Summary: Degenerative Myelopathy is a genetic degenerative disease stemming from the degeneration of portions of the spinal cord leading to the slow progression of symptoms between middle to late life. Symptoms can present similar to hind-end orthopedic issues early on, while progressing up the body, comparable to ALS in humans. Weakness in the hind end, stumbling, and knuckling in the front are several symptoms that may occur.

Screening: Genetic testing is available through a variety of DNA companies, often via a simple saliva swab. The disease has a recessive inheritance trait so two copies of the disease is associated with an affected dog.

Inheritance: Recessive

Note: DNA test has been proven in other breeds through autopsy examination of the spinal cord, but not yet in Border Collies. Read more on the OFA website below. Many other breeds have been proven including herding dogs.