What is Wobblers?

Wobblers, more commonly known as Wobbler Syndrome, is a disease that tends to affect large dogs. It is a serious condition that has long-lasting effects in the dogs that carry it. Whether you have a dog from a breed that is prone to the issue or whether you are seeing symptoms in your own dog, immediate identification and treatment is essential for the dog's well-being.

  1. Description

    • Wobbler Syndrome includes any spinal cord lesions caused by compression. Some of the conditions that are included under this name include cervical spondylopathy, cervical spondylolisthesis, and cervical stenosis. These lesions are located at the spinal cord at the base of the neck, and over an extended period of time, if left untreated, they start to debilitate the dog's ability to move.

    Symptoms

    • This condition most commonly affects Dobermans and Great Danes, and it usually appears when they are around four years old. Great Danes evidence this disorder earlier than Dobermans do. One early sign is an unwillingness to bend the head. Over time, untreated Wobbler Syndrome leads to weakness and lack of coordination first in the hind legs, then in the forelegs. If left completely untreated, it results in paralysis.

    Diagnosis

    • Once symptoms of Wobblers have been identified, the dog must be taken to the veterinarian. A quick diagnosis of this issue allows treatment to begin, which relieves pain and offers a better chance of recovery. The veterinarian performs a complete physical and neurological examination to diagnose the issue. In some cases, a blood count, a survey cervical radiograph, magnetic resonance imaging or a myelogram may be called for.

    Treatment

    • Once a dog has Wobbler Syndrome, it may continue to have problems with the condition for the rest of its life. Anti-inflammatory medication gives the dog relief in the short term, but does not fix the problem. A more permanent fix involves a surgical procedure that removes some of the vertebrae around the neck, allowing more room for the spinal cord.

    Causes

    • The Southern California Veterinary Specialty Hospital states both genetics and nutrition may play a role in whether a dog develops Wobbler Syndrome. If you purchase a Great Dane or a Doberman from a breeder, ask if there is any sign of Wobbler Syndrome in the dog's bloodline. Excessive amounts of protein, calcium, and phosphorus can cause accelerated growth that eventually leads to Wobbler Syndrome.