Let me first extend greetings to all, and special empathy to those dealing with DM. I had a GSD die from this disease a couple of years ago. I did a lot of research on DM and I want to offer some of what I learned, because there is a lot of valid research being done and we do know some things. One of the premier researchers is Dr. Joan Coates at the University of Missouri. Please consider avoiding Clemmons and his advice since he has done no credible research.
DM is a preventable disease. The SOD1 gene, if defective, and if a dog receives the defective gene from both parents, will almost certainly result in DM if the dog lives long enough and does not die from another cause. For $65 anyone can have a simple test done (OFA, Orthopedic Foundation of America is one place to order it) that will determine if the dog has two abnormal mutations. If the dog has only one abnormal gene, he/she is a carrier and according to current research will almost certainly not get DM.
There are obvious implications here for breeders and the fact that they are largely being ignored, in the rare instances where the breeders are even aware of the test, is inexcusable.
DM is preventable but unfortunately not yet curable. Dr. Coates and others continue to research this disease, and more is being learned all the time.
What we can do: Check out the current reliable research being done. If you are considering a breeder, look for those who test for DM and who breed accordingly. If your dog has symptoms of DM, such as dragging the back feet, consider ordering the DM test kit. This does NOT definitively diagnose DM, but it will tell you if your dog has two abnormal SOD1 genes, which increases the likelihood of DM.
If you would like more links to research, or have any other concerns and would like to PM me, please do so! Until a cure is found, DM can at least be prevented.
Susan
DM is a preventable disease. The SOD1 gene, if defective, and if a dog receives the defective gene from both parents, will almost certainly result in DM if the dog lives long enough and does not die from another cause. For $65 anyone can have a simple test done (OFA, Orthopedic Foundation of America is one place to order it) that will determine if the dog has two abnormal mutations. If the dog has only one abnormal gene, he/she is a carrier and according to current research will almost certainly not get DM.
There are obvious implications here for breeders and the fact that they are largely being ignored, in the rare instances where the breeders are even aware of the test, is inexcusable.
DM is preventable but unfortunately not yet curable. Dr. Coates and others continue to research this disease, and more is being learned all the time.
What we can do: Check out the current reliable research being done. If you are considering a breeder, look for those who test for DM and who breed accordingly. If your dog has symptoms of DM, such as dragging the back feet, consider ordering the DM test kit. This does NOT definitively diagnose DM, but it will tell you if your dog has two abnormal SOD1 genes, which increases the likelihood of DM.
If you would like more links to research, or have any other concerns and would like to PM me, please do so! Until a cure is found, DM can at least be prevented.
Susan