Test Results

A few weeks ago I posted about sending my blood sample for DNA testing to the University of Missouri. Well, we got the results today...

It pretty much confirms what we already knew; I tested positive for the mutated gene for degenerative myelopathy. I feel a little better now because even though I accepted my diagnosis of DM, you could never be 100% sure. But now we have tests results and are 100% sure.

Researching Degenerative Myelopathy

The College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri has been doing a lot of research over the past years on my disease. They even have this test where they can identify the gene that causes the condition. So today my owner, grandma and I went to the vet to draw some of my blood to send to Missouri.

It wasn't my regular vet, but we got a last minute 4:30 appointment at the vet up the street. We were a little nervous because we were trying to make it to the post office before it closed at 5:00.

So we waited...

And waited...

And waited. What do you expect? It's a doctor's office.

We finally got in and they couldn't be nicer. They knew why we needed the sample so they took my blood fast and generously gave us a cool pack so it would keep in transit.

They even gave me a quick manicure to spiff me up! So kind!

We rushed to the post office and got there with three minutes to spare! The lady at the counter totally helped us out and we wouldn't be able to make tonight's mail without her help.

We'll keep you posted (hee-hee).

LET'S KICK IT OFF!!!

Hi Folks! Welcome to my blog...

Unfortunately, I have no use of my back legs so a few months ago my owner got my this nifty wheelchair and ever since, I've been a pretty popular guy in the neighborhood. In fact, since I got these wheels, everybody wants to say hi - I'm lovin' the attention! So I decided to start this blog to document my comings and goings and to show other canine friends in my position that there's still a lot of stuff out there for us to conquer! 

This past June I was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy but I knew something was wrong long before. Towards the beginning of this year my back leg was starting to slip out from under me - only occasionally and not too noticeable. In February I came down with a terrible ear infection and wasn't able to eat or walk straight, that's when the downhill slide started. By the time my neurologist checked me out this summer, I was already starting to fall over when walking, stopped jumping onto the bed, you know, regular doggie stuff. My owner made a harness for me but I didn't care for it much.

One day we took a ride up to Massachusetts to a place called Eddie's Wheels and I got a cart and a new lease on life. Instead of staying inside and feeling sorry for myself, I'm now scootin' around Manhattan, hanging around the neighborhood and making friends. 

I'm excited to share my adventures with you.

As a friend of my owner said: "I got a long way to go and a short time to get there."