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THE ORIGINAL CLUB FOR THE BRITISH ISLES - MEMBERS OF THE WUSV
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This article is not intended to
be a complete account of dealing with CDRM
(Chronic Degenerative Reticulo Myelopathy).
Instead, it is a simple and practical list of
suggestions to help the owner deal with the
problem on a day-to-day basis. Further sources
of information are given and based on Internet
sites. However, the Internet is now available
through friends and public libraries.
HARNESS
CDRM tends to affect the rear
end of the dog initially and there are
ready-made rear-end harnesses for sale. It is
also possible to produce one at home quite
cheaply.
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The
harness consists of two loops sewn to a strap,
which connects to a standard front harness with
a snap link. The strap prevents the harness
sliding off the dogs rear quarters. Key ring
belt holders are useful to link the two
harnesses. A collar is not recommended for this
purpose
The
leg loops must be properly seated between the
legs and must not interfere with the genitals.
This should be checked regularly.
The
chosen strapping is 5 cm wide to facilitate
sewing the loops to the main strap.
The
use of a lead, in conjunction with front and
rear harnesses helps to steer your pet.
CARTS
A wide range of carts is
available:
RAMPS
Essential where steps are involved to access the
open air. We used a discarded kitchen work
surface with open sides and stout wooden legs.
The covering of the base should be as soft as
possible to avoid sores on the paws of the dog.
Rubber carpet underlay proved cheap, easily
replaceable and fairly weatherproof.
MATS
Paws easily become scraped on
hard surfaces. Discarded mats and large
off-cuts of carpet proved invaluable.
William
Armes Rubber Coverings -
http://www.william-armes.demon.co.uk/
TOWELS
Keep plenty to hand
for toweling your pet after trips outside.
QUILTED MATS AND WATERPROOFS
Homemade or available
from medical appliance suppliers. They should
be easily washable
for tossing into the washing machine.
Accidents
'Accidents' and
'dribbles' may be effectively dealt with and
the following are indispensable:
An idea from my
sister-in-law, Sue: When mopping up urine, it
is more effective to place the kitchen
towel/newspaper flat on the floor and firmly
stand on it than to get down on your knees and
rub the carpet. This saves the paper from
breaking up and soaks up the urine better.
Kitchen towel is more effective than
newspaper.
For the outside:
A bucket and shovel
(containing a few inches of water to prevent
smells). A full-size coal shovel has been
found preferable to small, plastic versions.
Paws
Trips outside for the
invalid dog will mean wet and dirty paws,
especially in bad weather. Towels should be
on hand for rubbing - This can become a
'treat' and a game. Antiseptic powder
(available from pet shops) is useful for
scrapes to the paws. Shoes (bootees) are
available. We found that Tubigrip bandaging
is protective and hand-washable. The lengths
should be cut long enough to grip the upper
part of the rear legs to avoid being pulled
off by dragging.
A plastic bowl for
washing the paws is ideal and any sharp edges
(e.g. PVC door thresholds) should be covered.
Small rubber car mats are ideal for this
purpose.
Shoes -
Jerry Graham (01844 354023)
Diet,
Vitamins, Acids and Supplements
You MUST consult your
vet, especially over medications.
A gain in weight due
to inactivity may be controlled by sensible
diet. Using the advice, available from the
Internet, we were able to design a diet where
the gain was kept to a minimum. This will
vary from dog to dog.
Medication and Diet:
CDRM of German Shepherds
http://www.neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/DmofGS.htm
Dr Clemmons Research Papers
OWNER BEHAVIOUR
Lots of TLC, reassurance and physical
contact. Get down on the floor with your pet
and keep his water bowl close, especially when
he is alone. Make sure that the dog is able
to see you and hear you, when you are out of
sight.
How to
Turn a DM Dog -
http://www.mz-jf.icehost.co.uk/turn-dog.htm
OTHER
SOURCES OF HELP
It is amazing what a
little thought and TLC can achieve.
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