Degenerative myelopathy in dogs – signs and what to do

Updated 2026-09-30 · 2 sources

Based on: PDSA, Science for Animal Welfare (UFAW), Genetic Welfare Problems of Companion Animals

Book a vet visit

Book a vet appointment if you think your dog has this – a vet needs to confirm it and plan the treatment. Degenerative myelopathy is a condition that affects the nerves in the lower spine.

What to do now

What you can do now

Contact your vet
Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see
Take a photo or short video to show the vet
Keep fresh water available
Let your dog rest somewhere calm

Don't

Do not give any human medicine
Do not wait if it gets worse

What it is

Degenerative myelopathy affects the nerves in the lower spine and can cause weakness, gradual paralysis of the hind legs and incontinence.^[1] There is no way to cure or stop degenerative myelopathy progressing, but a vet can help keep your dog happy, comfortable and mobile for as long as possible.^[1]

Signs

Scuffing the back feet while walking
Difficulty jumping, climbing steps, getting into cars or walking long distances
Weak, wobbly back legs that gradually become more paralysed
Trouble getting up and down
Urinary incontinence, or leaking urine
Faecal incontinence, or leaking poo
Collapse
Front leg paralysis

gradual

Causes and risk factors

Inherited condition
German Shepherd
Boxer
Pembroke Welsh Corgi

How vets treat it

Physiotherapy

Breeds prone to this

Veterinary charities list these breeds as more likely than others to get this condition. Each breed page lists the inherited conditions documented in the breed.

What the experts say

“Sadly, there is no way to cure or stop degenerative myelopathy progressing. Instead, your vet will help you keep your dog happy, comfortable, and mobile for as long as possible.”
— PDSA [1]

If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure or can't stand up: go to the nearest vet now.

Not sure how serious it is?

OkPaw asks a few quick questions about your pet and tells you in 30 seconds whether it can wait. Free on Google Play for Android.

OkPaw is on Android now – an iPhone version is on its way.

Common questions

What is degenerative myelopathy?

It is a condition that affects the nerves in the lower spine.^[1]

What signs can degenerative myelopathy cause?

Signs can include scuffing the back feet, weak and wobbly back legs, trouble getting up and down, incontinence, collapse and front leg paralysis.

Can degenerative myelopathy be cured?

There is no way to cure or stop degenerative myelopathy progressing.^[1]

Sources

How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages