Petfinder.com forums :: View topic - n-acetylcysteine and aminocaproic acid; Degen. Myelopathy [ ]

Does anyone have experience with Degenerative Myelopathy in general, and/or these drugs in particular? I've just had them sent from a Florida compounding pharmacy. They should be here tomorrow. Roses has gotten so bad that it feels like a matter of weeks before she'll need to be pts. I'm reading that these two compounds have shown to result in remission and/or improvement in 80% of DM cases. Was hoping there might be some experience here that could help me know what to expect.

This is such a sad disease to watch progress. Other than the DM the dog is perfectly healthy, and her old self.

Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 7:23 pm Post subject:

I'm sorry to hear of the condition of your dog.

Was an MRI exam done to rule out disc disease prior to deciding that the problem is degenerative myelopathy?

There is a published treatment protocol by Dr. Clemmons at the University of Florida in which aminocarprioc acid was administered with Vitamin E and some other supplements. This treatment has not produced consistent results but it doesn't seem to hurt anything to give it a try. Read more here:

http://petsurgery.com/degenerativemyelopathy.html

Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 9:06 pm Post subject:

An MRI, myelogram, etc are all cost prohibitive to the point of not being an option for us. The diagnosis was made based on her symptoms alone, which I know isn't the best way to diagnose. She had a myelogram years ago for limping etc that turned out to be lyme disease. She had head tilting and circling afterwards. I've always suspected this incident of damaging her spinal cord.

We did do an xray which showed arthritic changes in her lumbar-sacral region. She has always had mild hip dysplasia but that seemed to have a minimal impact on her highly active lifestyle. She very obviously has a progressive neurological condition, and my vet thinks it's DM. I suggested it first after my research on the subject. The bowel incontinence came first, though, and in many cases that seems to come later. Is there a more affordable way to rule out/rule in DM vs disc disease that you may know of?

I'm so glad you showed up, 5thBeatle! I was hoping you would. TY for the link, H and I are reading it now.

Posted Tue May 03, 2011 11:22 pm:

The thing is, she doesn't have pain as a symptom. She seems painless in her legs, rear, back, neck, everywhere. From what I'm reading, pain is the hallmark symptom of all manifestations of disc disease. She doesn't seem to feel anything in her back legs, and if anything on the floor causes an uneven surface, she easily falls. She can't even stand up to eat anymore, her legs just sink under her all the time now. She's falling forward into her water bowl too, it has to be elevated. This is horrible, but I'm so grateful she is not in pain.

5th, Do you think these treatments are hokey, and I'm just grasping at straws here? Just your opinion, which I do value a great deal!

Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 8:06 am Post subject:

Many of the cases suspected to be Degenerative Myelopathy are actually cases of disc disease in which the disc herniation is difficult to find using plain X-rays or myelograms, which have been the standard method of looking for disc disease in dogs. For this reason, whenever possible, it's best to have an MRI exam done to rule out disc disease first.

I don't think the treatment is hokey, aminocaproic acid and N-acetylcysteine along with dietary supplements and exercise (as much as possible) are the best treatments currently available. A response to the drugs should be evident within the first 7-10 days.

I'd also use a Vitamin E supplement (Vitamin E, 2000 IU daily) since that seems to help some dogs. It is necessary to work up to the high Vitamin E dosage gradually since some dogs may have diarrhea if suddenly put on this high of a dosage.

In DM, there is altered absorption of some B vitamins and supplementation can correct this. Give your dog a "stress formula" B-complex containing 100 mg of most of the B components. An alternative to giving your dog a B-complex pill, would be to use add nutritional yeast in powder or flake form to your dog's food. It's a good source of the B-complex vitamins, trace minerals, and some protein. It is not expensive (it will color your dog's urine yellow). Try using 1-2 tablespoons mixed onto each meal.

If the n-acetylcysteine and aminocaproic acid upsets your dog's stomach (a common side effect) give your dog fresh ginger (in capsule form is fine) 30 minutes before and giving the medication, and give the meds with food (or on a full stomach) often can reduce this effect.

Vitamin C works with vitamin E and helps regenerate vitamin E, enhancing its antioxidant effect. While dogs produce vitamin C in their bodies (unlike human who must have it in their diet), under stress or disease, they may need Vitamin C in excess of their manufacturing capacity. You can give your dog 1000 mg of Vitamin C twice a day unless this level causes diarrhea. In which case, try giving 500 mg of Vitamin C twice daily.

Omega-3 fatty acids DHA act as anti-inflammatory agents and may be worth trying since your dog also has arthritis. Rather than dealing with even more pills, give your dog 2 sardines every day.

Is your dog on Heartgard, Heartgard plus and Interceptor as monthly heartworm preventative? These products increase immune responsiveness, and they're not recommend when treating for DM. Revolution does not alter the immune response like the other monthly heartworm products. Revolution is safe to use in DM to control internal (and external) parasites. For flea control (if it's needed) Frontline Spray and Revolution may be safe to use.

Is your dog a candidate for a dog wheelchair, or dog cart?

I hope this helps!

Posted: Thu May 05, 2011 8:57 pm Post subject:

A lot of great info, thanks T5B! Roses has been on the drugs for 1.5 days now, so we'll see how she does. I think the lack of any pain in her disease process is what pointed us to DM over the other options. She seems to not feel much at all in her back end.

I will be investing in several more supplements as well. Thanks for your time in providing this info!

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