re: Has anyone had a dog with degenerative myelopathy?

My last dog had it, and that's why it was my last dog.

It was a long, slow process (two years), and I ended up keeping him around longer than I should have. It's hard to come to that realization because it happens so slowly, you adjust to each new development, just trying to make life comfortable for your friend. At some point, it'll be too much. Ask others, and listen to them if they tell you it's time.

I tried wheels, but my dog hated them. I created a harness to lift his hind end up to go for walks. Exercise is good for their front legs to keep those muscles up, so however you can keep her walking, do so. Watch for sores from sitting too long, or too much pressure in certain spots. Make sure she's got a padded area to sit or rest on, and don't forget to put her in your lap, or up on elevated places she liked to jump up on every once in a while. Also watch for urine scald as incontinence will eventually become a problem and she can't clean herself anymore. You can get diapers and wraps from any of the chain pet stores if you let it go that far.

It sucks to watch a mentally happy and otherwise healthy dog deteriorate like that. You have my sympathies. I wish you the best with everything you're about to deal with.