Degenerative Myelopathy experiences? My dog is exhibiting wear of nails on hind foot. - Page 3

It could very well be that she just needs an adjustment like someone mentioned, but those are the signs of DM  too. You can easily get her tested through OFA if you wanted. We are testing our breeding dog's as we can for this through OFA. Wishing you good thoughts that it's not DM, but just a minor adjustment that is needed :-)
Kelly S
www.boeselagerkennel.com

Update: I took Shelby to the vet this morning. The vet specializes in orthopedic issues and rehab and is highly thought of in the veterinary community here in S. Florida, so I feel we are in very good hands. She did an extensive, thorough physical exam and Shelby exibited no pain and all felt normal, other than a slight amount of laxity in the left hip. She took x-rays of Shelby hips and spine. Right hip was "good" and left hip "fair"- no changes from x-rays taken in May 2008. Spine looks normal with no arthritic changes. The vet wants do a DNA test for DM, which, according to her, is about 85% accurate.  She has put Shelby on a Physical Therapy program, so everyday I need to do specific exercises with her. The vet said that any dog can benefit from the these exercises and they will strengthen the hind end, which will be beneficial no matter what the cause is of her dragging her leg. She also suggested swimming, but Shelby hates the water and is prone to skin issues if not dried completely after she gets wet, but we will see... In addition, Shelby  has been body slammed by our 110 lb. Shiloh a  few times in the past few months while playing (I no longer allow them to play because he is just too rough), so the vet thinks there is the possibility of a little sciatica or a slightly pinched nerve. She wants to see Shelby in one week and go from there. I'm sure it will take a little while to get to the bottom of this. Thank you all again for your advice, encouragement and input.   I will keep you posted.
The best,
Char

 Hi Char,

I hope what you do for treatment will help the dog. I too have a lovely female, about 9 years old now who is beginning to drag her nails on a rear leg. I noted it some months before, but it is now much more obvious. She is lean, and active and otherwise healthy and happy. So I will see what happens.

Good luck with Shelby.

I forgot to mention that the vet gave me some Soft Claws and I glued them on. The vet claims most dogs do well with them. So far, Shelby has not tried to pull them off.

Hodie, I'm so sorry you may be dealing with a dog with DM as well. It is heartbreaking to think of what the future may hold  for our beloved dogs, but I'm just trying not to dwell on it as I have very little control over it. I'm going to enjoy and love my Shelby as I always have and I'll do whatever I can do to keep her healthy and mobile as long as possible. I don't expect any miracles with the exercises, but I think they may temporarily help somewhat if Shelby does have DM. The good thing right now is Shelby doesn't realize she has a problem and she is simply enjoying our time doing the exercises. One day at a time...  I wish you the very best with your dog.  
The best,
Char

Char,

This will not be the first or the last GSD I own who ended up with DM. Donni, my SchH 3 V rated female was lost about a year ago to this. In rescue I see it all the time, and several of my clients have dogs who either had it and were put down finally, or have it now. It is always sad to loose a beloved dog for any reason.