How best to manage CDRM?

We have been avid readers of Dogs Today since its inception and just wondered whether you - or one of your advisors - might be able to help.
We have four dogs , the eldest of whom is called Eddie - he is an eleven and a half Italian Spinone.
Eighteen months ago he was diagnosed with CDRM. Up until recently, he has done brilliantly well but with the recent snow and ice, together with the fireworks (he has always been terrified of them), this has really affected him and he now - at times - struggles to get up, is unsteady and falls over.
Beverley: we know how much you love dogs and I'm sure you will know how devastating it is to see a dog you absolutely adore deteriorate like this. Do you happen to know of any new drugs we could try - or any supplements we could give him? We will pay anything to make sure the rest of his life is as happy as we can make it. We have considered hydrotherapy but given Eddie hates water, the vet said to avoid it as it would stress him too much. We also wondered about high dose of Vitamin E?
Many thanks for taking the time to read this & we look forward to hearing from you.
With best wishes to you & all the staff at Dogs Today for the New Year.
Kind regards,
Nicola Thomas

Dear Nicola
I am so sorry to hear about Eddie. I wish I could tell you that there's a cure for CDRM around the corner, but sadly there is not. I know several people in the same boat as you. It is such a shame that he doesn't like water as all have said that hydrotherapy has been the best thing they have tried. Is there no way of trying to make it more of a positive experience, maybe using a behaviourist to encourage him over his dislike of water? Maybe a DAP diffuser might help with anxiety generally, as keeping him calm may make sudden movements less likely?
I know there are some people doing research work on CDRM in Glasgow and there is also now a DNA test so people can screen for CDRM before breeding, but none of this will help the dogs already with the condition.
Has anyone tried high doses of Vit E with good results? Please do let Nicola know what has worked best for you. Vivitonin might help, not sure if there's any problem with dogs with CDRM having it, you'd need to ask your vet - but that does seem to give all older dogs are real boost generally.
Best wishes to you and all your dogs - but especially lovely Eddie, let us know if you find anything that works. Wouldn't it be great if someone could start a CDRM support group for pet owners as this really would help. Maybe someone should start a facebook page? Maybe I'll try setting one up?
Beverley and all the Dogs Today team.

CDRM support page now set up on facebook, please do start using it if you have or have ever had a dog with CDRM. Be great to have support groups for all these upsetting conditions. Here's the link please do cross post:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/CDRM-support-for-dog-owners-Dogs-Today/122372811164547?v=wall

CDRM is a heart-breaking condition because everything is working apart from the rear end. I have only come across it in the GSD, and three cases spring to mind.

One was a GSD I met when in my final year at Vet School. His owners had sought a referral because they simply could not believe that there was no treatment for their dog. We so wanted to find a treatable cause for their dog’s hindlimb weakness, but sadly could only confirm what their vet in practice had diagnosed.

The second GSD was a dog I used to meet when out walking my own dog from our previous house. He was in a cart because of CDRM, and was very happy. His owner had found that he would bark to be put into his cart so that he could move about more readily.

Lastly, an ongoing patient. She is only seven-years-old and quite the friendliest GSD I have ever met. She is drop-dead gorgeous! However, over the past 18 months she has developed the classic signs of CDRM with the swaying gait and tendency to fall over, especially when turning a corner too quickly.

Much research has been carried out into CDRM. There is now a DNA test for it, but that is of no consolation when your dog is showing all the signs. Vivitonin (Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health) has been suggested, and would have other benefits for Eddie anyhow given his age, assuming he does not have certain health issues which would preclude Vivitonin. There are other drugs suggested, many of which are not licensed for dogs and can have serious side effects.

It is a real shame Eddie does not like swimming because hydrotherapy is such a great form of exercise, being non-weight-bearing.

A cart is worth considering. It does restore a dog’s mobility, and can help with bowel movements and bladder emptying.

I would suggest you go back to your vet to discuss Eddie further.

Alison Logan, vet