Anyone know of any local veterinarian(s) that are familiar with degenerative myelopathy? (San Antonio: university)

[blizzrd]

I have a boxer that has been diagnosed however the two vets that have seen him don't seem to be too familiar with the disease. Thanks in advance.

[Rustybolt]

I would recommend Dr Cooper at Missions Veterinary Specialists, 8202 N Loop 1604 W. She is a veterinary neurosurgeon (who would have thunk). The clinic itself even has an MRI machine. If you have to use that, bring a bag stuffed with money. Dr Cooper is fantastic. Our dachshund, Dexter (consistently voted best dog by our family), had a very serious neck problem that potentially required surgery. Diagnosed by the MRI machine (that requires the big bag stuffed with money), Dexter's problems were resolved with Lyrica. Mission Vet Specialists is also a 24 hour emergency vet hospital, which is also handy when Dexter (best dog ever) has tangled with a porcupine.

[Eskie Mom]

I'm so sorry about your baby. I have lost my 2 dearest dogs to DM. (They were completely unrelated, genetically). After thousands of dollars and more than millions in heartbreak, I would advise you to skip San Antonio and A&M and get in touch with Dr Roger Clemmons (yes, like the baseball player- but not him.) at the University of Florida at Gainesville. He has been doing research on DM for years and has come up with some treatments (also a genetic test, which I am dubious about) that can prolong their quality of life for months to years- hydrotherapy and diet/ nutriceuticals.

I found out about him after my last girl went to the Bridge, but will tell anyone who will listen not to trust their vet and do their homework. There's information on the internet for the finding.

DM is generally thought to affect German Shepherds. In fact, 41- 71 breeds are affected (I forget which figure), but only 17 are listed by breed, that I've been able to find.
DM has been associated with autoimmune disorder and it's for that reason (I suspect) that vets are evasive about diagnosing it. It reflects back on vaccines and meds. (Playing dumb is SOP for stuff like this. The same is true for Ivermectin toxicity.)

God Bless you both and Best of Luck.

[Eskie Mom]

ps The MRI machine at A&M is far superior to the local specialists (We went to VREC instead of Mission) and costs the same. Much more detailed images. A&M is also superior care. They just did nothing for her other than to have our local vet do more periodic tests that accomplished nothing.
A&M cost the same or a little less than VREC.

[blizzrd]

Thank you for the information. Sadly, we had to put him down about 2 months ago because he was getting worse and had developed bad bed sores that become infected.

[Kthnry]

Very sorry. DM sucks.

[blizzrd]

It does. The worst part is the complete lack of knowledge about the disease and the lack of treatment or research that could lead to a cure.