Boaz developed Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) at 7 years old. DNA testing showed that he carried two copies of the DM mutation, meaning both of his parents were carriers of DM. DM was unknown in our breed in 2006 when the breeding took place. Both of his parents were awarded MCOA Gold Health awards and had passed all health tests available at that time. The DNA test became available 5 years later.