Swim your dog back to full fitness
Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy
(Also referred to as C.D.R.M.)
is a progressive disease of the spinal cord usually in older dogs. The disease has an insidious onset typically between 7 and 14 years of age. It begins with a loss of coordination (ataxia) in the hind limbs. It is a non-painful but progressively disabling condition, affecting the spine.
Affected dogs start to lose coordination in their hind quarters and can drag their hind feet, rubbing the claws, and their hind feet can knuckle over and cause the skin on the top of the paw to be constantly rubbed raw. It appears mainly to affect the nerves of position sense (proprioception) and is ascending in progression. In its extreme stages, the dog eventually loses use of the hind legs and, if allowed to continue, the front legs will eventually be affected.
The outlook is not good, whatever treatment is considered, but we have seen some very positive responses in a few cases, especially those who are over nine years old at the onset of signs. Some cases have gone on to survive for a normal life span, with good mobility.
Swimming has proven to provide excellent results in combating this condition. (see our testimonials Emily in particular) It is the warmth of the water, the freedom of movement without having to support their own body weight and the stimulation of the limbs helping increase muscle strength which would normally be lost with their reduce mobility.
It is key to note that this disease is self perpetuating in deterioration. The inability to coordinate leads to less mobility and increase muscle wastage. In turn they cannot support themselves and become less mobile. Swimming is probably the best way to counter act this.