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Hello and thanks for researching this very important question!
Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurologic problem in which the nerves located in the lower spine (toward the tail) essentially lose their insulating cover.
If you picture a nerve as an electric cord, you can visualize this problem as the insulating cover of the electric cord rotting off and exposing the inner wires of the cord to the surrounding environment. Electrons cannot move smoothly and efficiently through an uninsulated cord, and they cannot move properly through uninsulated nerve fibers.
Various problems develop from this condition, depending on the extent of the deterioration. Usually, the first sign at home is tripping and weakness of the hind legs, accompanied by decrease in the muscle size of the thighs.
This condition is progressive, that is, it gets worse over time. Long-term patients have problems passing stool and having the strength to get up or walk without assistance.
These links contain a lot of additional information:
http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/DM_Web/DMofGS.htm
http://www.gsr-sp.com/DM_Article.htm
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