GenSol Diagnostics are proud supporters of the #ShadeOutDM Foundation. We are asking all friends of GenSol to join GenSol Team Lincoln and support #ShadeOutDM during the week of October 3rd, 2022.
GenSol Team Lincoln
Employees of GenSol Diagnostics created a #ShadeOutDM Team for the “Race at your Own Pace” event in 2021. We have made this an annual event for Team Lincoln and GenSol. GenSol Team Lincoln is passionate about supporting this important mission. We hope to raise awareness of Degenerative Myelopathy and help support the fur-families affected by this disease.
This year’s event will be held the week of October 3rd, 2022. If you would like to join us in the fight against Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) please consider joining our team. You can also support our team by making a donation. Links are provided below.
You do not have to be present (in Georgia) to participate or be a member of Team Lincoln. That is what makes this event so AWESOME! You can participate in your own community during the week of October 3rd. You can walk with your dog (or dogs) or you can get more friends to join and walk together!
Take photos of your local “#ShadeOutDM Dog Walk” and we will post them on our Website and Facebook page!
The Beginning of the #ShadeOutDM Foundation
Tauni Beckman, one of the founders of #ShadeOutDM, received the news their beloved fur baby had developed Degenerative Myelopathy (DM). KC the Corgi lost coordination of her back limbs and had visited 5 different vets before receiving the proper diagnosis of DM. KC loves to wear her shades! She loves the positive reaction and attention she receives from people when they see her out in public dressed up in her wheels, going for a swim or riding in her stroller with her shades on. It was through Tauni’s research that she met other fur-families suffering from DM and realized it was time to raise awareness of this awful disease and permanently #ShadeOutDM!
#ShadeOutDM Foundation Raises Awareness of Degenerative Myelopathy
The mission of #ShadeOutDM Foundation is to help raise awareness of Degenerative Myelopathy, support funding for research and provide assistance to families who are affected by this disease. Through the support of other organizations, they hope to finally put an end to this debilitating disease.
What is Degenerative Myelopathy?
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is the canine version of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). It is a disorder of the spinal cord that typically starts showing symptoms between 8-14 years old although, some breeds may develop symptoms sooner. Progression of the disease typically starts with loss of coordination in one hind leg, buckling in the knees and trouble standing.
Over time, these symptoms can worsen and result in paralysis of both hind legs. DM is very common in 100+ breeds such as Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Boxers, German Shepherds, Pugs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Australian Shepherds and is often misdiagnosed. DM is 100% preventable by using good breeding practices. Genetic testing for DM prior to breeding is very important. Only breeding either a “DM Clear” to “DM Clear” dam and sire or breeding your quality “DM Carrier” to a “DM Clear” dog, can ensure that you do not pass the disease on to a litter.
What Can You Do?
If your dog or someone you know has a furry friend that may be experiencing symptoms of DM, GenSol Diagnostics offers a simple noninvasive cheek swab test that can determine if your dog is at risk. We recommend this simple, affordable cheek swab test prior to spending thousands of dollars on other more invasive procedures that may result in a misdiagnosis. If you have a pet that has tested at risk for DM, #ShadeOutDM also offers a Member Support Group on Facebook.
Join GenSol Team Lincoln or Make a Donation
Additional Information on Degenerative Myelopathy and Available Support Systems
