Chronic Degenerative Radiculo Myelopathy (CDRM)

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CDRM, now known as Canine Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), is a condition where the nerves in the lower spine stop working properly (the nerve signals stop transmitting to and from the limbs) causing a gradual, non-painful but worsening paralysis of the hind legs and incontinence (urinal and faecal).  The condition was predominantly seen in German Shepherds or ‘large breed’ dogs, but more and more breeds are now being identified as being at risk, including Pugs, Poodles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Wire Fox Terriers.

The main cause of this condition is a gene mutation of a protein that initially causes cell death in the nerves cells that carry signals from the middle thoracic vertebrae of the spine, however, as the condition develops, the degeneration then spreads up and down the spine.

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Common symptoms of CDRM include:

• Loss of hind limb co-ordination

• Crossing or knuckling of hind limbs

• Dragging paws

• Falls over going around corners

• Hind limb muscle wastage (atrophy)

• As the condition progresses:

• Difficulty in urinating/defecating – or loss of control

• Progression up the spine to affect the forelimbs

• Total paralysis – inability of the dog to walk or support its own bodyweight.

Cauda Equina Syndrome

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This condition occurs when the nerve endings between the last lumber (pelvis) vertebra and the beginning of the caudal (tail) vertebrae have become compressed or where there is a narrowing of the vertebral canal.  This condition is most common in German Shepherds or other large active breeds.  It can, though, be seen in other smaller breeds.  It is uncommon to see symptoms of this condition in dogs under 3-7 years old.

 

There are a variety of causes for this condition and include arthritic degeneration, intervertebral disc herniation, a traumatic injury, a congenital deformity or even a tumour growth.  

 

Common symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome include:

• Difficulty in walking from hind leg stiffness

• Wagging of the tail may reduce or tail carriage will be lower

• Difficulty in positioning when trying to defecate 

• Pain when getting up from a lying down position

• One/both hind legs becoming weaker

• Cry/move away when pressure is applied to their lower back.

• Self-mutilation of hind feet with incessant chewing

• Paralysis

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

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Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is an age related degenerative condition that affects the discs that lie between each vertebra.  Degeneration of the disc is thought to be caused by the inability of the disc to hold water and so as it becomes dehydrated reduces the ability of the disc to be a ‘shock absorber’, leading to disc herniation and spinal cord compression.  Chondrodystrophic breeds (breeds that characteristically have disproportionately short and curved limbs) tend to be more at risk of this disease, such as dachshunds, basset hounds and shih tzus, and will develop symptoms from when they are young adults.

 

There are several causes of this condition, in some dogs it is when the disc tears and then compresses the spinal cord, in others it is a gradual degradation over time or a sudden forceful impact such as jumping or landing.  Sometimes the discs harden over a long period before bulging up into the spinal cord putting pressure on it.

 

Common symptoms of IVDD are:

• Intense pain in the back/neck when rupture happens

• Arched back

• Unwillingness to walk or turn/raise head

• Difficulty urinating or defecating

• Shivering/shaking with pain

• Knuckling over on paws

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Vestibular Syndrome

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Vestibular syndrome is a sudden, non-progressive disturbance of balance, often seen in older dogs and therefore often referred to as ‘old dog vestibular syndrome’.  It will cause the dog to suddenly feel that everything is spinning and disorientates them.

 

There are many causes for vestibular syndrome including:

• Infection, inflammation, tumours or polyps in inner ear

• Fracture to the skull as a result of trauma (such as a road traffic accident/bad fall).  

• Under active thyroid gland

• Brain infection (encephalitis)/Brain tumours

• Stroke

• Head trauma

 

There is also Idiopathic vestibular disease which us when no cause can be determined.

 

Common symptoms of vestibular syndrome include:

• Loss of balance/leaning to one side/falling over

• Head tilt

• Flickering eyes

• Vomiting

• Standing with legs wide apart

• Walking in circles

• Collapsing/struggling to stand

How can massage help with neurological conditions?

 

Dogs with neurological conditions can have very tight muscles in other areas of their bodies where they have to work harder to compensate the loss of power in the area affected by the condition.

 Myofascial release can give dogs back the spring in their step and improve energy levels in general and massage can maximise the remaining abilities the dogs have as well as the remaining neurological function.