According to Mankin, degenerative myelopathy is a condition that causes deterioration of the spinal cord and ultimately affects a dog's ability to use their back legs. "The exact cause is unknown ...
Bouché TV, Coates JR, Moore SA, Faissler D, Rishniw M, Olby NJ. Diagnosis and management of dogs with degenerative myelopathy: A survey of neurologists and rehabilitation professionals.