Hi my vet thinks my 5yr GSD may possibly have CDRM ( Continuing Degenerative Radiculo Myelography) and I think we are going to have to get him MRI scanned to be sure about this diagnosis.
Has anyone had any similar experiences of MRI scans or CDRM?
Thanks

I am living with a GSD with this condition. Diagnosis is difficult and a matter of elimination of other conditions which can cause similar symptoms. MRI scanning will rule out slipped discs, tumours etc... which may respond to surgery. The prognosis for DM is poor as there is no truly effective treatment :(
I would be using a hydrotherapy pool for him if he would allow it as I swim another GSD who loves it, but he absolutely hates it and gets so stressed I don't take him anymore but it is excellent for keeping the muscles strong in the hindquarters.
My dog knuckles under his paws and scrapes his feet when he's out and about now so I keep to grassed areas with him to minimise paw damage. His middle two toenails on his back paws are worn right down. He's now at the stage when I'm considering boots to protect him. His back end is weak and he often falls over when he changes direction. When he stands to eat his food his butt sinks slowly to the ground and he has to keep making a conscious effort to keep straightening up otherwise he ends up in a sit. He stands with his back legs splayed to support himself as best he can. He is losing bowel continence :( It's heartbreaking to watch his deterioration.

It sounds terrible Lara :(

I hope you find out soon what your dog has Quadrado as at least then , whatever the news, you know what you're dealing with. Good Luck

SaraW

It is Sara :( It's just a sad waiting game. :(

I really feel for you Sara - I lost one of my boy's to CDRM nearly 10 years ago now and it is a heartbreaking disease.

Lisa
xx

Thanks for replying,Lisa, Sara and Lara.
Most people dont tend to know much about this condition.
My vet is pretty sure thats what he's got but I would never forgive myself if I had to put him down cause he couldnt walk and I hadnt definately ruled out any chance of it being anything else that was operable.
It is breaking my heart to see him.He still walks pretty well but he slips a lot and his nails are very scuffed down.
Do you still walk yours Lara?
My vet has advised limited walking but to be honest as we have a young Great Dane aswell ,they love to play together so much that stopping them to me would be more in human...It's quality of life thats important.
How long have you been noticing symptoms Lara?
Mine seems to have been going on for about ayear now.
It is going to devastate me to have him put down ,we all love our dogs but he has been the best one I have ever had.He is so Loyal,obedient and loving.A true role model for our pup G.Dane.
Rach

My dog was first diagnosed over two years ago and there was a long spell where he seemed to improve slightly and maintain a level. He is now steadily declining. :( He may level out again hopefully. It is a disease that can speed up and slow down.
Exercise is important. Your vet seems to be the only one who has recommended limiting it that I know of. The research that I have done and my own vets advice is to exercise as much as possible to keep the muscles strong. At 11 my dog is old now as well as having this condition so he doesn't get much, he can't cope with it but at 5 I would be exercising him a lot more.
I found a lot of help and advice from Jack Flash's website in the early days but unfortunately it seems to be down now.
He has lots of good days where he seems really strong and in control and other days when he can't coordinate himself properly and gets himself into a knot with his legs - usually trying to get out of his bed!
Like you - I'm dreading the day I have to call it a day and say goodbye. He's a character that will be sorely missed.
Lara x

You may have seen it already, but http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/DM_Web/DMofGS.htm has some info on it.