Degenerative Myelopathy in Other Breeds

Although any dog can be tested for DM, it is possible that the genetic background that predominates in some breeds prevents the development of symptoms even in dogs testing affected (at risk). At this time we are reluctant to recommend testing for members of breeds where the University of Missouri has not yet proven susceptibility to DM through microscopic examination of spinal cords from deceased dogs that exhibited symptoms of the disease. At this time the required evidence of association between the genetic mutation and actual spinal cord evaluations has only been proven in the breeds listed:

• American Eskimo Do
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Boxer
• Cardigan Welsh Corgi
• Chesapeake Bay Retriever
• German Shepherd Dog
• Golden Retriever
• Great Pyrenees
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi
• Poodle
• Pug
• Rhodesian Ridgeback
• Shetland Sheepdog
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Wire Fox Terrier