Replied by Jmrusa (Buffalo, Ny Usa) on 02/03/2012
After my 10 year old shepherd was diagnosed in I blew up the internet looking for a treatment. On one site I saw that DM was being likened to MS in humans. So I went on a search for treatment for MS and found promising results from ldn, that is, low dose naltrexone. My dog went from being unable to stand or walk more than 2-3 steps without falling to walking unaided. He lived a great life for over a year and died from an apparent heart attack. You can find much info in the DM yahoo group and I believe Jake's story is there.
Best of luck in your journey.
Replied by Pam (Sharon, Ma) on 04/02/2013
My dog was recently diagnosed with DM. How do you get a prescription for low dose naltrexome (LDN)? that seems to be the only thing that really works. Had her for a walk today and she fell three times. She turned 10 on December 18th. It breaks my heart. I have her on a variety of herbal remedies. But haven't seen any real improvement. If anyone can help, I will be forever grateful. Thanks! PamReplied by Kay (Jax, Fl/usa) on 04/04/2013
Hi Pam from Sharon, MA.
My GSD, turned 10 in November, 2012. She was diagnosed in February, 2012 by our local Vet. I was told within 6 mos she would be down on all fours. I took her to a specialist in Gainesille, Fl, Dr. Clemmons, in June, 2012 when she was dragging one back leg. She has been on compounded meds and a veggie mixture of food as prescribed by Dr. C. In January, 2013, I noticed the one back leg and than on occasion the other back leg would give away. It wasn't long when both back legs were now unusable. She pulls herself using her front legs dragging her hind quarters. We got her a lift up where we have to lift her back end up to to take her outside and to move her from room to room.. Her state now is she has accidents as she is loosing control of her movements. Her appetite is still good, but she is having a hard time pulling herself around in the house. I know it won't be long when the front legs will give out. DM is a dreadful disease. We figured she must have come down with this around November, 2011 is when we first notice the toe scraping the round on one back leg. So it has been abou 18 mos. I have read some dogs go as long as 2 yrs. I don't know if my GSD will make it to November.
I do know, we have done everything we can for her. The fresh veggies which include pumpkin, brocolli, spinach, ginger and carrots mixed with a little brown rice along with her meds from the doc(which are not cheap). We know the end results is always the same, since there is no cure.
It is so sad. I am sorry to hear about your dog. Please feel free to respond if you would like.
Replied by Pam (Sharon, Ma) on 04/05/2013
Hi Kay, Thank you so much for your reply. I have heard so much about Dr. Clemmons. I have researched DM with a passion. I have Belle on Vitamin E, C, B12, Selenium, Chorolla, Cosequin, Metal Chalaen, Garlic, Ginger... I am sure I am forgetting some! Belle's DM started the same way, with a slight drag of the back leg. She is still able to go for walks (slow ones) and sometimes will lose her balance. I have seen a slight improvement... Or maybe it is wishful thinking. I did read that low dose naltrexome works miracles.. When I tried to get it through an online pharmacy in Canada the cost was 85.00 for 10 pills! This is heartbreaking. We got Belle as a puppy to surprise our 5 year old son, who is now 15. They grew up together.
Kay, I wish you all the best with your GM. They are truly wonderful creatures who love you unconditionally. I will try to incorporate some veggies in her diet if you think that would help!
Best, Pam
Replied by Kay (Jax, Fl/usa) on 04/07/2013
Hi Sharon, Yes, to add some veggies to the diet. Be aware, the smell of Broccili doesn't appeal to them. Sometimes I add Black Strap Molassus which is high in Potassium. Like it is said, it may slow the progression of this dreadful disease, DM. Dr. C's diet was not to include any commercial dog food, just the veggie diet plus inside cut of fat less pork chops. I tried that for a while and my GSD wouldn't eat it. So, I put her dry dog food back in. She used to eat 5 cups of dry food every day. 2.5 cups in the am and pm. At one time she was over weight at 98 lbs. She is now 80 lbs and her diet of dry food is 2 cups a day. She actually should weigh less, but she doesn't get any running exercise which is very important especially with DM. You may want to look into getting a Cart. I got one but ended up giving it away, as she would not take to it at all. Fortunately, I purchased it used, otherwise they get can get expensive. Hope this helps.Kay
