DM is a degenerative spinal cord disease affecting primarily, but not exclusively, German Shepherd Dogs. The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine reports that in the German Shepherd dog alone, DM represents between 14,000 to 42,000 affected dogs each year in the United States.

Other breeds which have been confirmed to have the same disease process first recognized in German Shepherds are the Belgium Shepherd, Old English Sheepdog, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Weimaraner and, probably, Great Pyrenees. The University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine says that DM also affects Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Irish Setters, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. DM can also affect mixed breeds.

Affected dogs show progressive rear limb weakness and ataxia and eventually paralysis. DM is a "diagnosis of exclusion" meaning that since there is no genetic test available at the present time, other diagnoses must be ruled out before clinicians settle on DM. The process of diagnosing DM can become time consuming and costly for the owner.

In 2007, the Canine Health Foundation, with support from the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, funded the production of an instructional video outlining how the owners of dogs with DM can care for their pets, including how they can modify their home environments to make living with a DM dog easier, what products are available that can help their dogs live more comfortable and more functional lives, and how physical rehabilitation therapy may help slow the progression of the disease. These educational tips are provided by the trained veterinarians and therapists at Scout's House, a physical rehabilitation therapy center for animals that treats many dogs with DM.

"CHF has taken a horrible subject and instead of treating it as doom and gloom have shown the owner some very positive steps to take to make sure your pet maintains quality life and time with the owner," says Lew Bunch, president of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America.

"At Scout's House, we've treated many dogs with DM over the years and have learned what helps make their lives easier," explains Krista Niebaum, MPT, CCRT, Director of Rehabilitation Therapy at Scout's House. "For veterinarians, this video has proven to be a powerful educational tool that they can give their clients at the time of diagnosis. And according to our clients, the video is a godsend, giving them the information they need to best care for their pets through the different stages of the disease."

The video may be downloaded for free by clicking here akcchf.org or is available for a $5 shipping/handling fee from Scout's House by calling (650) 328-1430.

For a list of links on how to help your disabled dog, click here scoutshouse.