Hi,

So sorry to hear this. But I wouldn't be too sure that your corgi has DM. It's usually seen in large breed dogs. Why did your vet diagnose your dog with this? Did you see a neurologist? That would be the next step. I think that a myelogram is the sure way to determine if this is DM.

If the symptoms are rear leg weakness, then it could be tons of things - the main thing that comes to mind would be a disc problem, since corgis are prone to that. I'd further investigate and not take an opinion as diagnosis. Also, I don't know why you think it's fatal - as far as I know, it is not fatal - it does cause limb weakness and could lead to paralysis, which can be dealt with by using a cart (there are specifically made carts for DM). Also, there is no cure, but there is treatment that can help (exercise, medications, etc.).

Again, I really can't see a small breed dog having this disease. I'd take him to see a neurologist, since it can be differentially diagnosed by a myelogram (or an MRI can determine if it's a slipped disc or some other disc problem).

Good luck.

Sorry to hear about your Simon. It's very hard when a pet is ill and there is nothing to be done. Just take one day at a time.

And if you are questioning your vets diagnosis, get another opinion.

the only definitive diagnostic test for DM is done at necropsy. no test can diagnose it in a living dog. DNA tests can be done to determine if a dog is "affected" (at risk for developing the disease), "carrier" or "clear", both of which are unlikely to develop it.

simon is going in for a blood draw for DNA testing next week. as i said, this is a presumptive diagnosis but since his father died of this disease and simon is showing all of the symptoms, i do not hold out much hope that it is anything other than DM.

it is 100% fatal, once symptoms present. it can be dealt with by using wheeled carts but eventually, manual expression of bladder and bowels is necessary. should all other causes of simon's symptoms be ruled out, i will do whatever i have to in order to keep him comfortable for as long as i can, while preserving his dignity.

i am learning that the corgi breed is rampant with this disease.

I'm sorry to hear about Simon :(

So sorry to hear about your furbaby

I will have to disagree, Minapearl.

I didn't say that myelogram was a definitive diagnosis...it's a differential diagnostic tool (I said that in my last paragraph, but my first paragraph might've sounded like I was saying the former). I wouldn't do a myelogram though - I would first do other tests to rule out other issues.

When my dog first started showing symptoms similar to those of DM, my vet said he was sure that it was DM. But after an MRI, it was discovered that she had a spinal tumor. Glad I did tests to figure out if it was something else.

Also, my dog is now paralyzed 5 years after removal of the spinal tumor and radiation therapy, and I have had to manually express her bladder for about a year. Also, she has bowel incontinence, constant UTI's, etc.

Again, the disease is not 100% fatal, but the symptoms can lead to fatal problems.

I can tell you that spinal disc issues are much more rampant with corgis than DM. I am just trying to help, and I wish all the best for your pup, whether it's DM or something else.

I'm so sorry about your dog.
I didn't see you mention what tests you had done to make sure it isn't something other than DM. Although DM is common in corgi's it is a process of ruling out not ruling in. Below is a link explaining everything you need to know including some info from a specialist that deals with DM research with Corgi's.

Here is a link that might be useful: DM in corgi's

I dont know about your finances but you might look into acupuncture. Aftrer your vet okays it and you determine it is not just a disc issue. Either way acupuncture might help in both cases

simon's DNA test results came back this week. he is "at risk". although i realize these tests are not 100%, this result plus the fact that his father died of this disease last year, would lead me to believe that the chance of another condition causing his symptoms is slim to none.

as for other tests, none have been done other than an evaluation by my vet. i am hours away from any facility where an MRI could be done. i did have x-rays of his hips and spine done a couple of months ago, all normal.

after much discussion and my vet's consult with dr. clemmons in florida, we opted to start simon on dr. c's protocol of exercise and a concise drug therapy. while the meds he takes are technically not "drugs", they have been helpful is slowing the progression of DM in 80% of dogs using them. simon is nearing his second week on the meds and he has shown no progression. it's too early to tell but i am hopeful this protocol will help.

as for acupuncture, again, i am hours away from anywhere where this treatment is available. working full time and taking care of 7 acres by myself eliminates any chances of being able to be away from home to pursue such treatments.

if i have anything to say about it, and i do, simon's quality of life will remain good. i watched my husband suffer the ravages of a terminal illness for 21 months and i had to sit by while he lost every shred of dignity he ever had. this time, i have control and i will not let that happen to simon. i know it probably sounds strange to compare the two but i can't help it. as long as simon remains happy and mobile, he will have nothing but the best. when the time comes that he is showing signs of failing, i will send him over the bridge to join his daddy. simon is my heart dog, were it not for him, i don't think i could have survived my husband's death. this has not been an easy decision for me but it is a necessary one.

So sorry about your dog. I'ts never easy to deal with these type things, we all do what we can. ((((((((hugs))))))

ninapearl: I am sorry to hear about your dog's diagnosis. If you haven't already, you should sign up on Corgi-L which is a list serve for Corgi owners and lovers. There has been a lot of discussion lately about DM (you can look up the discussions in the Archives) as well as people who are knowledgeable about the disease and how to help dogs who have it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Corgi-L Home page

thanks for the link, jerzeegirl. i will do that and see what i can find in the archives. i have joined a couple of other yahoo groups that deal with DM and have found a lot of support and a lot of good information.