What is Wobbler Syndrome?
The term “wobbler” originated from a spinal disease of horses that causes lack of co-ordination while walking. The canine version is more appropriately known as Cervical Spondylomyelopathy or Cervical Stenosis. It results in a wobbly gait when walking or running due to pressure on the spinal cord in the lower part of the neck. Many of these dogs stumble when walking, and the rear legs may be affected first.
How does it happen?
This disease begins because there is instability between two or more vertebrae in the lower part of the neck. When instability exists, the body attempts to correct the problem. This results in a thickening of the ligaments that are within the joint; one is above the spinal cord and two are below it. As these ligaments thicken, they put pressure on the spinal cord.
The spinal cord is much like a large telephone cable that contains thousands of wires, each carrying important messages. When the telephone cable is crushed, the tiny wires within are broken so they cannot transmit information. A similar event occurs when the spinal cord is compressed by the thickened ligaments. They are unable to carry messages from the brain to the nerves in the legs, so the legs cannot move as they should.
The spinal cord is much like a large telephone cable that contains thousands of wires, each carrying important messages. When the telephone cable is crushed, the tiny wires within are broken so they cannot transmit information. A similar event occurs when the spinal cord is compressed by the thickened ligaments. They are unable to carry messages from the brain to the nerves in the legs, so the legs cannot move as they should.
My dog is paralysed in all four legs. Is this part of this disease?
Yes. The pressure on the spinal cord from the thickened ligaments causes the dog to walk in a very uncoordinated fashion. However, another event often follows. The instability present between the vertebrae also puts unnatural stress on the disc that is located between the bones. After weeks or months of stress, the disc will rupture. When this happens, the pressure on the spinal cord is so great that paralysis occurs. This may involve only the front legs or, in other cases, all four legs.
Are certain breeds of dogs more commonly affected than others?Title
Yes. Great Danes, Dobermans and Basset Hounds are commonly affected breeds, but any large breed is at risk for this disorder. Great Danes are usually affected when they are young, about 1-3 years of age. Dobermans and other breeds are typically 6-9 years of age when the symptoms begin.
How is the diagnosis made?
Radiographs (x-rays) of the neck often reveal that the cervical vertebrae are not properly aligned. If the dog is one of the prone breeds, and the symptoms are correct, this provides strong evidence of the wobbler syndrome. However, plain radiographs do not show the spinal cord so the presence of pressure on it cannot be proven in this manner. A myelogram, CT Scan or MRI may then be required to further study the spinal cord.Radiographs (x-rays) of the neck often reveal that the cervical vertebrae are not properly aligned. If the dog is one of the prone breeds, and the symptoms are correct, this provides strong evidence of the wobbler syndrome. However, plain radiographs do not show the spinal cord so the presence of pressure on it cannot be proven in this manner. A myelogram, CT Scan or MRI may then be required to further study the spinal cord.
What is the treatment?
Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers are often prescribed in the early stages of this disease. They may provide some relief from the symptoms, but this improvement is usually only temporary. As the disease progresses, medication will no longer be helpful. Special precautions must be taken when pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications are given to Dobermans as there is a high incidence of inherited bleeding disorders in this breed; some medications may precipitate a bleeding crisis.
In some dogs, a specially-fashioned neck brace can be helpful in limiting motion in the neck. This can be helpful in some dogs, especially dogs for which surgery is not feasible. However, most dogs have progressive disease and are helped best with prompt surgery.
Successful treatment requires that the pressure be removed from the spinal cord. There are several surgical procedures that have been used, and your Vet can discuss those with you.
In some dogs, a specially-fashioned neck brace can be helpful in limiting motion in the neck. This can be helpful in some dogs, especially dogs for which surgery is not feasible. However, most dogs have progressive disease and are helped best with prompt surgery.
Successful treatment requires that the pressure be removed from the spinal cord. There are several surgical procedures that have been used, and your Vet can discuss those with you.
What is involved with after care?
The degree of after care will depend on the dog’s progress at the time it goes home. If it can walk, but uncoordinated, it will need assistance so that a fall does not occur. If it is still paralysed at the time of discharge, the amount of after care can be considerable because of the dog’s weight. If you are not able to lift your dog and you do not have someone else who can help you do so, you should discuss this situation further with your Veterinary surgeon since protracted hospitalisation can easily cost more than the operation.
What is the prognosis?
If surgery is performed at the time the dog is uncoordinated, there is a fairly good chance of success. If paralysis of all four legs has occurred, the success rate is less.