The severity of clinical signs at the time
of treatment can affect the outcome of the results of therapy. Dogs treated
early in the course of degenerative myelopathy, those with only mild conscious
proprioceptive deficits, generally have a better prognosis and up to 80%
respond to therapy. If the clinical signs advance to the point that the
dog falls and has difficulty getting up (moderate signs), then the chance
of success declines to 40% who will respond. Once paralysis has occurred
or the dog can no longer bear weight (late signs), then the chances for
successful treatment are only very slight (10% or less). Therefore, early
detection and treatment are critical in helping to maintain proper neurologic
function in dogs affected with degenerative myelopathy.
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