necropsy_lily

Checklist of common diseases:

Interpretation of necropsy results:

The most significant finding that may explain Lily’s loss of control of her hind end is multifocal chronic mild myelin degeneration.  This is not German Shepherd Dog Degenerative Myelopathy, but likely an age-related change that may have been a result of multiple areas of inflammation, perhaps through the years inflamed intervertebral discs that periodically put pressure on the spinal cord and the myelin coating it.  Even though the microscopic lesions are mild, it is possible that this caused the severity of disease experienced by Lily.  The presence of spondylosis (arthritis) in the lumbar spine supports the theory that during her life Lily did periodically have inflammation to the intervertebral discs in at least those areas.

Hair loss and calluses on the hind paws are secondary to the inability to place her feet properly.  There is calculus, or hard build-up of tartar, on her upper molar teeth, and the crowns of her teeth are worn from chewing.  The microscopic enlargement of her parathyroid glands is not of any significance.

There is no evidence of primary disease of the digestive system, endocrine system, heart/vascular system, lungs, skin, liver/pancreas, or eyes.