03/24/26 13:35 Wyoming, has been placed on a medical final. This senior German Shepherd has clinical signs consistent with suspected degenerative myelopathy (DM), a progressive neurological condition affecting the spinal cord. This is a diagnosis of exclusion and a neurology consult is recommended to rule out additional causes not seen radiographically. Common signs include hind limb weakness, incoordination (ataxia), difficulty rising, and progressive loss of mobility in the rear limbs. This condition is typically non-painful but degenerative and irreversible. At this time he is displaying moderate hindlimb weakness, ataxia, occasionally falling over due to PL ataxia. Prognosis and Expectations: Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease with no known cure. Clinical signs are expected to worsen over time, potentially leading to complete paralysis of the hind limbs and, in advanced stages, involvement of the front limbs and respiratory muscles. The timeline of progression varies between individuals. Recommended Care: Adopters/Rescues are advised that ongoing supportive care will be necessary, which may include: Assistance with mobility (e.g., harnesses, carts) Physical therapy and controlled exercise Prevention and management of secondary complications (e.g., pressure sores, urinary/fecal incontinence) Routine veterinary follow-up for quality-of-life monitoring Financial Responsibility: The adopter/rescue acknowledges that future veterinary care, diagnostics, mobility support equipment, and potential end-of-life care associated with this condition may result in significant expenses. Shelter Disclosure: Due to the suspected diagnosis of degenerative myelopathy, the City of San José Animal Care & Services cannot guarantee the long-term prognosis or progression rate of this condition. Adopter/Rescue Acknowledgment: I, the undersigned, acknowledge that I have been informed of this animal’s medical condition and understand the progressive nature of suspected degenerative myelopathy. I accept full responsibility for all future medical care and management of this condition and release the City of San José Animal Care & Services from any liability related to this condition. Adopter/Rescue Name: ___________________________ Signature: _______________________________ Date: ___________________________________ Staff Name: ______________________________ Signature: _______________________________ Date: ___________________________________ We do not have the resources available to care for this pet with these specific needs at this time. Path Forward: Rescue or adopter must commit and *pull* Wyoming by 5 PM on 04/07/2026, or Wyoming will be humanely euthanized. Rescue or adopter will also need to have a waiver signed and submitted prior to leaving with the dog. ****WYOMING IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR FOSTER. RESCUE OR ADOPTION ONLY**** EXTENSION REQUEST PROCESS: A Rescue Group (RG) may request an extension of an animal’s Needs Rescue Final Date no later than 10:00 a.m. on the noted ‘final date’ via email to the SJRescue@sanjoseca.gov with a cc to a Division Manager or Shelter Operations Supervisor. Extension requests must be from the RG interested in in the animal, include specific information as to delays in rescue commitment, specific care arrangements, or other time-based mitigating factors that warrant an extension. A one-time extension up to 72-hour may be granted to accommodate RG, but are not guaranteed based on capacity or condition or other constraints.