CDRM - some help

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Cas1979

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Hi,

I think there may have been few members already posting something like this.

I have a GSD who was diagnosed with CDRM in Jan 2013.

He's deteriorated very quickly, he struggles so much in he house, but as many I don't know when is the right time or if I keep doing things to keep him selfishly with me.

Has anyone lost their pet to CDRM? when did you know the right time was up??


Thanks
Cas
 
My mum kept on her old GSD bitch for about two years too long and by the time she was 12 she was having to be carried (diagnosed at 10) and she felt so bad about it we agreed if it ever happened again it would not be allowed to go on for so long.

The second bitch we had, who had it, presented with all the early signs, scuffing back paws etc, I looked out my bedroom window one day and saw her struggling to get up onto her back legs and she looked so miserable, we rang the vet that day and she was gone within an hour.
She had broken a leg in puppyhood and had it pinned, she was 14, which is a great age for a GSD, and we felt we owed it to her to let her go quickly as she was a very proud girl as most GSDs are and she had given us so much.

I think as a large, weighbearing breed, it is not fair to let them struggle on hinds which will not work, and as an intelligent breed, not fair to let them be so confused as to why they cannot move around like they used to and also it is unfair and distressing for them when they cannot toilet themselves.

It is entirely your own decision, best of luck whatever you decide, they usually tell you in one way or another, when they have had enough.

There is now a DNA test which can help identify animals which carry the gene which hopefully will go a long way to helping to stop it.
 
Thanks so much for this.

Joey had a really bad bank holiday weekend, the one just gone and I made appointment cos I didn't think it was fair and he was vey sick, but as Monday came, he perked up and was happier and with energy so cancelled the appointment.

He struggles, what I would say, a lot when he gets up. Cant walk in the kitchen because of the tiles. Cant get in the car anymore, so I walk him round the corner but every day at 5.30 he asks for his walk, after his dinner he brings his toys to our laps to play with him even if only 5 min instead of hours like before.

I bought him shoes cos the cuts and bruises on his back paws were worrying me and now I bought him a nappy cos he is constantly leaking. He gets up to do his business and does a lot when walking, but when he tries to get up he's obviously forcing himself that spits some wee out.

I don't know when would be the time.... or perhaps I know it's now but Im ignoring it?

My mum said that if I had doubts I shouldn't do it as I would live with guilt, but what about if unconsciously Im telling myself isn't time when in fact it is?

I pray to have guidance, but again I may get it but ignore it...

Thanks again for reading and your opinion!
Cas
 
I have a GSD with CDRM at the moment. He is currently 11 and was diagnosed at 9, although he has been lucky and has not deteriorated very quickly at all. He can still run/walk/play as much as before and seems non painful, he is just quite wobbly and sometimes falls if he runs and turns too quickly. He also scuffs his paws/nails.

Personally i think as a breed they are very dignified and I would PTS at the point of becoming incontinant or not wanting to do 'normal' things he always has.

As a vet nurse sometimes I do see dogs that have gone on too long and I personally wouldn't want that for mine. I think qualify of life is the main thing to think about. I'm sorry to hear about your dog, it's a horrible decision to make and I hope he perks up for you!
 
I have sadly had a few with CDRM, it is the cruellest of conditions as their brains remain so active. I have put mine down when they start falling over when they try and run and play, and when I feel they are becoming stressed by their condition. Generally this is either before or just as they start becoming incontinent.
It is absolutely your decision, but fwiw I don't think you feel guilt if you let them go early. I think with all mine I could have kept them for a few more days, even weeks, but I feel no guilt, I am a strong believer in the saying "better a week too soon than a day too late". I feel for you, it is so very hard.
 
My first GSD had CDRM. My boy was 8 when I had him PTS, it was a very short period of time before I made the decision. It was a matter of months from diagnosis. He was scuffing back paws and very wobbly on back legs.
I made the decision when he pooped in the house. Not for my sake but for his as he would never have done that normally.
All I can say is that you will know when the time is right. You have my sympathy. It has been 10 years since I lost that dog and it still hurts. I have had 4 GSD's since then and I have to admit to being obsessive for looking out for it but fortunately, none of my other dogs have shown symptoms.
 
Thank you all for such amazing support.

I've made my decision and booked appointment with vet. It's really hard to think about it and my heart is broken but can't see him struggling to get up and bruising his back paws even more.

I keep seeing ads for GSD puppies but I couldn't go through this again.
 
Sorry, I know how hard it is x

As mentioned there is a test now to identify carriers and a list of clear studs and dams.

If you are looking in future give me a PM and I can help advise you on reputable breeders who health test all their stock but do give yourself time - I had about five years break after my 14-year-old went but I couldn't be without a shepherd.
 
So sorry but a very brave decision. I said I would never have another GSD again ( I had 2 at the time) but I did. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
 
So sorry, such a hard decision but sounds like it is the right one. CDRM is always my greatest fear with my GSDs, but still could not be without one.
 
It is the hardest decision I've ever taken....

But like u all say, its not fair on Joey after so many years of happiness he's given me, if I extend his suffering cos I wouldn't want to let him go.

As the night progressed I saw him getting worse, went to the garden and collapsed on the floor and couldn't get up, I had to rush put to help him.

I got him up and settled him, then cuddled him, told him not to worry his suffering will end soon. He looked at me like saying thank you, his ears to the back.... I defo think this is the right time.

I don't know if I could survive with another dog for that long, they just are the best friends humans can ask for and Joey will certainly leave a massive whole!
 
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