Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy (CDRM) is a progressive disease affecting the hind limbs. Some suggest CDRM is an auto immune disease causing the body to attack its own nervous system, it’s quite often referred to as the canine version of multiple sclerosis. Myelin is an insulating sheath around neurons in the spinal cord, one proposed cause of degenerative myelopathy is that the immune system attacks this sheath, breaking it down. This results in a loss of communication between nerves in lower body of the animal and the brain. Previously it was regarded as a disease of German Shepherds however in recent years the disease has been identified in many other breeds and is no longer considered a “large breed” problem. 
Symptoms:
- Proprioceptive defecits (poor foot placement)
- None painful and subtle weakness of one hind limb
- Ataxic i.e. ‘drunken sailor’ walk
- Dragging the paws
- Wear and tear on the claws of either or both hind paws
- Knuckling over
- Falling over when cornering.
Massage:
- Reduces areas of overcompensation particularly in the neck and shoulder as the dog will typically be using the front end more to pull the rest of their body
- Increases blood flow and circulation
- Stimulating peripheral nerves
- Helps your dog to gain more awareness of the rest of their body to allow them to cope with lack of senses from the back end