necropsy_mccoy

 List of Common Conditions:

O’Leavy’s Real McCoy

The most significant finding on the necropsy in regards to the symptoms that led to Mac’s demise is that of degenerative myelopathy.  While it is quite likely that this was German Shepherd Dog Degenerative Myelopathy, we could not establish a definitive diagnosis from this report, even though Mac was tested two years prior for genetic markers and was positive. Further information or another definitive diagnosis elsewhere in this line could make this change to a definitive diagnosis of GSD DM.
There was also evidence of spondylosis (bony proliferation) bridging many vertebrae and intervertebral disc disease causing some degeneration of multiple discs.  There was protrusion of several discs into the spinal canal, and subsequent compression of the spinal cord, but the changes were not severe enough to account for the compromise that was seen in Mac’s mobility and strength. There were no other neurological lesions noted.

There was also evidence of osteochondrosis in the hips and elbows (inflammation of the cartilage) which was likely age-related and did not appear to cause any symptoms.

There was endocardiosis of the tricuspid and mitral valves of the heart.  This is a condition characterized by chronic fibrosis (“scar tissue”) and nodular thickening of the valves of the heart.  It was mild in this case and did not appear to be associated with any symptoms.

There was benign prostatic hyperplasia present, which occurs in almost all intact male dogs over the age of 5 years.  There was a fluid filled cyst within the right kidney, which did not appear to impact kidney function.

There was moderate dental calculus (concretions of tartar and debris) on all four canine teeth and the upper premolar and molar teeth.

There was no evidence of disease of the digestive system, endocrine system, immune system, skin, liver, pancreas or eyes.  There was also no evidence of cancer in any body system.