Hi, well as our girls MRI scan,spinal tap and bloods showed up nothing the thinking now may be a degenerative condition, which was not stated to me at MRI results but at the results of spinal tap. The vets are monitoring her every 3 months and we are to keep a diary of any changes in her symptoms. We are now feeling a little left in the dark with regards to a answer and I know she us fairly young for it my worst thought is CDRM. The vets have told me that there is not accurate test for this and to just keep going as we are with her.

My 2 questions are : Has anybody experienced this in a such a young dog( nearly 2).

And what is are best action with regards to vaccines and flea treatment etc( currently advocate every 2 months).

Thanks.

Hi Bracey

There's not a test as such for CDRM but there is a DNA Test (Laboklin.co.uk).  If your girl is a clear or carrier apparently its highly unlikely she will go onto develop the disease.  Its not a guarantee but it will certainly help encourage your vet look at other possibilities.  The specialist vet at the physio I take my dogs to believes that far too many dogs are misdiagnosed with CDRM when they actually have a different disease.  Which area are you?   
        
Personally, I would look into titre testing before deciding about vaccinations and I certainly wouldn't go pesticide route for flea treatment unless absolutely necessary.  If the dog's system is compromised already adding vaccines and pesticides just gives your dog more to deal with.  That is how I would feel about my dog but I am sure there are others who would choose differently for their own dog. `

Hi, we are in the south east. As nothing showed on on X-rays or MRI scan I think that is how they have ruled things out that would show up on these and they are now left thinking  a possible degenerative condition,plus her symptoms of a swaying gait and scuffing of the back feet. They did suggest this test to me,but said it is often fairly inconclusive, but maybe I should push for it as it may give us a good indication.

Its only around £75.  You can order the kit yourself and go for the buccal swabs, really easy to do.  I would ask to be referred to a specialist vet if I were you.  I've heard some really good reports about Hamish Denny (the bionic vet).  He's in Surrey, not sure how far that is from you?Nothing against regular vets but I would definitely be visiting a specialist.

It is Fitzpatricks that we have been to for our referal and they were fantastic. Will definitely look into the testing and titre testing when vaccinations are due.

Thanks.

Well at least you have gone to one of the best.  Hope you get a diagnosis soon, 2 years old is so very young for these types of problems.