Saying Goodbye: Euthanizing a Dog With Degenerative Myelopathy

We got Elijah as a puppy for our daughter Lidia when she was finishing college. He is a male GSD. We raised him for six years with her constant involvement until she could take him on her own. She showed that dog more love than I have ever seen, taking him hiking, swimming, everywhere and anything. He is now in the last stages of spinal myelopathy and cancer. He is 10&1/2 years old and just has use of his front legs. He used the wheel chair for a while ,which was really neat, until his front legs started having problems and it was better for her to carry his back end with a harness. She diapers him and expresses him. Helps him to have a bowl movement and sleeps near him as he needs to be flipped now and then to make him more comfortable. Her husband is supportive and does what he can. Her vet bills are high as the minute she is unsure about a particular problem that day, she takes him straight there. It breaks my heart to see them both suffer this way. I love you Lidia and Eli

Our 10 yr old rescue Leo was diagnosed 14 months ago. When walking got difficult 6 months later we found Walkin Wheels 2nd hand. Leo took to them right away and had us walking 4 km/day or cross country skiing ~ 3km 30X this winter. They were such a blessing as it has given us all time to adjust to this disease and make the most of his life. He has also loved swimming - I just release the wheels in shallow water and I do lengths in between tug of war with his frisbee. Paddleboarding is another great outing for him. I have kept him on a raw diet which has really helped his stools when he has accidents as they are formed and not mushy. Puzzle mats have been essential on hard wood floors. His bark has been softer for about 4 months. Now the brain/bowel/bladder is not connecting well so expressing his bladder before house time. His time is nearing - thank you for all insights here.

I have a rescue 8 yr old black GSD, I have had him since he was 3. He is my best friend and has given me so much that the thought of losing him is beyond painful. He was diagnosed with DM in early September and it is nearing the end of November and he is losing his ability to walk. I watched him drag himself across the kitchen floor last night but this morning he was able to get up and walk. He is a big boy, over 100 lbs so no to a wheelchair as I couldn't physically get him in and out. He has so much pride and dignity, I doubt he would want that. He is struggling physically and mentally with losing his abilities but still has happy times when he is being snuggled and loves his food. I am struggling with grief, watching this majestic boy slowly be taken way too soon by this horrible disease. I also feel anger towards breeders who don't genetically test for this disease before breeding. Thank you to everyone who commented, it is helping me through a tough time.

I'm really glad I came across these comments... as a full grown middle aged man..I'm here crying like a child because tomorrow morning we're having a vet come to the house for home euthanasia... I almost backed out and maybe let my 14 yr old girl go naturally... but DM isn't natural.. its horrible... completely paralyzed in the hind end and now getting weak in the front while starting to lose bladder and bowel control... hardest thing is she's not in pain and still loves being rubbed on her belly... ill be rubbing her belly tomorrow saying goodbye... thanks for your stories everyone... at least I'm not alone

Thank you this was so helpful to me. Our golden is almost 13, she has trouble getting up, her back legs are so weak. I physically have to turn her and help her up but once she is up she can very slowly move toward the door. He back feet knuckle and she is very wobbly. She has urinated and defecated lying down, she really still tries, but cant hold herself up long. Her front legs are so tired, she has lost all the hair on her elbows and they become red sore and swollen, sometimes the skin splits. I use medication and keep elbow pads on her. She refuses to sleep on her ortho bed because she gets hot easily. She gets anxious if she cannot see me so I stay close. Recently the vet said she is losing protein in her urine and now will not prescribe any anti inflammatory for her. She is on Gabapentin, CBD oil, vitamins, blood pressure medication, Glucosamine. She loves to eat, and be petted still. I made the appointment for in home euthanasia., so SAD, I love you Marley.

Thank you..I'm facing this now with my 15 year old PugEnglish Bulldog Mix.He has had DM for about 6 months.We did swimming(on a tether around in a horse exercise pool) Accupuncture, Western Meds for Pain Eastern meds for health...nut I'm afraid the time I've been dreading has arrived...The fact that he is mentally alert is hard,but I do not want him to suffer..Thank you again

Thank you for this article. Our beautiful 10 yr old boxer boy Max has been struggling with DM since his diagnosis a year ago. He went from scraping his paws and walking clumsily to having complete paralysis in his hind legs in two months. Recently he is completely incontinent and that has been the hardest part for him. He is a very dignified dog and is constantly sniffing his groin area but is unable to groom himself. Having washable dog diapers, pet wipes, rear end harnesses, and kong toys stuffed with peanut butter and treats have really helped his quality of life. I'm afraid it is not enough anymore though. He isn't really living, at least not like he used to when he could walk. It has been hard on us as well, we have so much anxiety about leaving him alone and now we barely leave the house. I don't want him to feel like a burden ever. He deserves only the best. I love him and that is why we have to say goodbye soon.

Thank you so much for this article and all the comments people have made. On 12.12.20 I lost my 12 year old Golden to this hideous disease. I have been doing a lot of research into DM since his diagnosis and I think my dog was in late stage, but was so physically fit it staved off the visible symptoms for quite some time. My boy was fully active in late July. On August 1st our whole world changed—almost overnight. His symptoms progressed very, very quickly. Every day over his last 4.5 months I would notice something new happening and the feeling of powerlessness was overwhelming. It paralyzed his voice/bark, he was knuckling in all 4 of his feet and I think he was having trouble swallowing & drinking. I answered YES to all six of your questions/observations above and this has helped me tremendously today. I feel as though his life was stolen from me, but I know that I did the right thing for him. Blessings to all those dealing with a beloved pet and this awful, awful disease.

On November 6 we lost our 14.9 year old corgi. Bandit was diagnosed at 12 with DM. His rear legs did not become completely immobile until he was a little over 13. He was so lively and full of energy. We could not give up on him. We got a wheel chair , but soon he did not like it and got frustrated. A harness made him a new dog. It demanded a lot from us, but he was worth it. We needed to walk him with the harness he used his front legs. He loved his walks! Eventually, it did affect his bladder so there we were expressing his bladder for him. There were some very challenging times, but as long as he appeared happy and willing, he was worth it. He started to become weaker in the front paws and his body got tired. He started to have seizures, and there was no question it was time. We miss him terribly, but he lived a long and happy life. Thank God for companies who sell products for disabled pets. That harness gave him nearly three more years!

Today we put down our handsome Hurley and my heart is broken. He had been dealing with DM for almost a year and a half. This is such a terrible disease and my heart breaks for everyone on this thread who has faced or is facing this with their beloved pets. I am thankful for the posts on this thread as it helped make the decision for us a little easier. I do not have the words to describe what Hurley meant to me and I am thankful for the 11 years I was blessed to have with him. I know he is at peace.

Thankyou for this article though it has broke my heart reading it my border collie Alfie has been suffering with this awful disease for a few years, its so heartbreaking to watch him deteriorate ,I love him so much ,my vet recommended I let him go as his condition is getting worse so he is coming thursdsy to my home ,I keep changing my.mind as I just don't want to say goodbye to Alfie I've had 15 beautiful years with him after him choosing me as his family at a rescue centre i went to visit poor alfie can't stand up or barely keep his balance once ive lifted him up anymore and can't control his bladder or bowels,and last few days has not even been really interested in his food I have to keep putting it under his nose ,but yet he is still alert still wagging his tail its soooo hard to know whether im making the right decision i don't want him to suffer or be unhappy but neither do I want to let him go i will miss him so much my heart is broken

Thank you for this article. Our sweet rescue Aussie is losing her year long battle with DM. She is only 7. We are so sad but she is still fighting so hard. This is such a awful disease. She dragged herself down the hill to the trails behind our house when I went running this week. It just broke my heart having to help her back up the hill.

Our 9 year old corgi was diagnosed approximately 6 months ago with DM.

A few days ago he was unable to walk and now drags his body. Our hearts are shattered.

This disease is a thief!!!! Ziggy is a happy and otherwise healthy dog.

We purchased him from a veterinarian. I never knew about this disease and I have since learned that breeders can responsibly gene test for DM. Ziggy’s breeder apparently continues to breed these dogs. This disease devastates people’s lives while shortening the of the dog and puts them through absolute hell. These breeders have no conscience. Our lives will never be the same.

I will never get the vision of our spunky boy being reduced to dragging his body around like a seal.

No, I wouldn’t trade one second we shared with this wonderful dog but shame on any breeder who continues these selfish, reckless and irresponsible breeding practices.

I am having such a hard time with my baby, an 8 year old German Shepherd. She showed minor signs in January and now, just 9 months later, she can hardly walk straight and is stumbling everywhere. She has had some accidents in the house and I am not sure when the right time is. She has progressed very quickly in the last month and two days ago our vet spoke to us about euthanizing her. I think I am searching for someone to give me the answer, but I know I will know when it's time. This is very difficult, as I've had her since she was a baby and has been with me through so much. I am so sorry for everyone having to go through a pet with this disease.

Thankyou so much reading about your thoughts on when to let a dog go with degenerate myelopathy has helped me a great deal xx

Oh Maureen, I’m sitting here weeping reading these comments, and especially yours. Just last month we had to put our beautiful German Shepherd to sleep, over 2 brief days both her back legs stopped working. She was 11.5 years old, but what is wracking us with guilt is she wasnt ready to go, she was still so alert and happy, but she could not walk, could not go to the toilet, and she was getting frustrated not being able to get up and greet people. Our trusted vet who has looked after her for years advised us not to prolong the inevitable, even though her condition has been managed for 2 years, it was time. I couldnt sleep or eat for 2 days after hearing this, this just could not be happening. One good thing with this Covid business is we were all home with her as a family for the last 3 months, that was a blessing. My sincere sympathies and thoughts go out to pet lovers who have to make these horrible decisions.

Despite our intentions, we were not able to euthanize our Boxer yesterday. My husband just could not do it. The dog still eats and sleeps well, enjoys sitting on the porch looking out the window and enjoys being in the yard. we have ordered a wheelchair to give him some mobility in his last few months. It just wasn't time yet, for him or us. We know the time will come, but we want to know we did everything we could.

Our hearts are breaking. Our handsome rescue Boxer has gone down hill from DM in the last 8 months drastically. We adopted him at age 5 from Vermont , and have only had him for 5 years. Started with rear paw dragging, and has progressed to no ability to walk without a sling. This dog doesn't have a mean bone. My husband slept on the floor next to his hiking buddy last night. Vet is coming tomorrow. We will sit with him in the yard, as always. He will smell the mountain air, as always, and look at the green trees and grass. We will hold him as he crosses the Rainbow Bridge. We really cannot bear this.

I have a dog 11 years old he has problems for years with his back legs he does have a stent in one back leg from a torn legiment my vet didn't diagnosis my dog but I read up on DM after my dog couldn't walk his legs buckle he drags them and there criss crossed i have to help him up he can't walk at all he does have accidents in the house when I do get him out I have to hold him up he can't stand or squat on his own he can't urinate at all his appetite is ok drinks little water now he can't do his business at all I have made the decision to put my dog to sleep and put him out of pain and suffering this has been a toll on both me and my dog but now he won't suffer anymore I will miss him dearly but always keep him close in my heart I know how it feels to have to decide to put your dog to sleep ill never forget my dog and always keep his memories alive all the time

Today we let our 11 1/2 year old GSD go. He had DM diagnosed 4 years ago. The last two weeks his face changed - he looked more tired and mobility was worsening. He let us know last night he was done. His eyes told us. His passing was peaceful, but our hearts are broken. This is a horrible disease and my only hope is someday we will have a cure.

So very hard to decide. Izzy eats and loves her treats. She is 10 1/2 and such a sweetie. She has had DM for 1 1/2 years. We carry her out to the yard and back. She only has use of her front legs and her tail still wags. But sores are on her back legs. She has had no accidents in the house still. But her happiness is beginning to start to show. We want to give her the dignity of a good death. Not when its really to late. Vet says we will know....Im not sure we will.

I too have found comfort after reading this article & comments. My 8 year old frenchie has DM. It’s been about a year and he is slowly declining. His hind area has reduced muscle mass & he wobbles a lot. Sometimes he also falls. It’s heartbreaking to watch. He can no longer make it thru walks. We have constant problems with his incontinence. He has bowel movements in the house 5 times a week on a good week & urinates frequently as well. He tries to make it to the doggie door but cannot keep it in. His inability to control his body is causing him stress. I’m not going to lie, it’s exhausting. We constantly have to clean up & Yesterday, our roomba vacuum tracked poop thru the house. It’s unsanitary. We love Vader but we’re tired. He seems happy enough but it’s definitely affecting his quality of life. We used to take him everywhere but he has to stay home now & doesn’t understand. We’re torn on what to do

Thanks for the information. My 12 year old Weimaraner, Abby, was diagnosed about six months ago. In the span of a couple of weeks, she went from keeping up with me on horseback all day long in the mountains of Virginia, to falling down steps. Ruffwear boots on her hind feet have helped so much. Grips hardwood floors, keeps feet from sliding out from underneath her. She still enjoys life very much although she spends most of her time lying on stacked dog beds wherever her people are. She’s gone downhill a lot this week. Getting wobbly on front end. It’s going to be heart wrenching to put her to sleep but we also feel like she deserves a dignified end to her life. Thanks for the encouragement.

Thank you for this article and all the comments. Our beautiful GSD is going on 14 yrs old. She has hiked literally thousands of miles with us over the years. In April 2018, she fell hiking and was dragging her right back paw. She was able to hike most of last year without an issue but winter came and made everything difficult. It wasnt until late Dec when she started having signs in her left leg that I realized it was CDM. We tried to start walking her again in spring but she was only able to walk about 5 minutes before dragging her back end. Her world slowly shrank to our yard but she has still been a happy dog. Over the last month, she has become fecal incontinent and in last week, urinary incontinent. winter is again coming and i am scared she will fall down and hurt herself despite our help. She is bright, alert, loving and and i dont how it can be time but dont want her to struggle or hurt. I have scheduled appt and taken time to be with her. I dont know if i can do it.

Update: The vet had told me, when he diagnosed my Sammie a year ago, that DM was what she was suffering from and he could not cure it. I was stunned. Went for a 2nd, then 3rd diagnosis. Looking back two years ago, I remember now a loss of muscle tone in her back legs and hips. At the time I thought it was just aging. She did actually "tell" me it was the end - she was so sad, listless and resigned looking. I made the appointment and went with my sister, who she adored. My sister took one look at her and said - "No, this isn't like Sammie at all." Sammie looked up at her (I had to carry her into the Vet - she had completely lost control of back legs and almost all of her front legs) and managed to slowly wag her tail at her, then looked at me briefly. I laid down on the mat with her and held her close until the end. So hard. She was an extraordinary friend and companion. I will never forget or stop loving her. How incredibly lucky I was to have her in my life.

I posted a few weeks ago anout my 15 year old Spaniel. He has had symptoms for anout 4 monthsm Wobbly/difficulty get up and moving around. He is also almost deaf and has less sight now. But he manages short slow walks. Today he has done odd breathing..like gasping...just for a few seconds. Had anybody else had this? He eats his dinner (cooked mince) well but struggled with anything too hard now. I dont think he is ready to go just yet but it is upsetting to see this happening.

Reading these comments have been very helpful to me. My heart goes out to all of you. I can read in each of the posts all the love each of you have for your dog.

My 16 year old Gracie struggles with DM. She is not able to lay down or get up without help. She can walk, but she sometimes will fall at times. She is not able to poop without help or she will fall. I have her sleeping by me at night, in case she gets up. There are times I only get 4 hours of sleep but it isn't her fault. Bless her heart.

I have been trying to make the decision to say good bye for the past couple of weeks, but I keep delaying. I just wish I knew what she wanted or maybe it is the strength to say good bye and let her cross the rainbow bridge.

I am sitting in my armchair next to my living room loveseat where my best friend lies, so confused and unable to now -- just today, move her front legs or even sit up. To say this was fast is an understatement, It's Sunday night -- she hasn't eaten or drank anything all day. She had her first indoor bathroom accident this morning. This is a dog who has never, in the 11 years I've had her, had an accident in the house. She's a Rottie/Beagle mix that I unexpectedly rescued at an unscheduled PetSmart adoption day and her name is Li'l Sammie. It's been just us every since I got her. I'm 71. I had promised her she wouldn't suffer. I have failed. I didn't think it would come so fast. Tomorrow morning I will call the vet and schedule the goodbye.

I rescued this old Aussie Shepherd well over a year ago. Her owner died and i could not bear to see her in a shelter. Took her to the vet, I knew from her symptoms she had DM. Its heart breaking watching her. Ive come to love her so much.

After reading each and every one of these comments about DM I don’t feel so isolated .our GS is 11 yrs old has arthritis, and DM which all of a sudden seems to be progressing quickly. We are doing laser treatments,acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal, as well as galiprant desaquin adequan, raw diet, to an avail. Last night she had a nasty episode she sat up and fell over like a bag of rocks hitting the floor. She seemed stunned. Then there is the restlessness. Of constantly wanting to go in and out I’m working with three different vets, two don’t know why she would have passed out like that. I am going to try to set her up with xrays to see what else may be going on. To say the least it’s extremely heart wrenching to watch my buddy who used to walk six miles a day go down to a little walk down the street. I don’t want to put her down,as I have had four other pets I have had to euthanize over the years and the pain is immeasurable and the void like nothing else. I feel for each person here

I adopted a German Shepard 3 years ago. He was around 5 years of age and was overweight when I adopted him. Without best efforts we were able to help him lose 20 lb which did wonder for him. About 8 months ago we noticed his hind legs were really narrow and when he ran he would basically bunny hop. Then he started to knuckle his rear paw and eventually started to become unstable while walking. The vet couldn't confirm he has DM. The vet did confirm he has neurological disease-preventing signals to hind legs. He has been on pain and neurological medicine every day since. Though he is still mentally strong and has an appetite and still wants to play with his toys. It has become frustrated as he is confined to the safety of the carpet which he still falls on while turning. He is afraid of stairs and the hardwood floors as he knows he will fall. Additionally, while he goes to the bathroom he can barely hold himself up. I hope we are making the right call.

Yesterday surrounded by family we let go of our 8 yr old boxer.. MY BABY , MY BESTFRIEND.. DIXIE.. she had DM and had got to the point of no longer being able to walk, we carried her out to potty every time brought her food and water to her For the last 4 days... she went down hill FAST! Just a week ago she could walk though cautiously and slow... it’s all too much my heart is shattered. Back in May she started showing signs and we were told to prepare ... how do you prepare?

I’m struggling with all the should I/ we have done amputation? Wheel chair? Carried her longer? Different vitamins? 3 opinion? I love my girl, I’m truly lost without her! There will NEVER be another Dixie Dew Lil, EVER.

In addition to DM , she had Cancer we had removed twice and it had returned. My girl couldn’t catch a break.

I guess I’m just hurting unbelievably. I know in my heart she’s better and running in wide open fields sunbathing and snoring! I’m thankful no more pain for her.

Im just lost

Such a helpful article. We have a 15 year old Field cocker. Harvey has been fabulous.. He has walked miles and miles with us but is gradually deteriorating with this disease. Currently he is managing short walks and has a good appetite for cooked mince mixed with dry food. He struggles to get up if he fall or sits in certain positions but the worst thing is loss of bowel control. If he falls/struggles to get up or tries to chase a ball the poop seems to fall out. There is lots of cleaning up. Also sometimes when he decides to go he falls back in it so not very nice. We are struggling whether it is time to let him go but then his eyes still have a sparkle with his squealky balls though not bothered other toys. He is almost totally deaf and some vision has gone. I think he also has a touch of dog dementia as he stands and stares. So sad. Any views would help. Thank you.

Thank you for this article. It was comforting to read your acknowledgment of the caregivers exhaustion being factored in. I am facing this now, with my 13 year old, who also has heart disease, arthritis, some dementia and now incontinence.

So grateful I found this site as it has helped me come to terms with the path we chose yesterday.

Our beautiful 10 year-old boxer boy was 18 months into DM and his symptoms were all classic for the disease. Until this past weekend he was able to just stand on his own long enough for our daily short walks. For the past couple months I had to hold him up for his bowl movements because without the assist he'd fall back into his excrement. We tried to keep his food soft so passing it would be easier for him. The vet suggested wet food mixed with canned pumpkin, which he liked.

It seems like in only a couple weeks the worst of this insidious disease kicked in: whining, incontinence, shortness of breath, vomiting, and nearly full loss of use of his hind legs. Still the look in that beautiful face and eyes didn't change until a day before we said farewell. Finally it was the look that said... I've had enough and please help me on to my next great adventure. We did.

I am so glad I found this page and all your comments. Yesterday was the most heartbreaking day for me as I had made the decision to put my GSD to sleep.

He suffered with DM for the past 18 months and it progressively got worse. His appetite, alertness & playfulness was still in fine form.

His favorite thing was chasing motorcycles that would pass by our street. Going from one end to the other end of our yard. I think bikers loved going by our house.

But last week he was dragging his hind legs more and more and I could see the top of his hind legs getting scratched up. He was having more bathroom accidents on his bed and having anxiety climbing up the stairs to get into our house.

Seeing these changes knew it was time. I didnt want him to further injure himself or experience any anxiety for the things he couldn't do or control.

He was surrounded by his family who loved him so much when he took his last breath.

I hope this helps anyone reading this.

my dog is 15 yrs old. She has had DM for a few months. It’s so heartbreaking to see her like this. She still eats good & drinks, but she stumbles when walking. Her left leg is almost paralyzed. I have been trying to decide what to do. She is my first pet having to make a decision like this. I know she can’t go through another winter. This article has helped me on my decision.

So thankful for this article and the comments. I feel better knowing my corgi wasn't the only one going through this. This made it easier for me to make the appointment to say goodbye. It was a calm process but still difficult, especially coming home after. But, thanks to all who have shared their stories to help me know I made the right decision for her.

So grateful for this article.

We just put our 15 year old Toby down this past weekend. He's had DM for around 10 months, and Dementia longer than that. The combination of these diseases meant that he wandered around a lot on back legs that were barely working. We helped him whenever we could, but it was getting harder since he moved around so much due to the confusion of the Dementia. It's like he didn't realize his legs didn't work, and he would never give up. I didn't find this article until today, but another article I had read after a particularly hard night with him, stated that it's best to say good-bye in a calm and peaceful and loving situation-vs an emergency situation where it would be scary, and upsetting to your dog. We decided to say good-bye before he fell down the stairs and hurt himself or something similar. These comments have helped me to know we made the right choice for Toby. Blessings to you and your babies....

Thank you for your touching thoughts. We’ve recently walked this path. I appreciate hearing how you thought through this process.

I am having my Cocker Spaniel Bertie put to sleep tomorrow he is 13 and has DM .He is the most delightful little dog who has brought so much pleasure over the years .I can see now he has no quality of life but he has had a very happy life and has been much loved and always will be . last year my husband passed away and Bertie has been my constant companion and has helped me get through it ,now I am losing him. I found the article on Euthanizing dogs by chance and have read it over and over again It has brought me comfort ,especially the line ..better a day too early than a day too late .Thank you .x x

I'm sadly at the decision point as well with my Corgi that just turned 14. She's been getting progressively worse the past month with now her entire back left leg and hip not working and she drags herself with her front paws sometimes. She lays down to eat, but eats and drinks heartily. She's scared to go downstairs so we carry her, but now she is afraid to go upstairs too. I can see it in her eyes that she tries to tell me, "I'm so sorry, mom, I can't make it up the one step to the patio anymore." It is so so sad to see. She is also near blind and deaf but her mind itself seems sharp and she loves to play, or more like attempts to play.

I am thankful for this article because I was always afraid of letting her go too soon, but then again, now I see it would be more traumatic if I let it get so bad she gets hurt or something. I don't want her to go in severe pain or in fear.

my GSD, Romeo, started showing signs of DM several months ago. I had never heard of it and found out what was happening to him by reading on the internet. My vet confirmed as she calls it shepherd myelopathy. this is by far the worst thing I have ever been through emotionally. it's to the point that he's losing control and not standing to eat. His back-end collapses. I've had several nights of no sleep caring for him. mentally he's a bit withdrawn and seem down a bit. But still wants to be right by my side at all times. I'm so incredibly sad to say goodbye to him. he's been my rock for 13 years.. but this Sunday at home he'll cross over Rainbow Bridge. My heart is breaking... if it wasn't for the DM I'm sure he'd be with me for a lot longer.

My heart is with all of you...

I just euthanized my American Eskimo. I don't recall when it started but once in a while he would fall while getting up. It was occasional. Later on he'd have a bit more trouble walking but he'd always get up but did notice that the tops of his paws (not the walking parts would get bloodied). Thought it was arthritis.

Things started getting progressively worse. Over the last few months his legs would twist and I'd help straighten them out. We shortened our walks to the corner as he couldn't do more.

More recently he started dragging his legs and seemed uncomfortable at night. I've been treating him for pressure sores from laying in one position too long for about two months now.

last few weeks fecal incontinence became more prominent. we had three accidents in a row while i was putting on his doggie shoes. last time he just looked at me as if to say, 'not my fault' and i told him , ' i know' put to to sleep after that.

Our 12 year old Dash has been suffering more

and more intensely from DM the last 2 months. He used to walk 3 hours every week enjoying minute.

In the last 2 months, we used a wheelchair for him but he could only walk in the front and back yards and he always wanted to head

down the road on his usual walk. He has to be carried from inside to outside, we had to

watch him to know when to help when he

was ready for no. 2.

His hind paws would

bend and he needed help getting his paws flat on the ground.

He got up 2-3 times at

night and never got a full night’s sleep in the last 2 months.

However, we were looking for more

signs from him that he was giving up, but he remained affectionate and steady and had a great appetite.

Your article was essential in our decision to take him to the vet sooner than one day later. It helped tremendously to hear this advice. We gave him a very calm,

peaceful last day in the backyard with us.

It was the right time.

Lost my lovely boxer this morning to this horrible disease. I have been in turmoil the past few weeks wondering what to do for the best! I could see him slowly struggling but his mind was so alert. He became doubly incontinent and lost all use of his back legs. He started vomiting the past couple days so I decided enough was enough and had the vet put him to sleep this morning. I spent all day with him yest making sure he had the best and lots of love. Such a heartbreaking decision. I will miss him forever.

In tears!

Had to put my beloved German Shepard dog Blitzen down 6 months ago due to DM.

Still so painful. He was so alert and with it.

My heart still aches for him.

He began to lose bladder control and we knew it was time. Blitzen was 11.

Thank you for this well written, sincere, genuine take on a devastating disease that I only recently learned about, as it took my loving sweet bichon-poodle yesterday. I have not nearly recovered from my loss and hope to reach out to others to participate in a benefit or an online manner in which we can promote finding a cure to this relentless horrible disease. It took my Poppy in only about a month's time, leaving him unable to walk or use muscle control, which has me feeling intense guilt in not knowing exactly when to relieve him of his pain. Such a love is rare and he was a lovable family member, so I am struggling now and would love to hear some feedback.

Thankyou for this,my GS girl i think could be 16-17 yrs looking at her,not 100%sure as I adopted her following the death of her previous owner and have had nearly 4years, her previous age was unclear as prior to that she was a rescue.Sometime last year she started with problems affecting her hind legs.The vet told me it was likely to be degenerative myelopathy and the signs she is showing do fit the disease.After reading this account I have been able to pluck up the courage to return her to the vet for assessment and if we are all in agreement,then it may be time to let her go

Thankyou for this article and i know that i have a very difficult decision to make very soon. Thinking about makes my heart hurt. My golden oldie Casper in coming up to 13yrs always so full of life and loved long walks, and the beach,to see struggling just to move position to get to sleep , or to get up is painful for me to see. He slowed up about 18mths ago Nov 2017 and noticed him dragging one hind leg then the other about March 2018 and progressively he started to lose strength in his hind legs and now struggles to stand for any length of time. His bowl movement has got worse over the last couple of months, he do nothing for 48 hrs then all comes out.. sleepless nights is common place with 2am clean up. But I love him so much and want give the best time possible took him on his last hoorah to Devon beach this week and he loved it with he wheels to help him. I know the time is coming but i do not want to do too soon or worse too late, but it so difficult to know i am struggling.