Current Research Studies - Health - Bernese Mountain Dogs
Rear End Paralysis - Information & Research Referrals
Contact - Research Expeditor / Counselor: Sandy Novocin
Contact Phone: 310-831-5969
Email Address: santeraken@comcast.net
Project Web Site: Not applicable
About This Disease
Primary Symptoms
- Gradual onset of rear end paralysis often accompanied by bowel and urinary incontinence.
Age of Onset
To date, it has been reported that age of onset of this condition for males is anywhere from 3-4 years old (or older), while females may not show signs until they are 6-8 years old (or older).
Clinical Course (progression) - Observed Symptoms
- Loss of rear end strength is typically the first sign of the condition (example - a dog once able to easily jump into the back of a van can no longer do so).
- Males have been observed to urinate while walking and seem to not even realize they are emptying their bladder.
- Both sexes can have accidental bowel movements and are not aware they had a bowel movement. Bowel movements can occur while sleeping or walking.
- The symptoms associated with the condition appear to worsen over time.
- Over months or years the dog's rear often becomes lower to the ground and the dog shows a 'sliding' topline as it walks.
- Rear feet may drag, feet/toes may knuckle over and an 'unsteady' rear gait has been observed.
- As the condition progresses affected dogs have increasing difficultly rising from a sitting or lying position. Eventually affected dogs may not be able to get up at all.
- Owners have reported the progression of symptoms occur over a 12 month period, with some reporting the progression taking 2 years or more.
- No pain has been associated with the condition.
- Antibiotics have been reported to have no positive result in treating urinary incontinence associated with this condition.
- Recommendation -
If you think your dog is experiencing symptoms similar to those listed above, it is advisable for you to keep a diary. Note each symptom and the age of the dog at the time the symptom is observed. If treatments are tried, those need to be documented with the results noted.
About This Research Project
In an attempt to gain knowledge of the prevalence and pathology(s) of rear end paralysis in BMD's, concerned members of our breed community are trying to gather more information from owners whose dogs are affected by the problem. The contact listed above is building a bank of reports from owners whose dogs experience rear end paralysis symptoms as described above. The information collected about BMD's can now be sent to doctors conducting genetic research in other breeds affected by similar problems. It is our hope that in the future, the pathology/genetic makeup of this condition in Bernese Mountain Dogs can be more clearly defined. Through research it may be possible to provide owners of affected dogs with effective management/treatment options. If the condition is found to be heritable in BMD's, breeders can potentially utilize selective breeding/genetic management to help minimize the number of dogs afflicted.
What is Needed? (if you participate)
Contact information is located above. The contact will guide you through the steps you will need to follow if your dog is experiencing symptoms of rear end paralysis. Forms will be available to complete and send to the genetic researchers, along with any veterinary records or tests results (radiographs, blood work etc...) conducted on your dog.
NOTE: Rear end paralysis can occur for a number of reasons (spinal embolism, back injuries / pinched nerves, cervical disc disease, etc.;) however, if you think the underlying reason for your dog's rear end paralysis may be related to Degenerative Myelopathy, the following link provides more information: