Shade Out DM Foundation 
#ShadeOutDM   87-1586656
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Shade Out DM Foundation 
#ShadeOutDM   87-1586656

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filler@godaddy.com

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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). 

The progression of the disease starts with a loss of coordination in ONE hind leg. You may notice your dog "wobbling" as they walk, 

the middle nails on one hind paw scraping or wearing unevenly (more than on the other hind foot), knuckling of that paw, and loss of proprioception, but no pain will be present. Over time, these symptoms worsen, and result 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 then, the 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. 

The time is NOW to bark out loud for the pups to raise more awareness!

DM - FAQ's

DM resources

DM Warrior Deuce raising awareness about Degenerative Myelopathy in the 
Annual RACE to #ShadeOutDM

Pup Care & Supplies

Support for pup owners

Pup Care & Supplies

DM Information, Dog Care & Helpful Tips

Learn more
DM- degenerative myelopathy aka canine ALS, veterinarian, research, studies, xrays, pups

Veterinarian Corner

Support for pup owners

Pup Care & Supplies

Vet Links & info on DM for dog Veterinarians

Vet info
DM, support, experience, dog, awareness, dogbreeds, breeds, preventable, doglover, parents, dogs

Support for pup owners

Support for pup owners

Support for pup owners

For dog owners to have support from others that have experience with DM thru our ShadeOutDM member support group

Support

Identifying Degenerative Myelopathy

  1. Was it Sudden?
  2. How long has this been going on?
  3. Is there pain?
  4. What is the pup's age?
  5. Did this begin in only one hind limb or are the toenails worn down on only one hind foot?

Five questions to identify / "diagnose" DM, pain, gradual vs sudden, senior dog, toenails worn down

Photo Gallery

DM Warrior Wire Fox Terrier "Margo" with Degenerative Myelopathy
DM Warrior Deuce raising awareness about Degenerative Myelopathy in the 
Annual RACE to #ShadeOutDM
DM Warrior Bernese Mountain Dog "Maggie" raising awareness about Degenerative Myelopathy #ShadeOutDM
DM Warrior "Patch Robert" Pembroke Welsh Corgi Degenerative Myelopathy Winner of RACE to #ShadeOutDM
DM Warrior raising awareness about Degenerative Myelopathy in India in the RACE to #ShadeOutDM
DM Warrior Kaiden - boxer raising awareness about Degenerative Myelopathy in the RACE to #ShadeOutDM
Tank raising awareness about Degenerative Myelopathy in the 
Annual RACE to #ShadeOutDM
DM Warrior Rufus raising awareness about DM in Australia in the 
Annual RACE to #ShadeOutDM
Supportive Friends help raise awareness about Degenerative Myelopathy in the  RACE to #ShadeOutDM
DM advocates sporting their sunnies to "Shade" Out DM - Degenerative Myelopathy Awareness

HOW We came about

KC swim #ShadeOutDM - Degenerative Myelopathy - DM warrior corgi

KC was a strong advocate and raised awareness about DM on her own as she so bravely powered thru this journey, but she also 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 (dog stroller) with her Shades on... so our wonderful friend who is taking this journey for a 3rd time herself suggested we name it        “#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! 

DM Warrior KC raising awareness about Degenerative Myelopathy with her sunglasses on to #ShadeOutDM

How you can get involved to help

DM Warrior Team Patch Robert Winner of the Annual RACE at your own pace to #ShadeOutDM

How you can help

ShadeOutDM Events

ShadeOutDM Events

Support DM awareness by linking up under ShadeOutDM before you Shop for your dog.

Learn more
ShadeOutDM is hard at work worldwide! International participants raise awareness around the globe!

ShadeOutDM Events

ShadeOutDM Events

ShadeOutDM Events

How to get involved in our next DM awareness campaigns & what we've accomplished so far for the dogs!

Learn more
ShadeOutDM Booth provides info to future and current owners at CorgiCon in San Francisco, California

Join our Team

ShadeOutDM Events

Join our Team

Become a booth host & represent ShadeOutDM at a local event in your area to raise awareness about DM for your local dogs 

Learn more

RACE to #ShadeOutDM Nov.10-17, 2024

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Join the RACE to #ShadeOutDM

Entries are now closed!

Thank you for participating in our 2024 RACE at your own Pace to #ShadeOutDM!

While the final entries have closed, our main purpose is 

to Speak out for the pups so please keep posting & tagging us so we see your post!

The big day may have come and gone, but keep in touch as we’re always up to something new and exciting.


Keep representing all year long with your #ShadeOutDM swag too!

SWAG link

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#ShadeOutDM

PO Box 736 Lake Elsinore, CA 92531 USA

shadeoutdm@gmail.com

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Your support and contributions will enable us to continue to "Bark Out Loud" & get the word out far & wide for the Pups.

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 *** Disclaimer - information posted & shared on this page is merely for informational & educational purposes, owners should always consult their veterinarian! 


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