brought into my life. It is hard to see your baby go through something like this, just knowing that it will get worse. I am doing all I can to make my Bubba comfortable. Thanks for sharing your experience. It is very helpful. Entry: 2008-05-05 23:07:19 Visitor's Name: Pauline Gregory Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: United Kingdom How you found our site: typed indegenerative myloepathy Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: I have already lost my beloved Maisie, she was 12 years, on the 1st August, 2006. I still very sad and think about her often. I have Daisie still with me and she is now also suffering with this terrible disease. Both my girls are dalmatians and havfe always been very healthy up until their latter ages, Daisie is now coming up to 12 years in June. I wish i could do something more but i dont know what to do. Just give her hugs and kisses and i massage her every night. She is thankfully very well apart from falling down occasionaly, this is something that is happening more often now. Its hard having these wonderful pets around becuase i HATE saying goodbye! Pauline x Entry: 2008-05-02 16:38:48 Visitor's Name: Chrissy Werneth Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Citra, FL, USA How you found our site: Doing research on DM Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes Comments: I can't tell you how much your website has meant to me and my GSD Chipper. Thank you for all your hard work and your boy, Jack Flash, was a truly magnificent companion like so many GSDs. Entry: 2008-05-01 13:22:34 Visitor's Name: Laura Jordan Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Sherwood, WI, USA How you found our site: Did a search on About.com on symptoms that our dog is having Would you recommend our site to others?: 100% Yes I would! Comments: Out Yellow Lab Moose who is now 12 started having progressing problems with stability in the hind as well as horseness barks and we are just looking to help make him comfortable. Entry: 2008-04-30 05:10:42 Visitor's Name: michele gehring Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: west lawn, pa usa How you found our site: typed degenerative mylopathy Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: my 13 yr old blk lab, scooby, was diagnosed 3 yrs ago, with help of this site and others , change in diet and much love, he is still with us...all coming to end soon regretfully. i am not handling this very well now, i believe i need to make a decision. i don't know if i am not ready or he is not ready, or both! this wk his hind legs seem to be retaining fluid, not swelling really because not tightening of skin but a larger appearance. still acting the same...following me everywhere to the best of his ability, begging for treats and being a big presence within the family! just trying to brace myself for the loss i guess...he has been my saving grace through many stages of my life...you all know what i mean. help! Entry: 2008-04-25 21:25:16 Visitor's Name: Tammy Myers Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Nashville, TN 37203 How you found our site: google Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: I found a german shepherd 8 yrs. ago on the freeway. She had been hit by a car after escaping from a puppy mill (where she was used to breed, never let out of a cage). Her hips were broken, but we took her home where she had surgery & healed for 8 wks. Fast forward--"Ally" (we found her in Alabama) was diagnosed w/DM last summer. Her back legs are scraping more each day, but the hardest thing to deal w/is the bowel incontinence. Her stool doesn't form well anymore, and if I give her anything other than organic dry, she has horrible diarrhea. Did anyone else deal w/this problem or have any suggestions? Entry: 2008-04-25 15:00:50 Visitor's Name: Jimmy Porter and Diane Cleary. Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Dubois,WY USA How you found our site: Search Engine Google. Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes. Comments: This web page does not have and edit line nor an email line. Here is my email: jporter@dteworld.com. I will talk to anyone and I have lots of questions, especially about euthanasia of alert animals with DM. *************************************** From Marjorie: This site has a both a CONTACT button and it also has a FULL PAGE devoted to how to reach our message boards, which is where questions are answered! If one wants help, one must also help themselves by availing themselves of the information contained upon the site. I also have a DM dog, and a family and the message boards were created for people to communicate upon. It would be impossible for one person, alone, to answer all the mail. I built the site so people could educate themselves and communicate with others that also have DM dogs. Questions are to be directed to the message boards, which is quite clear if you took the time to actually read through the site. Entry: 2008-04-25 03:54:55 Visitor's Name: Jimmy Porter & Diane Cleary, domestic partners. Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: USA How you found our site: Search Engine for dogs that could not walk. Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes. Comments: I cry too much. I will never be able to hand any sort of death, although I know it is a part of life. I is so hard. Entry: 2008-04-22 20:42:11 Visitor's Name: Gary and Cyndie Mitchell Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: tecumseh, MI How you found our site: searching for myelopathy info Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: Our beloved Sadie has had DM for the past few months and we are hearbroken watching her decline. It is so unexpected and surprising, she is only 9 and healthy otherwise with her usual big heart full of love. We don't know what to do !!!!!! Entry: 2008-04-14 06:27:52 Visitor's Name: NORMA LEONARD Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Los Angeles, CA How you found our site: Surfing Would you recommend our site to others?: YES Comments: I wanted to include my email address: Norleonard@aol.com Entry: 2008-04-14 06:24:44 Visitor's Name: Norma Leonard Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Los Angeles, CA How you found our site: Surfing Would you recommend our site to others?: Absolutely Comments: I would like to share my experience with DM with anyone who is interested. My GS "Nitro" was diagnosed with DM 22 months ago on his birthday at the age of 9. It came as such a surprise, I had never heard of the disease. I scrambled to get information on DM while also dealing with a compressed disc that needed attention. The doctor recommended surgery to relieve his pain from the compressed disc, then deal with DM. However, they decided he needed a MRI first which took a walking dog and subsequently paralyzed his rear legs. After a month he regained use of his legs, then it was necessary to have the surgery. Again, after surgery he had no use of his rear legs. Months later after much care and attention, Nitro was able to walk on his own. I then started Dr. Clemmons therapy for meds/diet, but Nitro did not tolerate it very well. The disease progressed but he was a happy dog. We used various slings to help him walk and we managed fine. I do believe I should have gotten him a cart very early, but did not, a mistake. Fast forward and Nitro has lost use of his front legs. We still seem to manage well, his spirit is good but I can see that he's tired. I am with him 24/7 to keep him occupied and well cared for. I just want everyone to know that you need to treat your pet as if nothing is wrong. Be happy around them, don't let them see your pain or your sorrow, they will sense that. They do not know their future, it is up to us to make the most of every day for them. You will know when the time is right. There is so much to write, so many thoughts and how/to's and dont's, so please email me if you have any questions about my experience. I just cannot believe that this disease is so prevelent, especially for such a wonderful breed like the GS. I am totally in love with the breed. I just encourage everyone to get as much information as you can before you decide on tests, treatments and care for your dog, talk to as many people as you can who have experienced this and don't rely solely on vets as many are not familiar with the disease. My heart goes out to all of you dealing with this and I am so happy that I could give my Nitro such a great life dispite this adversity. Entry: 2008-04-09 19:43:15 Visitor's Name: Kathie Vogel Homepage URL: none You are from: Va. Bch, Virginia USA How you found our site: Fla. Univ web after I googled DM in GSD Would you recommend our site to others?: absolutely Comments: Thank you for your site--this is the second time to deal w/ DM & the first time I feel I can help my sweet old "Scooby"--he`s such a gentle deserving soul! Entry: 2008-04-08 19:33:57 Visitor's Name: Andrea Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Minneapolis, MN How you found our site: Internet search Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes Comments: I stumbled across this site while searching for answers about DM online. Thank you for putting all of this important information together! My little pug girl, 8 years old, has been exhibiting signs of DM for a while now. It started with her usually curled up tail becoming straight and handing towards the ground. She developed a clumsy walk and then progressed to her toes curling off and on when she stands. Her backend seems to wave with the wind. About every four days she has an episode where one or both of her back legs drag behind her. The weakness in the back legs became noticable in February of this year. I do not want to put her through anything requiring sedation as I read that it can be very harmful to DM dogs. That's why we haven't done an MRI. She had an ultrasound recently because of three urinary tract infections in a row. The ultrasound revealed healthy liver, bladder, stomach, and lymph nodes. She has also started to release drops of stool in the house randomly (this is new as of about a week). She doesn't seem to know when it's time to go outside. My little pug is pain free and seems unaware of her failing legs. All of this has led us to believe she is indeed suffering from DM. My vet doesn't seem to have much information on treating DM. I'm so thankful I found your site. I plan to bring the recommended medicine schedule to my vet in hopes of getting her started on prescriptions. Has anyone heard of a dog having urinary tract infection problems associated with DM? Also, how long does it take to get access to the message boards? I would love to be able to ask questions and read more information on there. I requested access yesterday, April 7. Thank you! Entry: 2008-04-05 12:33:32 Visitor's Name: Jim Homepage URL: http://www.badboytires.com You are from: Charlotte, NC USA How you found our site: Google Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes Comments: Thanks for the website. Our dog Steeler was diagnoised back in December 2007. He's 3 months shy of his 13th birthday. This terrible disease will be taking Steeler's life today, April 5th, 2008. His sideways walking, falling and generally being terrified of stairs is too much to put him through. I believe that he does not want to live in such a manner. Goodbye my friend, I'll love you forever. Love Dad.. Entry: 2008-04-04 23:55:53 Visitor's Name: Marijean Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Martinsville, IN How you found our site: website search Would you recommend our site to others?: YES! Comments: I've felt like my whole world has turned upside down this past week. My dog, Kacy, is an eleven year old Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Kacy started developing a bad rear limp early this winter. Since she's an older dog, I presumed her limp was due to arthritis and cold weather. I started giving her glucosamine supplements, and Rimadyl for comfort. When I saw no improvement, I took Kacy to my vet, who sent me to an orthopedic surgeon, thinking she may have experienced a spinal cord compression fracture. My vet was concerned about the obvious neurological problems she had with walking, and thought it might be due to a spinal cord fracture. There was no discussion about Kacy possibly having DM. This past Wednesday, the surgeon did a myelogram, which ruled out any fracture. He diagnosed her with DM. He told me that nothing could be done for Kacy, and she would soon die from this disease. My world literally ripped open hearing this news. The past forty-eight hours have been a nightmare, thinking that my beautiful friend was dying and there was nothing I could do to help her. Very late last night, after returning home from work, I started doing a little internet research on DM, (since I had been given no information). I was elated to find LOTS of information about DM, and completely blown away to learn of Dr. Clemmons and his work. There are no words to say how relieved I am to learn of the treatment options for DM dogs. I continued reading about DM this morning, and came across this website. I feel like some guardian angel directed me here. What a beautiful experience this website is! Visiting this website has been a life changing event! I also called my local vet today, and "educated" him about Dr. Clemmons and his recommended treatment plan for DM dogs. After visiting Dr. Clemmons' website, my vet called in scripts for Kacy with Westlab Pharmacy. Help is on the way, Kacy! By the way, I read that myelograms are not the preferred diagnostic procedure for DM. But for all the symptoms Kacy has been exhibiting, DM appears to be a correct diagnosis. I have seen rather subtle worsening of DM symptoms since her myelogram on Wednesday. I don't know if that's due to the procedure itself, or from her being caged in a crate overnight at the surgeon's clinic, and not being able to exercise for over 12 hours. Thank you so much for this wonderful website! Thank you in particular, Jack Flash! Entry: 2008-04-04 19:24:31 Visitor's Name: Susan Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Champlin, MN How you found our site: surfing Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: My 8 yr old GSD was diagnosed about 1 year ago after falling and showing a slow progression of neurologic signs. He made it 4 months after a diagnosis. I tried all of the vitamins and Aminocaproic Acid. It made him very ill, digestive upset and depression, but didn't help with the DM. I took him off of it and his attitude improved 150%. He is now resting comfortably and is able to chase squirrels again in heaven. Entry: 2008-04-03 17:14:06 Visitor's Name: Kim Ludwig Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Wantage, NJ , USA How you found our site: surfing Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes Comments: Our 11 year old GSD Max was just diagnosed yesterday with DM. Regrettably I feel we missed the early warning signs mistaking them for hip dysplasia and old age.. When Max lost bowel function I knew there was a neurolgical componant. I have delt with the human form Multiple Sclerosis with my mother and the irony here was a big emotional blow. Max is a wonderful family member and can best be compared in attributes to the famed dog Nana in "Peter Pan." I am looking for any information on Homeopathic treatments or medications that have helped others I want to help the quality of Max's life. Sincerey, Kim Ludwig Entry: 2008-04-03 05:18:31 Visitor's Name: judy craig Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Palm City,Fla How you found our site: surfing Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: My GSD,Hudson was diagnosed today with DM. I am heart broken but will not let this wonderful animal and friend suffer. When it's time I'll send him off to the "Rainbow Bridge" where he will wait for me. judy craig Entry: 2008-04-02 22:50:27 Visitor's Name: Cathy Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Maine How you found our site: surfing Would you recommend our site to others?: absolutely Comments: If anyone is in need of a cart, I have one for sale for a large female dog from Eddie’s Wheels. Female, Neutral-balanced with stirrups. Measurements: A- 25, B-18, C-6.5, D-17.5, E-8.5. (Measure your dog according to the chart on Eddie's Wheels website. Then compare your dog’s measurements to mine. Measurements “C” and “E” need to match perfectly, as these dimensions are the welded parts of the frame, and there is NO adjustment larger or smaller. There is approximately 20% adjustment for height and length, but the proportions between A and D need to be the same. Males cannot use carts built for female dogs.) Purchased cart August 2007 for $535.00 and never used, attempted several times. New condition. If interested please go to the DM message Boards, register for the message boards and look under Carts, etc for sale for my contact information. Thank you! Entry: 2008-04-02 06:46:38 Visitor's Name: Kayoko Larmour Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: San Diego, CA USA How you found our site: My Vet Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes Comments: Dear Marjorie, I have two GSDs. One is going to be 12 years old this coming January and his name is Mason. I also have Frieda and she is 9 years old. I have been told that both dogs have DM. We ruled out all other possibilities by taking X-rays, ultra sound, muscle biopsy, bone scan and MRI. They could not find anything on Frieda. However, Mason has elbow dysplasia and I knew this when I adopted him when he was a year old. He has been a very healthy dog all his life. When he was 9 years old I was told he may have DM and since then has developed arthritis around his elbows. Just about 3 months ago, I noticed that he was getting slower and having difficulty getting up. I took him to 2 orthopedic surgeons and a neurologist and found out he has arthritis all his joints and spines. He lost so much weight he has practically no muscle and fat left. One doctor told me that they can try stem cell injections and it may work but another doctor said that he doesn't have enough fat left to harvest any stem cells. I am sure you already know that for the dog's stem cell injection the stem cells comes from their own dog’s fat. I had thought about this option but decided against having it done. He has been through test after test and each time he looks more miserable and weaker. I used to use a sling to take him outside and squeeze his bladder and do his “other” business but his front legs are getting worse from dysplasia and I now squeeze his bladder while he is lying down. Frieda, my lovely friend is getting worse and she now drags her bottom to follow me around the house. We tried acupuncture for a while but I think it has worsened her condition. During the summer, she swam in our swimming pool for exercise to keep her muscle strong, however, unfortunately my pool is not heated so I am taking her to the swim therapist to swim in their heated swimming pool at least 2 times a week. My #1 question is “do you have any particular dog cart maker that you can recommend?” I had looked into internet and had found that one cart maker in England makes dog cart that enables dog to lay down without un-harnessing the cart each time a dog decided to lay down. #2 question is “if dog can lay down and rest comfortably with his cart on when he gets tired during his walk, why Dagon Wheels or K9 cart companies in the US have not manufactured the same type of cart? Is there a problem with the cart?” If you have any information regarding this please let me know or call me collect. My number is 858 748 0635. I live in San Diego, CA. Thank you. Sincerely, Kayoko PS　I would like to write you more about Mason in the future. He is no longer can walk but his spirit is high. Only time he looks sad when I have to take care of his #2 business, so I tell him “Mason, you have taken good care of me all these years and it is my turn to take care of you”. I think he understood. Now he lets me know when he has to go to the bathroom, hungry, needs to drink water, wants to play ball and wants to be turned over to the other side, etc. He has now trained me so I can recognize his needs with his different barks and sounds. I squeeze his bladder first around 6:00am, 2nd around noon, 3rd around 6:00pm and the last one around 11:00pm. I take care of his other business 1st after breakfast around 8:00am and 2nd after the dinner, which is around 8:00pm. I use 3 Q tips that I bundle them at the one end with florist tape and dip the other end into the Vaseline and gently insert into his anus to stimulate. This will keep Mason clean and free of using the diaper. According to my doctor, bowel is normally processed approx. 10 to 12 hours and once it has processed it will come out with a little stimulation. I wrote this information so that it may help other DM dog owners in the same type of situation as I am in. But everyone has different situations. I am thankful because I am retired and children are grown up and I am able to do this but each case is different and has different situation. Mason used to sleep in my bedroom however, it has become more and more difficult for me to drag his and his bed into my bedroom (I am only 5’1”and Mason is a big boy) so I sleep in the sofa next to him in the living room. I have written the above story (rather long) twice to Marjorie in December of 2007, however, for some reason I did not receive any responses. So I am sending this message again and hope someone has a chance read it and respond. The questions that I had before have changed since then. I have purchased the wheelchair for Frieda from Doggon Wheels and I have so much trouble putting the harness on. Once you have harness on the dog, you must hold her dead weight up with one hand while trying to attach the harness onto the chair (altogether there are 6 clips on the harness that must be fastened into the chair) with other hand. Time I completed these tasks I am already exhausted and I am taking her to the park less and less because of this. I also feel so guilty that I can no longer take Mason to anywhere anymore except to the backyard to watch birds. The question I have now, “has anyone used the Eddies Wheel chair”? I heard that this chair is much easier and sturdier compare to others. I would appreciate it if anyone can give me an advice before I purchase it. My Frieda is a very active dog and she really enjoys her wheels however, the one she has now is not sturdy enough to keep up with her when she decided to run. The Wheel chair will tip and she will go with it. Thank you for reading this long story. ******** From Marjorie: Eddie's Wheels makes a wonderful cart! The correct way to get an answer to a question is to join the DM Message boards- if you read the site, you will get a direct link to the Message Boards, where questions are answered. RE: Stem Cell Transplants from Fat Cells: They are still not stem cells, only the nuclear cells in the fat that are not fat cells. A few might be stem cells, but most are just blood cells and/or tissue macrophages and fibroblasts. At any rate, taking blood out of an animal and re-injecting it back at certain locations has been practiced for years (thousands). It does change the local immunity and promote healing even if all it does is invoke a change in tissue fluid exchange. Might see some initial improvement, in some, but many show no improvement, at all. Marrow stem cells, far more effective, have been studied, but more research money is needed to continue with studies. Entry: 2008-03-31 13:56:21 Visitor's Name: Terry L. Homepage URL: none You are from: Oshkosh, WI, USA How you found our site: Googled it Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: Smokey, our beautiful tand and black male GSD, will be 12 years old next week. Having owned another Shepherd with DM, we recognized the signs soon after they appeared -- wobbly legs, eventually leading to knuckling under of his rear paws. He's still hanging in there -- it's been about 6 months now since the DN first appeared. His appetite is good; he is still alert and happy. I'm dreading the day that Smokey will close his eyes for the last time, but it will be soon. Entry: 2008-03-31 04:48:17 Visitor's Name: Gumbee Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Oshawa, Ontario (Toronto) How you found our site: Would you recommend our site to others?: Comments: PLEASE don't despair if your dog has RECENTLY been diagnosed with DM. IT IS A SUBJECTIVE TEST!! My GSD was diagnosed with this tragic illness in June 2007 and he still has shown NO signs. Yeah!!! Initially I was completely distraught and filled with despair. He may still get it one day, but for now, I just love him so much everyday and I'm grateful for our time together (but shouldn't we live in the moment with our friends anyway, I mean life is unpredictable). My heart truly goes out to those who are dealing with such a tragic disease. For most of us I hope this is just a misdiagnoses. Wonderful site BTW, I can't help but cry and hug my baby whenever I visit. Thanks for reminding me about the big picture. Dave Entry: 2008-03-30 19:01:04 Visitor's Name: Carole Godfrey Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Loris, South Carolina, USA How you found our site: friend Would you recommend our site to others?: already have many times Comments: Please read and answer the email I just sent to Marjorie. **************************** From Marjorie: I didnt get an email, Carole :( Please resend.. Had another death in the family and houseguests were on computer- perhaps they messed up my mail.... Entry: 2008-03-29 23:53:37 Visitor's Name: Christine Arnott Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: How you found our site: Web search Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: Please can someone help me....my beloved 11 year old GSD has CDRM....he is really wobbly and struggles with getting up and steps and I dont know when or how to make the choice to have to him let go...he is my first dog and its awful........I love him so much and dont want to let him down. My OH only says what he wants me to hear and Im scared Im keeping my boy hanging on just for me.... Entry: 2008-03-29 15:26:47 Visitor's Name: phyllis & terry Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: owensboro, ky usa How you found our site: handicapped pets.com Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: Our Germanshepherd, Cyrus, was diagnosed with DM 2 years ago. Started with the balancing problem, then went to back legs. Now affected front. We have an eggshell mattress for him and we take good care of him and he still "takes care of us". We know at some point, we will have to make the decision but right now, he is not in pain and seems very content with us. I wish there was a cure. We do have him on the vitamins and the medicine from Univ. of Fla. Any info. we find on the internet, we share with our vet in order to help future patients. Entry: 2008-03-26 19:11:34 Visitor's Name: Debbie Doob Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Loganville, WI, USA How you found our site: google Would you recommend our site to others?: Already have to many!!!!!!! Comments: Very impressive, if overwhelmingly sad, site. Entry: 2008-03-26 08:48:15 Visitor's Name: Bob---Crickett's dad Homepage URL: none You are from: Crystal Lake, Il How you found our site: By accident while reading about doggie wheel chairs Would you recommend our site to others?: I will send this to all my dog loving friends Comments: I feel like I have won the "lottery of information" on this mostly un-known terrible disease that is often mistaken for hip dysplasia or arthiritis or old age. We are facing the fact that we will have to be putting our sweet 14 year old Blk Lab mix to sleep soon. She does not appear to be in any pain, but reading many of the stories and the great story of Jack Flash, she is a textbook case of DM. She has been declining since 11/06 and now is immobile, incontinent, but still the greatest girl in our history of being dog people. She will be missed so dearly. We also have a 6 year old Golden who will now be watched with a sharper eye as a caution of this disease. Our vet briefly mentioned this during our first concerned exam in 2/06 about her slowing down and not moving too well, but it wasn't given a name other than a "nerve disease" that is common in GSD, not Labs. Our vets will be given this website and informed that the "pain medicine" they have been injecting her with every 2 weeks since 2/07 probably wasn't doing much for her health or comfort level. They have been real concerned about her health, but if I can find this website as a non-vet and regular person, why didn't they?? I would have loved to have known all of this info a year ago when we started this "pain shot" syndrome. Maybe Dr. Clemmons method may have helped her improve her quality of life and the effects of this disease. I can only hope that more people learn about this disease and contribute as I will to the cause of the wonderful people who are doing research on DM as well as the creators and maintainers of this incredible website. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Cricketts Family Entry: 2008-03-25 23:52:54 Visitor's Name: Annette Rodriguez Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Niagara Falls, NY How you found our site: Googled Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes Comments: We have a beautiful female GSD named Chichi. She will be 12 yrs. old May 5th. She was diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia at 2 years. We have been blessed to have this wonderful dog for this long but we know the time is getting very close to making that awful decision. Although she does not cry or make sounds that she is in pain, you can see it in her face and of course her walk. We love her too much and will miss her terribly. Thank you for this website and the support it gives its readers. Entry: 2008-03-25 20:48:18 Visitor's Name: eric corsi Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: ottsville pa. 18942 How you found our site: internet Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: my 11 year old english springer spaniel has been diagnosed with DM.We are seeing a holistic vet for accu- puncture and als treating with fish oil,glycoflex,and spectra. Any other ideas would be appreciated. Entry: 2008-03-24 18:57:27 Visitor's Name: Sandra Wikle Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Miami, FL USA How you found our site: Google Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: My 14-year-old Shar Pei mix "Reno" has just been diagnosed with Myelopathy. I'm heartbroken. My vet and I agreed to go for the quality of life rather than the quantity. She's on prednesone to cut down on the inflamation. Thank you for your website, it's very informative. God bless you. Entry: 2008-03-19 20:49:24 Visitor's Name: Kerri triaga Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Buford, GA, USA How you found our site: Lookig for Dm diagnosis Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes Comments: We have a beautiful White German Shepherd named Max. Sadly we had to put max to sleep yesterday due to this cruel disease. Max just turned 10 and went to the vet two weeks prior, coming home with a clean bill of health. The Vet said he looked great. Two weeks later he began walking funny, like he was unbalanced. My husband wanted to dismiss this as he over did it playing with kids. That night my husband had to help him up the stairs and realized it needed further looking into. When we brought Max back to the vet. He said that it could be Dm, hip displaysia or a blown knee. We wanted the best outcome. Over the next day it got much worse. I looked up this website along with others and knew he had DM. His toes started tucking under and his nails were dragging on the floor. It was so painful to wacth my Strong, Loyal, protective companion go through this. I wanted so badly to find anything I could to try and help him get better. I put him on the clemmons diet and started the vitmans and minerals. It wasn't getting better for him. My husband and I decided to do the most humane thing we could. We put him down before the worst of this disease could get him. He was a dog with dignity and we wanted him to have that to the very end. Being a german shepherd he would continue to work to his dying day for us. It was the hardest thing to do. WE love him so much enough that we wanted him to never have the pain and humilation that comes along with this disease. I hope he is running in heaven chasing the angels. Until we meet again ..We love you Max ..You were truly the best dog we could have had..Thanks for 10 great years- Mom,Dad, Jon and Hailey:) ************************************* From Marjorie: This dog did not have DM- DM does NOT come on suddenly, within a 2 week time span, nor is there pain associated with DM. There are many conditions that present with the same symptoms as DM, but in fact, are not DM. That is why a proper diagnosis is so important! Many of these other conditions have a surgical fix! Dr Clemmons program will not help other conditions, even if the symptoms are similiar. Entry: 2008-03-09 02:06:21 Visitor's Name: Bobbi and MollyBrown Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Mendham, NJ, USA How you found our site: search Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: (No comment made) Entry: 2008-03-05 00:49:09 Visitor's Name: Ginny Coile Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Tallahassee, FL USA How you found our site: from Dr. Clemmon's site Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: I can't seem to figure out how to find your DM discussions, I find comments here, but no question/answer/feedback. Can you please direct me? I very much want to join the forum and get feedback from others. My dog is not a German Shepard, he is a collie mix (very prevalent collie, but possibly GSD could be in him?). Anyway, he is my best friend and I would really appreciate being able to join your support group and asking questions, as well as contributing to where Osten (my buddy) and I are at this point. Please email me and let me know where I need to go on this site to find discussions, etc. I will be filling out your survey in the next couple days, yes, it is long, and I want to answer as accurately as I can. Thanks you so much. Ginny ************ From Marjorie There is an entire page of the website devoted to how to get to our discussion/message boards- please read the site. Entry: 2008-03-03 14:26:41 Visitor's Name: donna unger Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: trappe, pa 19426 USA How you found our site: search under canine dm Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: very informative and enlightening....my 17 yr olf jack russell has been showing these symptoms for several months, and it has been chalked up to bad knees joint, ols age, and arthritis...NOW i know what it is...being such a small dog, it is much easier to deal with than in a large breed, but no less devastating.....your advice for continued exercise confirmed my own thoughts about battling muscle atrophy...thanks for the help! Entry: 2008-03-03 00:58:10 Visitor's Name: Cathy Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Portland, ME How you found our site: Surfing Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes! Comments: Marjorie, I wanted to let you know that I am sorry to learn, as you shared in your December post response, that your mom passed away. Please accept my sincere sympathies. You have done so much for so many with your website and support group. I first discovered the site about a year and a half ago. I have revisited periodically for support as I deal with probalby DM for my lab/shep mix who just turned 14! Thank you and know that others who only "know" you through this site understand your grieving and send condolances. Entry: 2008-03-01 22:20:40 Visitor's Name: Susan Holton Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Newcastle, WA (near Seattle) How you found our site: web surfing Would you recommend our site to others?: most assuredly! Comments: Our Mason (Australian Shepard) started developing signs of DM at about age 7. Rear foot dragging and then weakness in the back hindquarters. After multiple vet visits (and shots for horses with bad joints), we made a decision. That was to invest the $$$ we would have put into tests and specialits - into a K-9 Cart. It was the best decision we could have made! Unquestionably. Mason - who cannot walk - can now chase cats and catch frisbees again! We can go for walks - through snow and sand on the beach. It's been incredible to see his joy in having his independence again! In the house, he has to drag himself around - but open the door, show him his cart and watch his eyes sparkle and then the wind in his ears as he takes off! And, he loves the attention he gets in his "wheels". He's been in the cart since last July. No other meds, tests or vet visits. We're happy to answer questions by email. You can also contact my husband "Chuck" at keywestflyer@comcast.net. (He's retired and has more email time than I do.) By the way, we've also noticed a few seizures in Mason over the years. No rhyme or reason. His temperament is still as sweet as ever! Hugs to everyone with a 4-footed child with DM. Susan Entry: 2008-03-01 19:34:08 Visitor's Name: Grief Stricken Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Ma How you found our site: Google Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes Comments: I came across this site, and Im so glad I did. There is nothing like losing a pet. A close family member had to put down her 10 1/2 year old German Shephard yesterday, and I went with her. I never imagined what it was going to be like. My heart felt like it dropped in my stomach. I was overcome with such sadness. He went a few years ago due to his left leg, they said it was the start of hip dyplasia and that they wanted to take the leg, but we couldnt do that! He would only have one left and if that went it was done. They said he had six months. Yesterday was just shy of 3 years later!! That alone, we couldn't of asked for anything else. Seeing handsome man around for 3 more years was more then anything else we could ask for. The last thing they said was Spinal Myelopathy and all the symptoms are here. He would have good days and bad. It was so sad making this decision, for he will never be forgotten. However, I seem to not come to terms with it just yet for obvious reasons as it was only yesterday we had to let him free, but also for the fact that he brain function was so sharp. It was all heartwrenching. I know he is a better place and I know he knows it was best, but lord I hope he honestly knows it. It's the pain that is unbearable and learning to go on in life without a great dog , friend, and companion. Till we meet again, love ya always handsome man. I know you will be watching all of us. Love Auntie Entry: 2008-02-29 01:10:48 Visitor's Name: Donna Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: MA, USA How you found our site: Google Would you recommend our site to others?: YES! Comments: My Bridge GSD had many autoimmune related disorders (Hypothyroid, IBD, Cushings) and when she left us, she had all the symtoms of DM as well, although it was not diagnosed. My current 8.5 YO Pembroke Corgi is beginning to follow her footsteps and I'm told that DM is a "curse" to this breed as well, but I'm not finding nearly as much info as I have here. A wealth of information here! I just wish I wasn't researching it. Donna Entry: 2008-02-28 20:07:33 Visitor's Name: Debby Ferreri Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Youngstown,Ohio USA How you found our site: Looking for information on DM Would you recommend our site to others?: YES Comments: My GSD,Maxwell has not been officially diagnosed with DM however he has all the symptoms. Two years ago he lost his balance,dragged his back legs and would crisscross them when he walk. He went into remission and now it is back with a vengence and I don\'t want to let him go. He is the best friend ever and a gentle giant.He gives me a sense of secruity and I don\'t know what I will do without him. Tomorrow I am taking him to a Vet that is on the list and I am evne thinking of getting him a wheel chair. If someone has one please e-mail me if you don\'t need it anymore. Entry: 2008-02-25 19:40:23 Visitor's Name: Jess Homepage URL: www.lovinggsd.com You are from: UK How you found our site: From our website, someone who have a GSD with DM and search Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes Comments: Brilliant informative site, keep the great job up. Admin of lovinggsd.com Loving GSD. Entry: 2008-02-24 09:59:21 Visitor's Name: Judyann Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Massachusetts/USA How you found our site: search engine Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: I had two dogs at two seperate incidences both lost the use of their hind legs & eventually died.I got another dog three years ago and hes started showing signs of weak hind legs.I was talking to a woman friend that has shelter horses she gives her horses a natural herb called MSM the ingredient is Methylsulfonylmethane good for mild pain and joint health,I have weakness in my legs as well and use same MSM.I read a womans report on animal health risks;she stated that the vaccines aren't what we think they are? I had my doubts about shots for my pets.I had one dog for 12 years my husband took him to the vets to be fixed; a year later he lost the use of his hind legs a few months after that he was suffering so bad we had to have him put to sleep.I'm sorry to sound so pathetic but i'm so upset over the loss of all our loving pets by the millions. Entry: 2008-02-22 18:23:19 Visitor's Name: melissa inman Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Mandeville, LA. 70471 How you found our site: google search Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: My dog Annie was diagnosed with DM today and I am so worried it's too late. I am heartbroken. She is still so full of life that I can't imagine her on the brink of death. Entry: 2008-02-20 16:25:13 Visitor's Name: Marilyn Gillespie Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Holden, Louisiana How you found our site: google search on degenerative myelopathy Would you recommend our site to others?: very definitely Comments: Your site has been wonderful - although very sad - in cleary up the many questions I have. Thank you for a wonderful site. Entry: 2008-02-20 14:05:38 Visitor's Name: Linda Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Phila., PA How you found our site: google search Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: I wish I would've found this site 7 months ago when my baby was diagnosed. She's been on steroids since then and I know her time has come. I just need the strength to let her go... Entry: 2008-02-19 21:50:24 Visitor's Name: neil Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: walton ,NY ,USA How you found our site: looking for help Would you recommend our site to others?: oh yeah Comments: My GSD has DM his name is ATREYU {trey}. Treys 8 and a half. vet gave him 5 months to live. We feel your pain and are desparetly looking for someone that might beable to help him. Hes showed signs of DM for about 5 months. I guess we refuse to think its the end of our best friend someone please help us. Entry: 2008-02-19 20:19:48 Visitor's Name: renee johnson Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: desert hot springs, ca How you found our site: google Would you recommend our site to others?: absolutely Comments: thank you for being here Entry: 2008-02-13 15:08:02 Visitor's Name: Jane Hemker Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Delphos, Ohio, USA How you found our site: website on myelopathy Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: My female shepherd was just diagnosed. Trying to learn as much as I can about this disease and try to make her as comfortable and enjoyable as I possible can. Entry: 2008-02-12 05:57:50 Visitor's Name: Sue Homepage URL: http://fortheloveofdogs.homestead.com/one.html You are from: Gr Junction, MI USA How you found our site: Google Would you recommend our site to others?: oh, YES! Comments: Just an update to my previous signing. Both My GSD's, (Ace a rescue from the pound & Bear rescued from a back yard breeder) were the loves of our lives. We have no HUMAN kids and these animals are our world. To see these beautiful dogs laying on piddle pads because they can't feel when they have to go to the bathroom and they still want to play catch with you and a ball is just so damn painful. Ace was 9 and Bear was 11. Ozzy cries. Atleast with Bear and Ace it didn't seem painful, just more of a problem with them moving. My husband would have to carry Bear(125 pound) down 6 stairs. Ace (62 pounds) I could. It just seemed like they would look in your eyes and ask why. We have 4 rescues now. Ozzy has Parasis, Angus has EPI, Emma has her spine and front leg bone fuzing together and Shelby is just fat and happy. I would never give up getting GSD rescues from the pound or from rescue centers, but going through all this pain is just tearing me apart! The loss is GREAT. But we WILL see them again one day. Happy, healthy and so glad to see us again. We just have to get through this hard part.....life. Entry: 2008-02-12 05:42:44 Visitor's Name: Sue Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Gr. Junction, MI USA How you found our site: google Would you recommend our site to others?: yes! Comments: I lost my beloved Ace to DM, 7-06 and my baby Bear to DM on 3-27-07. No I have Ozzy who is 2 and has Parsis. I am horrified by this and I am still not over the loss of Bear and Ace. I pray that Ozzy gets better soon and that the acupuncture I am taking through helps soon. Thank you for all your work and information! Entry: 2008-02-12 04:42:47 Visitor's Name: Kelli Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: white, ga How you found our site: surfing Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: I just put my 12 year GSD to sleep today due to DM. It was horrible she could no longer walk. Wish they could end this terrible disease. Entry: 2008-02-11 06:31:42 Visitor's Name: Teidi Tucker Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: San Diego, CA How you found our site: google Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: Dear Marjorie: My Alpha, Hank, a GSD mix, has just been diagnosed with DM at the age of 11. I am trying to do as much research as possible to support him in delaying the progression of DM. Thanks for such a good resource. Entry: 2008-02-08 21:56:48 Visitor's Name: Pat Smith Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Brunswick ME How you found our site: Google Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes Comments: My dog began by deciding he would not dot he stairs anymore (we live on the second floor). He and a half-sister were Dx last week. Bernie and Bunny are Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Their mother had 2 littermates that died from the disease, but she tested negative. Entry: 2008-02-08 21:56:43 Visitor's Name: Pat Smith Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Brunswick ME How you found our site: Google Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes Comments: My dog began by deciding he would not dot he stairs anymore (we live on the second floor). He and a half-sister were Dx last week. Bernie and Bunny are Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Their mother had 2 littermates that died from the disease, but she tested negative. Entry: 2008-02-04 15:58:29 Visitor's Name: Julie Rollison Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Holly Hill, SC How you found our site: My heart belongs to GSDs/ My new Sister told me Would you recommend our site to others?: Absolutely Comments: Marjorie, What a beautiful site!!! Entry: 2008-02-04 15:05:50 Visitor's Name: Nancy Wright Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Maple City, Michigan, USA How you found our site: searching for information on DM Would you recommend our site to others?: very much so Comments: This is a beautiful website and what a gorgeous dog! I found out 3 weeks ago that my choc lab - Abby - 10 years old was diagnosed with DM. Her back legs were giving out. Right now her regimen is Prednisone but it doesn't seem to be working too well. I also have her on several vitamins. I am so impressed with Dr. Clemmons and would like to contact him to discuss Abby. Marjorie, can you tell me how expensive the meds are? I really feel I need to try this new natural route and pray that it will help my precious Abby. Boy, how we love her dogs! God's very special gifts to us!. Thanks so much for your response to me and what you are doing. Entry: 2008-02-03 01:45:44 Visitor's Name: kelley Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: laurel md 20723 How you found our site: search Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: (No comment made) Entry: 2008-01-31 18:13:02 Visitor's Name: Karen Storck Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Denver, CO USA How you found our site: internet search Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: Our 12-1/2 year old Pembroke Welsh Corgi has DM and I feel helpless as I watch him struggle. Entry: 2008-01-31 00:33:29 Visitor's Name: stephen w sullivan Homepage URL: about.com You are from: forest park Illinois How you found our site: google DM Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes Comments: My eight year old male German Shepherd (Shep)is in the beginning process to determine if he has DM. Some of the signs are there. I am waiting for some results from my Vet at the moment. It is nice to find your site that I can turn to for help and to make Sheps life as comfortable as possible. Unfortunatly I am financially strapped and may not be able to afford all the necessary tests for Shep. I love him very much and would appriciate any advice you can give. Right now I am hopeing for the best Thank You. Entry: 2008-01-30 01:35:58 Visitor's Name: Sylvia Fiano Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Matthews,NC US How you found our site: Friend with a beautifal dog, having symptoms Would you recommend our site to others?: definetley Comments: My Heart is With all of you. Entry: 2008-01-26 20:03:58 Visitor's Name: Glenn Gilliam Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Hillsborough Ca USA How you found our site: search Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: I have a large Rhodesian Ridgeback that was just diagnosed with DM. What can I do for my beloved pet? Entry: 2008-01-22 21:47:23 Visitor's Name: Lisa Semmens Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Holly Springs, North Carolina How you found our site: Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes Comments: This is a message for Chris Duclos - I too have a corgi with DM - he has progressed fairly rapidly to the point of not being able to use his hind limbs (although with a sling, he can still get around outside with a lot of support from me). He had some trouble adapting at firstand seemed depressed for a while, but now seems to have accepted his new reality and is pretty much the happy guy he has always been. Please feel free to e-mail me if you want to talk to another corgi owner ... not sure if I have any good advice, but sometimes it is just nice to share with someone who understands what you are going through. E-mail me at Lisa.Semmens@earthlink.net or Lois.Semmens@kingpharm.com Entry: 2008-01-21 04:47:38 Visitor's Name: Chris Duclos Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Middletown, RI How you found our site: web surfing Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: I don't have a German Shepherd. I have a lovely not-quite 8 year old Pembroke Welsh Corgy who was diagnosed almost 3 years ago. My Cinnamon is a sweet girl and is sort-of stable at the moment. Some days are worse than others. Entry: 2008-01-15 22:10:18 Visitor's Name: Anita Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Colorado How you found our site: surfing Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: We just lost our GSD to probable complications from a myelogram to "rule out" DM. I wish I had read your website only 24 hours ago, which cautioned about using this invasive test only as a last resort. My GSD, who was about 7 years old (a rescue), was admittedly not in the best of health, having previously been operated on for laryngeal paralysis and for a double TPLO, but he began to have serious seizures less than 24 hours after the myelogram, and then he died from heart failure. My husband and I plan to continue to rescue GSD's, but I will print off a copy of the recommended testing procedures on this site for the next vet we see, as it appears that they have a need to be educated on this topic too. We had another GSD a few years ago that was diagnosed with DM, and then a mere couple of weeks later he began to have seizures as well, that seemed at the time to be unrelated to the diagnosis? When the vets put him on anti-seizure meds to control the escalating seizures, he suddenly lost his completely ability to use all 4 of his legs. About 10 days later, we were forced to make the decision to end his pain, as he could not support himself on any of his legs. It seems to me that there must be some relationship between the occurence of the seizures in both my dogs at the same time that they were diagnosed with DM? Any insight? Entry: 2008-01-13 01:15:11 Visitor's Name: Dawn Jacobson Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: San Bernardino, Ca How you found our site: wonderful Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: I have a lab with DM (Tristan) I was told by my vet that he wasn't going to get worse. By this website I am seeing he only has more degeneration to come. It breaks my heart to see this happening to him but he is still very happy at this point. my husband wants me to put him down but the vet says he is not in pain and it is my choice since he appears to be so happy still. He is really sucking up to all of the attention he gets from me now... before we would throw his ball and play with him but at bathroom time he just went out the door and took care of his business. I never walked him as a routine, just for fun. Now I walk him with a harness 2-3 times before I go to work and he is loving the attention... am I selfish for keeping him alive??? Dawn Entry: 2008-01-10 20:32:50 Visitor's Name: kATHY GREENWOOD Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: ft worth, tx us How you found our site: dm Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: (No comment made) Entry: 2008-01-10 20:19:32 Visitor's Name: RGW Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Milford, Michigan,US of A How you found our site: Google Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes Comments: Our 12 1/2 year old GSD Jake has just been diagnosed with MD. I am trying to be upbeat about it so I will tell Jake's story. 7 1/2 years ago my wife and I were thinking about getting our female GSD (Sasha) a little brother to play with. When I stopped by the breeder she had no litters coming up but had a rescued shepherd named Jake that needed a home. Jake was the result of horrible neglect as well as his sister Sadie. Both GSDs had been kept in a 4x6 foot pen that had not been cleaned in months and their food and water were minimal at best. A passer by spotted them and reported them to the local Humane Society. Needless to say the were removed from those conditions. Sadly, Jake's sister was put down due to malnutrition and could not be saved. Jake weighed a mere 71 lbs and had open sores on all four paws from the filth they were forced to live in. Not only that but Jake also had massive PFs and IBS. Over the past years (almost 7 1/2) we have brought him back to great health to a very handsome 125 lb spoiled boy. We eventually found out that Jake was Sasha's nephew. Those two could not be separated until 3 years ago this month we had to put Sasha to sleep because of inoperable cancer. Since then he has ruled the roost and been a gentle giant. Even after the mistreatment he and his sister endured, he has remained true and loving. The only consolation my wife and I now have is that the last 7 1/2 years of his life could not have been better. And I plan now to spoil him to the max. If someone could email me and let me know this. Jake is early stages of DM and does not seem to be able to urinate fully and does not know when he has to do number 2. I was under the assumption that this issue was for GSD in the more advanced stages of DM. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am so happy my wife and I have come across such a wonderful site. It does not make the pain of loosing a wonderful friend and companion any easier, but knowing we are not alone is consoling. Entry: 2008-01-08 05:16:16 Visitor's Name: Mackie Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: New York, NY How you found our site: Internet reseasrch Would you recommend our site to others?: Definitely Comments: I am overwhelmed at the prospect that my beloved Callie (shepherd/rotty mix) who adopted me as his stray human 4 years ago may have DM. All the signs you indicate are there. He is estimated to be 7-8 years old. He is currently hospitalized and has had all the prescribed tests. There appear to be 2 ruptured disks -- one in the neck and the other in the 7th lumbar region. The neurologist suggested this too could be the cause of DM symptoms. Since his vital signs and bloodwork are good I've decided to go ahead with the surgery as I will always second guess myself if I don't. I am physically ill over this. I can only find solace in the belief that we will someday be reunited with our cherished companions. Thank you for a very informative although heartwrenching website. It is apparent that you did everything humanly possible for Jack Flash who I can picture romping in a lush green meadow with All Creatures Great and Small. Sincerely, Eileen Entry: 2008-01-05 01:55:24 Visitor's Name: JIm Hines Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Woodbridge, VA USA How you found our site: looking for info on DM Would you recommend our site to others?: already have Comments: As I read the Dr. Clemmons' U of FLA report, I felt I was reading about Misty, my German Short-Haired Pointer, whose breed I've not yet found listed as one that is susceptible. Thank you for your work in this area. I can understand some of how you have felt. Entry: 2008-01-02 17:10:55 Visitor's Name: Judit Gueth Homepage URL: www.juditgueth.com You are from: Canada How you found our site: Google, searching for info on DM Would you recommend our site to others?: Definitely Comments: Dear Marjorie, Our dog Rusty (collie mix) just passed away due to DM on Boxing Day. He was 14 years old. I found your site a few months ago, searching for any information on DM. The story of Jack Flash was just like reading my own diary.... I know what you went through, and I know the agony you felt, when you tried to decide if he should go to sleep forever... We're still second guessing ourselves, each day. I just wanted to say thank you for all the information you posted. It was helpful in many ways. Take care, Judit and Ed from Toronto Entry: 2008-01-01 17:30:15 Visitor's Name: Rosanne Rohac Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Tijeras, New Mexico, USA How you found our site: Google search for DM Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes Comments: My 9 year old mixed breed female has just received a diagnosis of high probablility of DM. Entry: 2008-01-01 15:39:58 Visitor's Name: Pat Rudy Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Greensboro NC USA How you found our site: Google Would you recommend our site to others?: Absolutely Comments: This is a PS to my entry below about Oscar. My email address is PatTealRudy@yahoo.com I welcome any and all ideas ..... Entry: 2008-01-01 15:30:42 Visitor's Name: Pat Rudy Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Greensboro NC USA How you found our site: Google Would you recommend our site to others?: Absolutely Comments: Hello Marjorie - We are interested in joining your support group. Oscar, our 13 year old lab mix, was diagnosed with DM back in October and I immediately found Jack Flash's web site which has been tremendously helpful. Please send me directions for joining your support group. Oscar first started showing symptoms of DM back in March of last year ... he had a tendency not to bend his left hind leg. It was very subtle. Of course, we had never heard of DM and the vet thought it might be a little arthritis in his knee and put him on a very mild anti-inflammatory drug. There were several other things that happened as his disease progressed ... during this treck to being diagnosed. I know you know the drill so I won't go into all the details. At one point our vet mentioned DM but I thought he was talking about the same condition I have in my back (degenerative disk disease). So I wasn't alarmed. Well, after an MRI of the brain, an MRI of the spine, a spinal tap, and several other tests, Oscar's neurologist back in October diagnosed him with DM (as he ruled out everything else). Ken and I were numb when we found out what DM was. Like you, I got on the Internet determined to found a "cure." That is when I came across your precious Jack Flash. As I read about DM, I realized that Oscar is a text book case. Oscar has been in physical therapy -- or rehab as his vet calls it. His physical therapist is actually a vet. He has daily home exercises and goes for water aerobics (underwater treadmill) twice a week. We are interested in learning and doing more. Please send us instructions as to how to join your support group. Thanks! Pat Rudy and Ken Cox Greensboro NC Cell 336-580-9966 Entry: 2007-12-31 00:32:49 Visitor's Name: Susan Palermo Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Oakdale, NY How you found our site: Looking up DM Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: My Border Collie mix was diagnosed and I am currently taking her to a holistic vet and she is taking chinese herbal medications. It is very expensive and I am not sure of the results yet. Entry: 2007-12-30 22:30:54 Visitor's Name: Dennis Homepage URL: None You are from: Fountain Hills, AZ How you found our site: From Dr. Clemmons web site Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes Comments: Just read Jack Flash's web site and now realize my boy Harley has DM. Our Vet. was not sure I am now and can't stop crying. I will do everything I can to prolong his life, for his life is mine and my life is his. Entry: 2007-12-30 00:44:05 Visitor's Name: Susie Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Kyle, TX USA How you found our site: Dr. Clemmons website Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: My boy Sir, had DM for the last year or so. I made the painful decision to let him go to Heaven on Dec. 8 2007. Entry: 2007-12-29 21:20:24 Visitor's Name: Treble Cierpke Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Nashville, TN USA How you found our site: Yahoo search Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: I need your help. I believe I've reached the end of my capability to care for my collie Tessie. She is the love of my life and it breaks my heart to know I can't help her anymore. I'm at the point where I'm considering euthenasia but I am searching for other options. I would love to find a home for her where she can be properly cared for but I don't know where to look. Please contact me! Treble Entry: 2007-12-27 21:05:05 Visitor's Name: Jackie Du Charme Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Forest Lake, Minnesota , USA How you found our site: google Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: I have decided to put our German Shephard down this afternoon. His ability to walk is getting very poor, incontinent now. He turned 9 in Oct. Diogie, is so good natured and loves life but life isn't loving him right now. I will miss you my friend. Entry: 2007-12-27 07:56:06 Visitor's Name: L.Jones Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Fort Collins, CO How you found our site: google Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: Abby is a 9yr old GSD and our vet suspected DM in the spring ('07). In the spring she was wobbling and as I brought her to swim in the lake other could notice something was wrong. During the summer we moved and during our drive (from NV to CO) was the first time she actually didn't use her left hind leg. She started to drag her left foot in August and by October she was draggin her hind end. I ordered a cart which she loves but you can only use it outside and she doesn't like to use it when relieving herself. We are new to the area and although I have taken her to a neurologist here we don't really have a family vet. I am feeling very lost. My husband is ready to say goodbye but she still seems to have a desire to live to me. She follows me around and is always there waiting when our 2yr old is getting up from his highchair knowing there will be 'treats' left over. She doesn't have bed sores but she is getting irritations where she drags her hind legs. This is such a horrible disease!! If she seemed in pain or unhappy I think I could be mature enough to say goodbye but she's fine with her disability. I do have a recommendation for a caring couple who are both vets so I think I will call after the new year to see if they have any suggestions for her sores and establish some sort of relationship. Abby is the most mild mannered dog and many trainers and vets have commented on her temperment. She has been to school for show and tell with both of my older children and was very happy to be around all the children. As soon as we moved here we needed to take a short trip and I called a number on a flier that advertised 2 older children (supervised by their parents) were dog/pet sitting. They watched Abby in August and then again in November. When I talked to the mom in November she mentioned that her child had written about Abby in a paper for school. Even as a disabled dog she is still winning others hearts. The most amazing thing is that she will bark at any stranger coming to our house and I am sure she would defend our family in a crisis but as soon as she realizes that I am comfortable with the person she will just crawl into their lap given the opportunity. She does think she is a lap dog and won my heart when she first crawled into mine at the breeders home. I can't imagine life without her. I can't imagine picking a day to say goodbye. I think the day will just somehow present itself and I will know. I can't imagine having another GSD and having the possibility of going through this again and I can't imagine having any other breed. Thanks for listening. It is somehow comforting to know that I am not the only one making these decisions. I wish I could attach a photo with Abby and my toddler snuggling! Entry: 2007-12-26 16:05:24 Visitor's Name: Rich Vicars Homepage URL: www.handsnclay.com You are from: Fort Wayne, IN USA How you found our site: Google Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes Comments: Our German Shepherd, William, just turned 8. It seems that almost to that exact day, he started showing signs of GSDM. He is uncoordinated in his back legs and has started to scuff the tops of his claws. We have started Dr. Clemmons vitamin plan, and I will ask the vet for the other drugs this week. I am numb and distraught over this. My wife is in denial which makes it even tougher on me. He is our beloved boy and first German Shepherd. What an incredible breed. Entry: 2007-12-25 22:36:42 Visitor's Name: KC Homepage URL: www.KindCuisine.com You are from: Phildelphia, PA, 19152 How you found our site: Google Would you recommend our site to others?: YEs Comments: (No comment made) Entry: 2007-12-22 14:40:27 Visitor's Name: Gary Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: How you found our site: surfing for a cure Would you recommend our site to others?: Comments: I have DM, but i'm not a dog. Any new ideas for effective treatment. Entry: 2007-12-18 18:45:39 Visitor's Name: Amy Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Golden, Colorado How you found our site: Research DM Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes Comments: My 9 year old boxer "Tess" is having an MRI right now, and I am afraid the diagnosis will be DM. The neurologist is very familiear with this desease, and breifed me on it yesterday. I have read that there are some vitamins and other chemicals that may help. Any help or advise would be much appreciated, she is such an awesome buddy, my heart is breaking over this. Thanks Entry: 2007-12-17 04:42:29 Visitor's Name: Kayoko Larmour Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Poway, CA 92064 USA How you found our site: yahoo Would you recommend our site to others?: Comments: I have e-mailed to Margerie for an advice last month. I would like to find out if she had a chance to read my email. I have 2 DM dogs at home and one is bedridden. I would like to discusss about my dogs and ask for an advise. ***************************************** My mom has passed away and I am grieving for her. I established the DM Message Board so people would always have access to help. I do not have enough hours in the day to answer every email I receive. I would have no life at all, and I also have another DM dog at the present time. The message board is the venue that should be utilized, for help, which is why it was created. You will find the link to the message board in the DM Support Group Website- it has its own button, so it should be easy enough to find, if you avail yourself of the site. People have many of the same questions, so questions are asked and answered in one place, which is a tremendous time saver. I need to have time for my own family and my own dog. Last night I was in the emergency room with my own dog until 2:30 am! I am only one person.. Marjorie Entry: 2007-12-10 03:13:23 Visitor's Name: nancy horvath Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: hazleton, pa. U.S.A How you found our site: found it on internet Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: (No comment made) Entry: 2007-12-09 04:40:35 Visitor's Name: Rebecca Homepage URL: none You are from: nc How you found our site: google Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: Hello, Our dog Lucy was recently diagnosed with DM as well. She is a mutt with obvious terrier. I always thought she had a lot of GSD but everyone else said Lab just because she is black. Now she has a GSD disease! Because she was not one of the obvious breeds it took a while for her to be diagnosed. We are starting down the path of water therapy and I will try that really complicated diet. I am glad to have something to hang some hope onto. Like every one I was devastated to find out what DM is and the prognosis was not good. I love my Lucy just as Jack Flash was so loved. Thank you for the support to know we are not alone down this wobbly path! Entry: 2007-12-07 15:12:05 Visitor's Name: robyn plunkett Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: melbourne,victoria, australia How you found our site: google Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: i lost my beloved german shep shannon on the 24th october. i had her put to sleep on the advice of my vet, but now after the info on your site, i think she would have still been able to survive for longer. it's really cutting me badly without her. i hope shes at peace and not angry with me. shannon is sadly missed and forever loved. Entry: 2007-12-06 00:31:36 Visitor's Name: Rose McCutcheon Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: braggs, oklahoma USA How you found our site: computer Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: I had to euthanize my German Shepherd today and it is no easy chore. My love for her is beyond this universe. Degenerative Myelopathy needs resolution. Nothing stops DM, diet, medications nothing. It runs it course and is not stopped by anything tried. 12-05-2007. I have 2 of her daughters and pray that they will not get the disease.. They are 4 years old Entry: 2007-12-05 02:59:27 Visitor's Name: Crystal Hayward Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Fenton, Mi USA How you found our site: Google seach Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: I need a point in the right direction. Please help Entry: 2007-12-04 03:34:42 Visitor's Name: Patrick Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Denver, CO, USA How you found our site: Web search for DM Would you recommend our site to others?: YES Comments: I'm so thankful to have found your site! It's incredible how much strength I've gained from visiting this site and reading all the comments from everyone going through similar situations with their best friends. I want to share my experience and hopefully have a positive impact on someone who is struggling... My best friend, Buster, is a 16 1/2 American Eskimo and has been dealing with symptoms of DM for nearly 2 years. He's always had such a sweet and completely innocent way about him - in fact most people mistook him for a puppy on our walks, up until about 6 months ago. Honestly, I'm not sure how or if I'm going to survive without him, but I guess that will be determined at some point. During the past 2 years it's been a slow and gradual decline, as most of you have witnessed first hand with your babies. Just recently, he's taken a bad turn and is starting to seriously lose mobility with his back legs. Five days ago he could not walk, and was crying for help as he tried to get up. The sound and site of Buster crying in that completely helpless manner was something I don't think I'll ever get over. It's been a slow progression for him, and he's been resilient through the whole ordeal. I made a relatively major decision about 4 months ago, I took him off most of his MEDS and starting spoiling him rotten - with scrambled eggs, tenderloin, sirloin, chicken and rice, etc. The only medication I give him is quality of life stuff, a liquid pain med and Missing Link that I mix into some baby food in the morning. He LOVES it! I didn't want him to spend the last days of his life being force fed pills and food he hated. I'm not sure if this was the best thing for him from a medical standpoint, although he flourished in many ways, but it felt right and he's really enjoyed his snacks and meals! It's been a rough 2 years, to say the least this disease is so cruel. During the last week it's been downright excruciating to see him suffering. After a solid week of crying, worrying and downright panic over losing my baby (I've tried not to do this in front of him) - I found your site and had a bit of an epiphany this morning... I've wiped away the tears and decided that I'll cry after he's gone. I put a smile on my face and I'm determined to let him think that I'm not worried. I'm also stepping up my methods for spoiling him!!! Today, I made him some incredible scrambled eggs with his favorite cheese, and I got him a vanilla milk shake that I'm giving him in small increments so it doesn't make him sick. Tomorrow I'm going to take him to one of his previously favorite spots, get him a cheeseburger and go sit out in the sun at one of his previously favorite parks, letting him enjoy his feast and the sun. I thought about what he enjoys. He loves being with me, and he has fun eating some items that are soft and easy on his teeth and stomach. When you think about it, sometimes the only thing DM dogs have to hang onto would be food and US! I'm determined to let Buster have fun with his food, and let him know that I love him and I'm not worried. These are two things I can actually control, with a disease that is so stubborn. Funny thing, today after not being able to walk for four days he started cruising around the house and actually peed on his own, standing up. I'm SURE there are some extremely tough days and nights ahead, along with some tough decisions that will need to be made, but I'm determined to make his last days the best they can be... Thank you for reading about Buster! :) Entry: 2007-12-02 14:50:58 Visitor's Name: barb Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: PA. USA How you found our site: pure luck Would you recommend our site to others?: of course Comments: just lost my beloved pit-lab mix on 11-28-07 he was 16- In the spring of 2006 he started sliding on the laminated kitchen floor and dragging his right rear leg, more clumsy, had trouble getting up and down steps. into the car- tail fur also worn off. The vet said it could be arthritis, gave us glycoflex stage 3, also said it could be DM- to look it up on the web..when i read about it i was in state of denial and just kept up rx for arthritis and got supply of DGP- hoping this would help.But his rear legs did get worse and a friend told me about bottoms up leash which really did help restore him but winter weather ruined our steady walks and it came to the point that i was doing the lifting of his rear legs and his front legs were getting stressed. he still enjoyed life and didnt appear to have pain but i was grieving every day-we couldnt walk in the woods like we used to or go in the car.- (he would fall forward) Incontinence got worse and worse andthen around july 4th he started having seizures and i got pb from the vet- pb controlled the sz and made him thirsty, sedated at times especially at first. this slowed his walking progress--i had pressure from neighbor that i was making him suffer but he really wasnt. About this time i noticed a lump under his right upper lip- it kept getting bigger and interfered with his eating-the vet said hed have to be put under.I kept our routine up-fed 2x day with Lifes Abundance and carried him outside 2x day for fresh air-he would vigorously chew at the grass and soil. But soon he could not sit up - and it was nursing care-got hints from your site- his appetite was prettty good up until the last month when he started eating less and less with more difficulty-and then stopped-sz became more freq -still he was aware of us and looked around--i would keep him clean and dry , reposition freq-- at one point the vet said it was a brain tumor but never had any tests--i still think it had to be DM. although we found another lump on his throat area so itwas probably a combination. He died in the living room in his bed peacefully. Iam very sad. beyond words althou it was expected.this was a very preciousdog to me and my son -the 3 0f us were very close and our lives were intertwined and it was so nice when we settled down for the nite to have him with us-everything was right with the world. I feel bad that i didnt have him on DM rx early on, maybe i shoudve gotten him a cart too. Ill never find a dog like him i know for sure. Your site was very helpful and i felt less isolated and had some plan- some hope. thanks to jack flash Entry: 2007-11-30 07:36:21 Visitor's Name: SashaLo Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Auburn, Wa USA How you found our site: google Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: I lost my 12 year old GS lab mix just over a month ago. She was being cared for by a vet, but DM was never mentioned. From what I've read I really think she had it. She had surgery in June to remove a melon sized tumor attached to her spleen and began showing problems with her right hind leg almost immediately after surgery. The vet said it was arthritis. The pain pills we tried didn't work, only made her sick. Prednisone was the last thing we tried, and I think it made her even weaker. Losing my dog has been the hardest thing I've had to deal with in a long time. And this site actually makes me wonder if she had DM. She had every symptom listed. My poor girl, I miss her so much. Thank you for providing this site. I'm curious to know if dogs with DM are more apt to get pancreatis... because I think she got that, and that was probably the cause of her death. (She died at home, in my arms the morning we were to take her in to the vet to put her to sleep) Entry: 2007-11-30 07:34:19 Visitor's Name: SashaLo Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Auburn, Wa USA How you found our site: google Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: I lost my 12 year old GS lab mix just over a month ago. She was being cared for by a vet, but DM was never mentioned. From what I've read I really think she had it. She had surgery in June to remove a melon sized tumor attached to her spleen and began showing problems with her right hind leg almost immediately after surgery. The vet said it was arthritis. The pain pills we tried didn't work, only made her sick. Prednisone was the last thing we tried, and I think it made her even weaker. Losing my dog has been the hardest thing I've had to deal with in a long time. And this site actually makes me wonder if she had DM. She had every symptom listed. My poor girl, I miss her so much. Thank you for providing this site. I'm curious to know if dogs with DM are more apt to get pancreatis... because I think she got that, and that was probably the cause of her death. (She died at home, in my arms the morning we were to take her in to the vet to put her to sleep) Entry: 2007-11-25 18:33:13 Visitor's Name: Nina Cole Homepage URL: www.ninasnanniesforpets.co.uk You are from: Bedfordshire, England How you found our site: Google Would you recommend our site to others?: Absolutely Comments: Suspecting our 12 1/2 year old GSD has the start of Degenerative Myelopathy, I scoured the internet in search of information. Although I found a vet site awash with technical terms, only this site has given me a laymans understanding of my dogs illness. For this I am very grateful. Entry: 2007-11-22 01:05:21 Visitor's Name: sam sardino Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Stittville,New york How you found our site: surfing for info on DM Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes Comments: My dog Dakota who is 11.75 years young has the beginings of DM and we are heart Broken over this desease and the up coming battle we are entering. Entry: 2007-11-21 00:43:36 Visitor's Name: Laurie Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Linwood, New Jersey US How you found our site: browsing for information on DM Would you recommend our site to others?: Absolutely Comments: My Dog is staarting to show more serious signs of DM. We are sad and frustrated and our Vet for 20 yrs has retired leaving me feeling helpless Entry: 2007-11-20 16:29:36 Visitor's Name: Sue Shiflett Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: East Berlin, PA How you found our site: surfing the net Would you recommend our site to others?: YES!!! Comments: Hi Marj, I hope all is well with you, we haven't talked for a long time. I was surfing the net looking for your sites for a friend who suspects her GSD bitch may have some sort of a neurological problem. I thought I'd contact you to say "hi" and to wish you and yours a happy holiday. All is well here, Blitz is 6 now and hasn't had a sick day, thank heavens. I hope your girl is doing well too. I think of you often and marvel over your determination to do all you can to stop this horrible disease in its tracks. You are always the first person I think of when I hear that DM is suspected or diganosed. Take care...........Sue Entry: 2007-11-19 17:02:41 Visitor's Name: Larry & Debra Hagan Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Seven Sisters Falls , Manitoba , Canada How you found our site: looking up DM site Would you recommend our site to others?: oh yes Comments: My wife and I have both cried over Jacks site it is exactly what we are going through with our 11 yr old shepperd our baby girl SELA our sweetheart , it is not fare to have this happen to innocent dogs , what did they do to deserve this DM thing , this I ask God repeatally . The Dr Clemmons diet sounds quite detailed but I'm going to discuss it with my vet . Glad we found your site , we are aware of whats ahead we are not aware of how we will live without our baby . Thanks and will talk ahain. Larry and Debra Hagan Entry: 2007-11-18 21:02:51 Visitor's Name: mary Homepage URL: google You are from: UK How you found our site: google Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: (No comment made) Entry: 2007-11-18 02:35:22 Visitor's Name: Paul Clark Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: bundoora Melbourne Australia How you found our site: Would you recommend our site to others?: Comments: (No comment made) Entry: 2007-11-15 00:43:01 Visitor's Name: shirley whalen Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: blairsden, ca. usa How you found our site: research on DM Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: If I had had any clue to DM - I was told it was hip displacia and arthritis and this is what King was being treated for. Only a chance remark about a lesion on his back spine sent me searching for what ait could be. Then I found DM and called my vet and am sending him copies of all the articles I have found about this condition. King is my 3rd. G.S. with this condition, but all lived to be between 14 and 16 years of age. I have one more G.D. and she is showing muscle weakness now. Entry: 2007-11-13 19:25:18 Visitor's Name: Sheri Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Winchester, CT How you found our site: surfing Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: (No comment made) Entry: 2007-11-13 18:57:03 Visitor's Name: Tamara Hall Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Boring Oregon u.s.a. How you found our site: Google Would you recommend our site to others?: Absolutely Comments: I would like2thank u so very much. In all this darkness u r a beacon of light and hope. Entry: 2007-11-12 04:22:19 Visitor's Name: Kathie Johnson Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Pecatonica, IL How you found our site: googled DM Would you recommend our site to others?: Most definitely Comments: My beautiful 8 year old boxer girl, Pearl has recently been diagnosed with DM. I cried for a week at the unfairness of possibly losing her to this horrible disease at such a young age. I will do whatever I can to slow the progression of it. She has started on Dr. Clemmons regiment of supplements and meds from Westlab Pharmacy. I also have her on acupuncture every 10 days to 2 weeks and she also has gotten a chiropractic adjustment. I pray every night that she can beat the odds and fight this disease for many more months or years. She's my baby girl. Entry: 2007-11-09 01:31:56 Visitor's Name: Shannon O'Bannon Homepage URL: shannonobannon01@hotmail.com You are from: sherwood,Ore,usa How you found our site: dm web search Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes! Comments: I lost my best friend less then 2 month's ago when the vet said she had DM I went into a mad search on the web to see what I could do to fix her! and soon found out that I could not do anything... the vet said she had less then a year to live and the quality would go down hill fast, Dr Smith had a shepherd who passed away with DM, so he was very very sad for me and Baby, he knew first had what was coming. I took Baby to my Chiroprator, What a great Man! he would give her free adjustments every week, to see if that would help her, and I do think it did, She lived 14 months after I was told she had DM, and I could have kept her longer, But I could not see her not be able to use her back legs, I looked into wheelchairs and anything I could do to help my best friend... I told myself she would let me know when it was time to go, when she did not know when she went potty it was time, she felt so bad when she had an accident, it just broke her heart, like she let me down ;-( I wanted her to go when she was still happy, I could not let her suffer one bit! she was to good of a dog for that and way to goood of a freind! I loved her so much, she knew me so well, and her kisses always made my day. I still wake up in the night and think I hear her tags jungle jungle, but then I wake up and its not. I know someday I will see my best friend again and she will follow my every footstep again! I love you and miss you Baby Farfignewton Entry: 2007-11-04 00:48:43 Visitor's Name: Christina Clark Homepage URL: http://www.geocities.com/jecmc21/JECMC_Family_Home_Page.html You are from: Deer Creek, IL, USA How you found our site: Searching for swimming pools. Would you recommend our site to others?: YES! Comments: My first Guestbook entry was written on April 15, 2007. I came on the website today because I found myself filtering thru some of Diego`s things that I had saved on the computer. I went to his memorial site at diego.critters and watched the slideshow, then I found the link to his homepage at geocities.com/jecmc31/Diego_Page, and next bumped into my DM folder. I remembered making a guestbook entry and wanted to find it, so I filter thru until I did. That`s when I noticed the date I wrote it, April 15 `07, and immediately noticed it was exactly one month before I lost him to DM. I was so positive, and so enthusiastic. Only I had no idea I had just 30 more short days left with him. I miss him terribly. How do you ever get over the loss of one you love so much. Diego is the greatest dog I have ever shared my life with. He will always be my best bud and will forever remain part of my heart. Forever One! -Christina Clark Entry: 2007-11-03 04:52:05 Visitor's Name: Lisa Ashby Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: tomball texas usa How you found our site: search Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: DO NOT GIVE UP--ON DR CLEMMONS PROTOCOL OF AMINO CARPROIC ACID ACETYLCYSTEINE AND ANTI-OX Q...... MY afghan hound Faisal (DOG) HAS HAD DM FOR ABOUT 1.5 YEARS NOW AND HAS REBOUNDED 4 TIMES SINCE MARCH. REBOUND, MEANING HE COULD NOT GET UP ON HIS OWN AND WALK...SO DURING THESE DOWN PHASES (WHICH ALWAYS SEEM TO FOLLOW A STRESS RELATED INCIDENT) I HAVE HELPED HIM UP AND USED A TOWEL FOR A CRADLE HELPING HIM WALK SO HE WOULD NOT STRUGGLE AND FALL THRU THE ROUGH TIMES....AND AFTER A FEW WEEKS OR A FEW DAYS AND HE REBOUNDS AND GETS UP AND WALKS ON HIS OWN AGAIN. I STILL FOLLOW HIM OUTSIDE AND GIVE HIM A LITTLE SUPPORT WHEN HE POOPS SO HE DOES NOT USE ALL OF HIS ENERGY SQUATTING. HERE IS MY STORY ...SO FAR ANYWAY. My 11 year old afghan hound was diagnosed with DM the first of this year. I started noticing about a 1.5 years ago that he would duck his head (like he was scared)when I clapped. Clapping my hands had never scared him before. The second thing I noticed was that a few times-- maybe just once a month he would struggle to get up. I thought he had been sleeping on his leg wrong or he had a cramp--he was 11 so I thought it came with age. This happened a couple more times and I became concerned. He also would have to poop immediately after eating and sometimes would not make it outside. This was NOT normal for him to go inside. It all happened sporadically so I did not know what was going on until in January of this year I told my vet about all of the symptoms combined and he examined him and said it was DM. I was told there was not much I could do but there was amino carpoic acid I could try. I started researching online and took him for x rays and his spine looked fine so we knew it was DM. I have had him on all 3 meds since March and he is still walking but it is not easy. He has now been diagnosed with a fast grwoing cancer in his neck so I also have started Prednisone. This has actually helped his strength and stamina. I know I dont have much longer with my boy but until he tells me its time I will stay by his side and help him with complete love and adoration. I have gone thru this 4 times now with Faisal (the DOWN periods where I thought he had given up---and the first 3 times I had prepared for a few days mentally and called my vet to come over to lay him to rest. The Miracle----- I am not kidding now----This DOG must have heard my phone conversations or knew on three seperate occasions that this was the day he was going to cross over the rainbow bridge---by my decision---because EVERY time the vet was supposed to come over the dog has gotten up ON HIS OWN and started walking around...before the hour the vet was to arrive to my house to do the sad deed. He has had another bout with not being able to get up...it lasted for a few days...I just deal with it and know that if I support him and help him thru his TIRED days-----he will rise again. He just has his good days and bad days..and if you listen to a human that has MS Muscular Sclerosis(same thing pretty much) they need rest and have relapses and remissions. The DM will eventually take over but if you have the will to help your dog and he has the will to continue you can have more time with him than you thought. Let him tell you when and do not be to quick to judge...because he might do what Faisal has done and show you he wants to stay with you longer! I pray my boy will be with my for quite a while longer but I will not let him suffer. Entry: 2007-10-31 16:03:01 Visitor's Name: Karin Anderson Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Dallas, TX How you found our site: Google Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes Comments: My dog, Sammy, was just diagnosed with DM yesterday. They say that everyone has a "Heart Dog," and Sammy is mine. I am so sad to read how many other sweet doggies are afflicted with this horrible disease. Thank you for writing about Jack -- I know how gut-wrenching that must have been. I am incredibly sad and angry that my sweet dog will be taken from me at such a young age (he's 7), but if there's anything at all that is positive about this disease, at least I can say that I'm glad that Sammy has no pain, and that there is time for me to make sure he knows how much he means to me. As Sammy and I go through this, I will be thinking of all the other sweet dogs and sad people who are going through this too. Thank you. Entry: 2007-10-29 22:18:00 Visitor's Name: J & J Pike Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Hubbardston, MA How you found our site: google Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: We just brought our German Shepherd, Maxy back from our vet today, with the diagnosis of a 'classic case' of DM. The worst part is realizing he is in the final phases, and I don't think we have much time left together. We knew Maxy was getting much worse, and needed confirmation from our vet that there was nothing we could do to stop his deterioration. Your website gave us comfort - just knowing more about the disease, what to expect, and how to help us and our Maxy cope - is an enormous help. Maxy gave us many great years, we'll make his last time as good as it gets. Thanks for the info and words of strenth. Entry: 2007-10-29 06:30:43 Visitor's Name: Stephanie Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Villa Grove, IL How you found our site: google search Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: (No comment made) Entry: 2007-10-26 03:16:12 Visitor's Name: Charlene Rummell Homepage URL: Jack Flash's You are from: Strongsville, Ohio USA How you found our site: Surfing the web for answers Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes Comments: I have a Lab "Bosco" 12 1/2 yrs ..he has been recently diagnosed..I've cried and prayed..Thank God someone else out there understands what we are going thru..God bless all of you. Entry: 2007-10-25 10:37:10 Visitor's Name: Susan Peter-Thompson Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Davis, CA USA How you found our site: Did Yahoo search for DM Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: Bull is my mother's Black Lab/Pointer mix, and is just about the sweetest dog on the planet. We just got the diagnosis today from UC Davis Veterinary Teaching Hospital and we were just devastated. The only treatment the neurologist offered for Bull was physical therapy. I looked up some nearby veterinarians on this website and will see if Mom would like to take Bull to one of them. We just can't give up on him, he deserves better than that! Entry: 2007-10-24 18:14:10 Visitor's Name: cheryl dodson Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: kirkland, il. How you found our site: searched the web for info on DM in GSD Would you recommend our site to others?: definately Comments: Thank you for your thorough and insightful account of your journey with Jack. We just got our Bandit diagnosed last Friday and our vet said nothing can be done. I plan to do all that I can to see to it our Bandit has quality to whatever time is left. It's heartbreaking to know there were signs we missed early on. Sincerely, Cheryl Dodson Entry: 2007-10-21 21:20:45 Visitor's Name: Lisa Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Bordentown, NJ USA How you found our site: websearch Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comments: (No comment made) Entry: 2007-10-21 03:49:26 Visitor's Name: Maria Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Flushing, NY How you found our site: Google search Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes Comments: This site has often provided our family with the strength and courage that was so easily held by our dear Lucky, our German Shepherd and hero for 13 years. Lucky had all of the typical signs a few years ago, mislabeled as "getting old". Yet even in its later stages, Lucky never changed. He remained, as many of the heroes in your own lives- courageous, determined and ready to serve. It was such an honor to take care of him then (diapers and all), because he reminded us of the simple lesson that we often forget- not to take this life we are given for granted. Watching him struggle to get up and drink because he was too proud to be given his bowl, empowered our family to have the same thirst for life. It also taught us to appreciate the everyday things that we may overlook and label as mundane. Those were the true joys then. Lucky was sweet, protective, delightfully stubborn and our best friend. Being with him in these later years were perhaps the sweetest moments because we got to give back to him all of the love he gave so freely through the years. This is the first time since he's passed on that I can write about this, it was just too painful two months ago. But I want to encourage those who have a dog with this disease- cherish them. Lucky lives on in our hearts and his struggles were the same of your pets. I can now look at his pictures and see the soulful eyes that still speak back to me. After seeing a dog that reminded me of our dear Lucky today, I was inspired to write and reach out to a community who understands to ask these questions: What can we do to get the word out about this disease? How can we affect research (Dr. Clemmons mainly) to find treatments/sources for those affected? I was so touched and inspired in reading all of your stories and feel that this love we have for our animals affected by DM can be put to great use. Thank you for this site, which provides strength and information to so many including me. And to our Lucky, who taught us so much and whose presence filled the memories of our hearts forever. Entry: 2007-10-19 22:41:23 Visitor's Name: roger james Homepage URL: none You are from: Lompoc, california, usa How you found our site: looked up degenerative myelopathy on internet Would you recommend our site to others?: don't know yet Comments: (No comment made) Entry: 2007-10-17 19:21:31 Visitor's Name: Rebecca Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Destin, Florida How you found our site: Searched Would you recommend our site to others?: Definitley!! Comments: We are struggling with what to do with our beloved ex-police dog Rex. He was diagnosed 2 weeks ago and it is getting worse. I am a single mom and the kids are already upset and I cannot find it in myself to give up just yet!! Entry: 2007-10-17 19:03:32 Visitor's Name: Lisa Semmens Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Holly Springs, North Carolina How you found our site: Searching for info on DM Would you recommend our site to others?: Yes Comments: My Pembroke Welsh corgi, Mwldyr, was diagnosed with DM on Sept 28, he had to have spinal surgery for a ruptured disk last January and had fully recovered from that (Thanks to the good work of the Animal Rehabilitation and Wellness Clinic in Raleigh) when I started noticing he was knuckling over again on his back left leg - in just the past few weeks he has almost completely lost the use of the left hind limb and is starting to have symptoms in his right hind limb. I started a new diet (Farm Selects by Nature's Recipe) after reading Dr. Clemmons site - it is close to his homemade recipe for food. Mwldyr is also showing some improvement with Vitamin E and a Multi-vitamin daily. Last week was very bad, but this week he seems to be doing better. He is going to Rehab for controlled exercise (under-water treadmill) 3X week, which I am hoping will slow the progression. This is a terrible disease and I pray for the strength to help Mwldyr cope with it. Entry: 2007-10-17 03:38:21 Visitor's Name: marsha copenhaver Homepage URL: No website supplied You are from: Orlando, Fl. How you found our site: web info Would you recommend our site to others?: yes Comme