Hi Rick,

Sorry to hear about your dog’s passing. They can be such strong, beautiful dogs that to have degenerative myelopathy affect them is heartbreaking to go through. If you are serious about trying to avoid this condition in another dog, genetic testing is available through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. The breeder may have already checked the parents and it’s certainly something to ask about or see if they would allow your veterinarian to collect the appropriate samples. You could check a few pups in the litter but then there could be other ramifications for the breeder.

Dr. Ryan Llera