fourleg.com

Question for discussion:

I'm just wondering if other (or how many others) have found a correlation between the onset of degenerative myelopathy (i.e. the gene gets 'woken up') and a recent anaesthetic for a procedure (i.e. a dental or a TPLO).

We have, and I wonder how many others have as well...
It's just interesting to me.

Cheers,

Laurie

I think that for longer dental or orthopedic procedures on especially large breed, older dogs, that
an underlying neurologic problem can be exacerbated due to immobility for a long period of time and repositioning under anesthesia.
Nothing is proven with this, but in general I do caution owners of large and giant breed dogs with known neurologic problems that general anesthesia can make them worse, because I have seen this.
Caroline Garzotto

I totally agree Caroline!
I've seen that too!
The few cases I've seen with the DM after anaesthetic have been DNA 'proven' DM (not neuro from discs).
But I do think there should be some degree of caution with these older guys... but one 'does what one has to do' when problems arise!

Laurie

Oh my gosh!!! Yesssssss. We do not have easy DM testing available here but there are a few of my suspect cases that have markedly deteriorated neurologically. Wowser. Thank you for your insight!