For Dixie and the Dogs Yet to Come
A Plea for Degenerative Myelopathy Awareness, Genetic Testing, and Research
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We are Jonathan and Anne, and our beloved companion, Dixie — a 13-year-old Boykin spaniel — is fighting a battle we never saw coming: Degenerative Myelopathy (DM).
Until a year ago, we had never heard of DM. It began with Dixie slipping on our hardwood floors — small signs that something was wrong with her hind legs. Our vet referred us to a neurologist, who ruled out spinal disc issues and suggested we run a simple, inexpensive genetic test. The results confirmed our fears: Dixie had DM, a progressive, irreversible neurological disease with no known cure and no living survivors. We were devastated.
But not Dixie.
Dixie’s Story
Dixie’s spirit only grew stronger. Her love for life, her people, and each day we’re given together remains unshakable. What we quickly learned is that Dixie’s story is not unique. DM is silently stealing mobility from countless dogs, leaving families with heartbreak. The question is: What if we had known sooner?
We learned that Dixie’s mother died from undiagnosed DM, and just months ago, her littermate brother was euthanized after losing his own battle. To our knowledge, her parents were never tested. We had no idea DM was in her bloodline — and now, we’re doing everything in our power to give Dixie the fullest life possible.
Hope and Healing
A community of support found us through Instagram and Facebook. Dixie’s neurologist introduced us to a PT veterinarian who has a heart for neurological patients. Dixie now receives weekly therapy: underwater treadmill, cold laser treatment, and acupuncture.
She wears BIKO Bands to assist with walking, and Tiger Toes grippy socks to help on slick floors. Dixie now enjoys an all-natural diet — we lovingly call it 'Camp Dixie: Fresh, Flavorful, Organic.'
Dixie receiving acupuncture with love
Call to Action
We hope to be part of a growing movement encouraging more research, better tools, and widespread genetic testing for the Boykin spaniel, where DM is a known and preventable risk.
While DM often feels like an invisible threat, it's essential to acknowledge that the Boykin Spaniel Society has taken meaningful steps to promote responsible breeding. The Society's Preferred Breeder Program (PBP) requires DNA testing for Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), along with Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) and Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), as a core part of its Silver and Gold certification levels.
These requirements ensure that at least one parent in every breeding pair is clear of these conditions, helping to prevent the disease in future generations.
A Growing Community
Participation in the Boykin Spaniel Society Preferred Breeder Program is voluntary, and we don’t yet know what percentage of all registered Boykin pups (known affectionately as 'Wees') are born under these guidelines.
Today, the Boykin Spaniel Lovers private Facebook group has grown to over 31,000 members, compared to 8,000 when Dixie was born 13 years ago — a testament to the breed’s soaring popularity. But with that growth comes responsibility.
Looking Ahead
We are especially hopeful about the work being done at North Carolina State University and the University of Missouri. If you're involved in that research, thank you. We would love to connect with you. We want to help. We want to contribute. We want to be part of the cure.
If you are a breeder, consider becoming part of the Preferred Breeder Program; at a minimum, test your dogs. If you are a Boykin owner, ask your vet about DNA testing. And if you are a researcher, please keep going. Dixie is cheering for you.
We hope to be part of a growing movement encouraging more research, better tools, and widespread genetic testing for the Boykin spaniel, where DM is a known and preventable risk.
While DM often feels like an invisible threat, it's essential to acknowledge that the Boykin Spaniel Society has taken meaningful steps to promote responsible breeding. The Society's Preferred Breeder Program (PBP) requires DNA testing for Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), along with Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) and Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), as a core part of its Silver and Gold certification levels.
These requirements ensure that at least one parent in every breeding pair is clear of these conditions, helping to prevent the disease in future generations.
A Growing Community
Participation in the Boykin Spaniel Society Preferred Breeder Program is voluntary, and we don’t yet know what percentage of all registered Boykin pups (known affectionately as 'Wees') are born under these guidelines.
Today, the Boykin Spaniel Lovers private Facebook group has grown to over 31,000 members, compared to 8,000 when Dixie was born 13 years ago — a testament to the breed’s soaring popularity. But with that growth comes responsibility.
Looking Ahead
We are especially hopeful about the work being done at North Carolina State University and the University of Missouri. If you're involved in that research, thank you. We would love to connect with you. We want to help. We want to contribute. We want to be part of the cure.
If you are a breeder, consider becoming part of the Preferred Breeder Program; at a minimum, test your dogs. If you are a Boykin owner, ask your vet about DNA testing. And if you are a researcher, please keep going. Dixie is cheering for you.
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Final Thoughts
Together, we can change the story — from loss to legacy, heartbreak to hope. Every step Dixie takes — with her cart, her bands, or her brave heart — is a step toward awareness, compassion, and, we hope, a cure. Until that day, Anne, Dixie, and I remain committed to walking each other safely home. With gratitude and determination, Anne, Dixie the Boykin, and Jonathan Smith Follow Dixie on her journey: Instagram: @dixiesmith Facebook: @dixietheboykin |
Dixie enjoying spring wildflowers - a favorite place for her to pause
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Thoughts from Marie Ballengee DVM, CCRP, CVMA
1) it is thought that keeping DM pets more active, increases survival time. A study from Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine from 2006 looked at intensive, moderate and no physiotherapy. 2) my usual regimen for DM patients is UWTM (as long as possible), acupuncture, laser & routine home exercise. Devices like the BIKO brace, booties and eventually a cart may be utilized. 3) getting an accurate & timely diagnosis is important. Since the presenting symptoms can look like other issues, need to differentiate. It has been mistaken at cranial cruciate ligament issues when showing unilateral symptoms. Can look alot like IVDD if the IVDD pet is not showing much pain. But these 2 diseases are treated very differently. IVDD in some cases can be treated with surgery and most generally include controlled/cage rest. pain medications. In DM, pain medications not needed for that diagnosis (can use medications if also has OA), cage rest not warranted and there is no surgical option. Rest & time works against DM cases. As DM in not a common disease, some general practitioners may not have it on their radar for differential diagnoses. 4) Genetic testing is not expensive. I commonly recommend the OFA DM test - $65. It is processed by the University of Missouri laboratory, where the SOD-1 gene was identified by Dr. Coates. For balanced breeding programs and to determine prevalence, it would be beneficial to know the DNA status of Boykin Spaniels for DM. It is thought that not all affected dogs (2 copies of the mutated gene) will go on to have clinical disease - but diagnosis is more likely in a dog with neurologic symptoms consistent with DM and determined to be "affected" Dixie and her owners are absolutely wonderful! This disease is heartbreaking for all involved - it is very difficult for us (owners & rehab/neuro veterinary staff) to watch a pet deteriorate. The only good thing is that it is not painful for the dog like many other diseases are. I see Dixie weekly and have been the coach & sounding board for her owners. They are giving Dixie all that they can to help her on this journey - not very many dogs are that fortunate. I have seen many DM patients in my rehab career - nearly all are purebreds & most commonly Boxers, Corgis & GSD. Besides Dixie, I currently have a female Boxer that I am caring for with DM. Marie Ballengee DVM, CCRP, cVMA Pawsitive Steps Pet Rehab & Fitness Clinic 1145-H St Marks Church Rd, Burlington, NC 27215 (336) 317-3466 PawsitiveStepsPetRehab.com [email protected] |
