Canine Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) (also known as chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy) is a progressive disease of the spinal cord in older dogs.

 

The disease has an insidious onset typically between 7 and 14 years of age. It begins with a loss of coordination (ataxia) in the hind limbs. As of July 15, 2008 the mutated gene responsible for DM has been found present in 43 breeds of dogs. The disease is chronic and progressive, and resulting in paralysis.