Four years ago, Elliott came into our lives via the rescue  route. A big handsome boy at 7 1/2 years old, 25"tall, and weighing about 75 lbs. Full of energy and ever ready to chase down an elusive gecko with a vengeance, go for a quick swim in the pool, or to play one of his other favorite games of tramping off with one of his bones, pursuing an ideal place to dig a hole in the yard and hide the bone, then covering it back up by pushing back all the dirt using only his snout to do so. At which point he would look all around to see if any of the other dogs were lurking close by to retrieve his prize possession. If so, he would just lie down and protect his investment until all had given up on their quest to retrieve his bone.  For the first two years we had Elliot, he was everything an Airedale was proposed to be. Quarky, comedic, stubborn, and loveable. Full of life and awesome in every way.

     In September of 2009, we noticed that Elliot was showing a slight weakness in his back quarters. We took him to the vet and had some x-rays taken to determine if he was developing some form of arthritis or even perhaps a potential problem with hip dysplasia. The x-rays were inconclusive and the vet prescribed low dose of Rimadyl and asked us to continue watching him. Two months later, we took him back to the vet because his gait was seemingly getting worse. Upon examination, the vet noticed Elliot's back right foot was turning inward as he walked and his nails had uneven wear. The next thing the vet said was that it was in his opinion that Elliot was in early stages of DM or Degenerative Myelopathy. He went on to explain it is a disease that atrophies the spinal column and connecting nerve endings and tissues in either one or both hind quarters and eventually moves forward essentially paralyzing the dog. In human terms, it is almost the same as Muscular Sclerosis. It typically takes about one to three years to complete the process and is irreversible. The good news is it is pain free. The bad news is it requires constant care as it progresses.     

     When Elliot first came down with this disease I went to the internet and tried to search out as much information as possible. I came across two sites that seemed to sum up much better than I just how insidious this disease is. The first is at "About.com", then once on the site, search canine Degenerative Myelopathy, then scroll down and click on "The Viewer Viewpoint--- The Stages of Degenerative Myelopathy". The second is "LaPawSpa.com."  Once on the site, search "The DM Diagnosis." Each article is easy reading, short, and to the point.  Airedales are not one of the primary breed line carriers, but I know of at two other cases within our own ranks in Florida. These articles are very informative and indicate just how difficult it is to diagnose and that most of the time it is mis-diagnosed.  

    Obviously after almost two years fighting this disease, we are in the final stages. Everything that is suggested in these articles we have utilized and/or are continuing to use. Water therapy, massage, exercise, medications, supple,ments, special diet, slings, booties, diapers, and even a custom made wheel chair. All of these have helped in slowing down the progression and yet it continues to take its toll.
     Insidious as this disease is, Elliot is pain free and continues to adapt to his limitations. The front half of Elliot is still very alert and as mentally sharp as ever. He loves meal time and never misses an opportunity to get his share of midday snacks. He loves to lay in the cool grass in the mornings and early evenings and just the mention of taking a WALK brings him to attention and ready to get hooked up to his set of wheels. Once ready he knows exactly the route and leads the way. (Side Note: He can be seen on You Tube by clicking on "ElliotsNewWheels"). All in all, Elliot  is still a courageous happy dog full of life and a very large part of our family.