Wobblers Syndrome in Dogs

Understanding the Cervical Spine

• The spinal column (spine or backbone) in vertebrate animals is a flexible column consisting of various bones called vertebrae which are separated by spongy, cartilaginous discs. The spine extends from the top of the neck to the tailbone, and protects the spinal cord from injury. The cervical spine is the portion of the spine around the neck and shoulder area.

Wobbler's Syndrome

• Wobbler's syndrome, also known as cervical vertebral instability, is a condition that occurs when the vertebrae in the cervical area grow too quickly in an abnormal fashion, become malformed, or do not come together correctly. This irregularity puts pressure on the spinal column, discs and ligaments, which in turn cause pain, inflammation, and compression of the spinal cord. Wobbler's is most common in large or "giant" breed dogs because of their rapid growth early in life.

Symptoms of Wobbler's

• Signs and symptoms of wobbler's syndrome include weakness and lack of coordination, widening of the back limbs, the inability to fully extend back limbs, stiff or awkward gait and stride, disc degeneration or ruptured discs, inability or reticence to move neck, paralysis, clumsiness and difficulty rising.

Diagnosis

• Wobbler's syndrome cannot be diagnosed through X-rays alone. Mylograms, a more involved radiograph technique involving injected dye contrast imaging, is a common tool used for diagnosis. MRIs and CT scans are also preferred since they allow a veterinarian to see more accurately and are not as expensive as a mylogram.

Treatment

• Depending on the severity of the condition, anti-inflammatories such as corticosteroids and prednisone can help lessen any swelling, thereby relieving pressure on the spinal cord. Some veterinarians recommend a neck brace to stabilize the cervical spine and caution against using a traditional collar-leash lead when walking to avoid injury. Walking with a harness is more widely advocated. In severe cases, surgery to fix herniated discs and/or fuse together vertebrae for stability may be necessary. Continued management through medication and anti-inflammatories is usually required.