Skye The Boxer & Her Degenerative Myelopathy

Meet Skye! She is a nine year old boxer with a smile that can light up any room. She had been wobbling quite a bit in her hind end so her fur parents decided to get her checked out. Skye was taken to the vet and diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy, a disease that affects the spinal cord and nervous system. There’s no real known cause, rather a suspected mechanism, no way to prevent it, and unfortunately no cure. The most commonly affected breeds are corgis, boxers, and shepherds, and usually has an onset after age 6 or 7. The Merck Veterinary Manual has likened it to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in humans. The immune system likely attacks the nervous system, allowing a huge disconnect between brain and body. What begins as slight loss of control in the hind limbs usually progresses to complete paralysis. Skye does have a bit of a drunken sailor walk right now but she is still behaving like a puppy too. She runs, jumps, and seems totally unaffected at times. Her fur parents are doing everything they can to make sure she has the most enjoyable life possible, and after she gets adjusted she definitely has a bit more pep in her step. Our mom is so happy to be able to help Skye feel better and only hopes she can provide her with the best life possible! Thank you to Skye for always brightening our moms day :).