Wobbler Disease in Dogs

What is Wobbler disease?

Wobbler disease is a condition that affects the dog's neck bone and cervical instability. Wobbler disease is not only found in dogs, horses can suffer as well. Wobbler disease term used to describe a wide range of different conditions affecting the cervical spine, because they all cause similar symptoms. Wobbler disease is also referred to as cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM), cervical spine abnormalities (CVM), and cervical spine instability.

When young dogs develop Wobbler disease (very common in Scars Denmark) problem is usually caused by narrowing of the spinal canal, called stenosis. Studies have shown that high protein diets can contribute to the development of this problem.

When middle aged and older dogs (like Doberman dogs) develop Wobbler disease, the dog will usually have a disc bulge or herniation of the disc contents.

Dogs are commonly affected breed Wobbler disease

Wobbler disease far more common in big dogs race, especially Doberman and Great Danes. It is believed to be hereditary in dogs. The list is composed of people very vulnerable dogs to develop Wobbler disease:

Basset Hound

Borzoi

Boxer

Dalmatian

German Shepherd Dog

Doberman

Great Dane

Old english sheepdog

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Samoyed

St Bernard

Weimaraner

Symptoms of Wobbler disease in dogs

Wobbler disease symptoms tend to get worse and worse over time. If the disease is the result of trauma, but can progress very quickly.

Wobbler disease common symptoms include general weakness and crouched attitude which twisted neck down. Affected dogs can appear awkward and have trouble limbs and body coordination. In some dogs, dragging the toes of the rear foot is one of the first signs of Wobbler disease. Eventually, the disease will spread and the dog will start to show symptoms of the disease Wobbler from the front legs as well (symptoms are usually less severe than the hind legs). Some dogs will also develop neck pain.

While investigating veterinarian dog with Wobbler disease, X-rays generally show malaligned vertebrae and disc space narrowing. For a more definite diagnosis, myelogram organized as this will indicate whether the dog vertebral canal stenosis. In addition, the MRI can be used to determine the precise location of spinal cord compression. MRI will also tell the vet important details about the nature and severity of the compression.

Wobbler disease treatment for dogs

Wobbler disease treatment for dogs can be medical or surgical, and guarded prognosis for both types of treatment. The most common type of treatment for Wobbler disease is giving corticosteroids to control symptoms. This will usually be combined with strict cage rest. Surgical option is for surgical repair spinal cord compression, including dorsal decompression, vertebral stabilization, and "ventral slot technique" occurs that causes ventral decompression of the spinal cord. In a few dog operations will make Wobbler disease disappears completely, while other dogs suffer a relapse. Type of operation is technically difficult and you may need to do a little research before you find a quality surgeon. A recent study showed that electroacupuncture may be a third option for dogs suffering Wobbler disease, but further research is needed.