Signs of Wobblers Syndrome in Dogs

Wobbler's syndrome, also called cervical vertebral instability, is a condition that can affect large dog breeds that grow quickly. These growth spurts can result in spinal abnormalities that can cause painful compression in the spinal cord. If left untreated, Wobbler's syndrome may result in chronic pain and difficulty standing or moving.

  1. Types

    • The signs of Wobbler's syndrome depend on the level of the syndrome, according to the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Type I Wobbler's syndrome affects puppies of giant breeds, like Great Danes and Mastiffs, who develop signs earlier in life, when they are about 1 year old. Type II Wobbler's syndrome has a slower onset and begins to affect large breed older dogs later in life, when they are about 4 to 9 years old.

    Ataxia

    • One of the most common signs of Wobbler's syndrome in dogs is ataxia of the hind legs, according to the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Ataxia is the clinical term that refers to the "wobbling" and uncoordinated movement of a dog's back legs when it walks. Older dogs from large breeds, such as Doberman pinschers, are most likely to suffer from ataxia, reports the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.

    Neck Pain

    • Dogs with Wobbler's syndrome may walk with their heads held low because they are experiencing chronic neck pain due to inflammation of the spinal cord, according to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. PetsHealth.com states that larger dog breeds have heavier heads that cannot be properly supported by the body. This condition can end up causing abnormalities in the spinal cord vertebrae, which can eventually rupture and cause troubles with movement.

    Difficulty Standing

    • Wobbler's syndrome is caused by pressure on a dog's spinal cord, making it unable to stabilize its body. This instability can result in difficulty or inability for a dog to stand upright, states PetsHealth.com. Younger dogs who grow rapidly, such as Great Danes, may begin to show difficulty standing at about 14 months of age, according to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, because bones may begin to grow so quickly that they cause abnormalities of the spinal cord vertebrae.

    Misconceptions

    • Wobbler's syndrome can be confused with other conditions. For example, Wobbler's syndrome can cause stiffness and difficulty moving, symptoms similar to those of arthritis. Dog owners may also interpret the wobbling in younger dogs as difficulty adjusting to growth spurts, when it is actually signs of the spinal abnormalities of Wobbler's syndrome, according to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.