SHADE OUT DM FOUNDATION A 501c3 Dedicated to Raising DM Awareness
Join us for updates on our facebook page "Shade Out DM Foundation" & our #ShadeOutDM Member Support Group
We're here to help you!
Support for pup owners
Support for pup owners
Support for pup owners
For owners to have support from others that have experience with DM thru our ShadeOutDM member support group
Awareness Events
ShadeOutDM Events
ShadeOutDM Events
ShadeOutDM Events
How to get involved in what is coming up next & what we've accomplished so far!
Join our Team
ShadeOutDM Events
Join our Team
Want to host a booth to represent ShadeOutDM at a local event in your area?
What is DM?
( CANINE ALS )
Degenerative Myelopathy, frequently referred to as "DM", is the canine version of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). This debilitating, progressive, and fatal disease is caused by a degeneration of the myelin sheath of the spinal cord. Typical age of onset is between 8 - 14 years of age (though some breeds may develop the symptoms even sooner). Typically progression of the disease starts with a loss of coordination in one hind leg. You may notice your dog "wobbling" as he walks, the middle nails on one hind paw scraping or wearing unevenly, knuckling of that paw, and loss of proprioception, but no pain will be present. Over time, these symptoms worsen, and results in paralysis of both hind legs. As the disease progresses, your dog may experience urinary and/or bowel incontinence (sometimes also UTI's). If the dog lives with this disease long enough, it will result in paralysis of torso and front legs, it will likely compromise the pup's voice as the disease attacks the diaphram, and at end stage can cause widespread organ failure and respiratory failure.
DM FACTS:
- It is VERY common in over 100 breeds such as Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Boxers, German Shepherds, Pugs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Great Pyrenees, Kerry Blue Terriers, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Australian Shepherds, etc.
- It is OFTEN misdiagnosed! Many vets have not personally seen DM, and many of the symptoms are similar to disc or other spinal injuries.
- DM is a 100% preventable disease! Using good breeding practices which include genetic testing for DM, and only breeding your quality "Carrier" dogs to a DM "Clear" dog can slowly eradicate the DM gene from the bloodlines, ensuring future generations of healthier dogs.
Photo Gallery
HOW We came about
KC loved to wear her Shades! Actually she loved the "Oh how Cute" reaction that she got when she would dress up in her wheels, go to swim or ride her Chariot (stroller) with her Shades on... so our wonderful friend who is taking this journey for a 3rd time herself suggested we “#ShadeOutDM”
Want to help? It's this simple…
1. Put a pair of Sunglasses on your pup (Any Breed, DM or not)
2. Take a pic (it's not quite as easy as it looks)
3. Write on your pic “ #ShadeOutDM ”
4. post it on social media everywhere & on our FB page with your dog's name, city, state (also mention if your pup has DM, is in wheels, or has a friend w/ DM) you don't have to have DM to share your support & help us Raise Awareness!
5. Tag #ShadeOutDM or @ShadeOutDM
Our Mission is to Tell EVERYBODY!!! We went to 5 different vets before we found out what was going on with our KC girl! We’re shocked with how many other people have told us that their vet has never heard of DM!
How we can help END DM:
1. More people need to know about this disease! (over 100 Breeds affected)
2. Test for DM before Breeding - The saliva test can be done at home for approximately $40 (other testing should be done prior to breeding as well).
3. If you or someone you know is looking to buy a puppy, EDUCATE yourself, do your research, ask for proof of testing!
This is not a page to argue their justifications, this is simply a page from one Loving Dog Mom to another Loving Dog Mom/Dad all over the world! So come on EVERYBODY... put your SHADES on & Help Us Raise Awareness to eventually #ShadeOutDM for the pups!
Help Us #SHADEOUTDM
Your support and contributions will enable us to continue to Speak for the Pups. Your generous donation will help fund our mission.
