If you own a German Shepherd then there are several health risks that you may be aware of in this particular breed. However, one of the most significant diseases to talk to your vet Mt. Pleasant, SC about is Degenerative Myelopathy (DM).  DM is an incurable disease of the nerves and spinal cord, which can cause loss of mobility and numbness or loss of feeling in the legs. This disease affects a handful of other dog breeds as well. DM is considered to be a fatal, chronic, progressive, degenerative disease that leads to eventual paralysis. Signs or symptoms of the disease eventually appear at around 9 years of age and affects the hind limbs causing a decrease in mobility. As it progresses, the dog will lose all feeling in his legs. There is no treatment for this disease. However, some owners have found various types of physical therapy to help prolong quality of life. Read more here.