Wobbler Syndrome
Wobbler Syndrome is a descriptive name given to a number of conditions affecting the cervical spine of large and giant breed dogs. The end point of these conditions is a narrowing of the bony canal through which the spinal cord passes. The term ‘wobbler’ is used because it describes the characteristic ‘wobbly’ gait shown by affected dogs. The correct medical term is cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM).

Which breeds can develop Wobbler syndrome?
Certain breeds of dog are particularly at risk of developing this condition. Commonly affected breeds are the dobermann pinscher, rottweiler, basset hound, Irish wolfound and great Dane. The etiology of wobbler syndrome is not fully understood and appears to be multifactorial. Nutritional factors have been incriminated in great Dane (high protein food content), as well as breed conformation, head weight and carriage in the dobermann pinscher.

Several factors are thought to be influential in the development of wobbler syndrome, including genetic predisposition and nutritional problems such as high protein diet.

Two basics categories of affected dogs are recognized:

1. Immature or young adult large-breed dogs which have bony narrowing of the vertebral canal – these developmental abnormalities are directly responsible for the spinal cord compression and:
2. Middle-aged or older dogs which have degenerative changes of the vertebral column, ligamentous structures and joints with subsequent acquired narrowing of the vertebral canal. These acquired changes are superimposed on the previously mentioned developmental abnormalities and are responsible for a progressive clinical decompensation.

The result of these changes is that the sensitive spinal cord becomes compressed to a greater or lesser degree. Compression of the spinal cord results in pain and neurological deficit characterised mainly by an abnormal gait.

How would I know if my dog has wobbler syndrome?
Signs of disease include:

• Weakness and incoordinated gait (known as ataxia), usually first seen in the pelvic limbs
• Lameness/stiffness in the thoracic limbs
• Neck pain and/or stiffness
• Partial or complete paralysis

Usually, the initial signs are fairly mild, e.g. occasional pelvic limb weakness, difficulties getting up from lying, scuffing of the toe nails. These signs progress in severity and affected animals often take short strides with the thoracic limbs and ‘goose step’ with the pelvic limbs. Lameness can occur if the nerves supplying an individual thoracic limb are ‘trapped’.

How will my vet know what is wrong?
In order to see what is going on in your dog’s neck your vet will probably want to take some radiographs for which a full general anaesthetic will be required. A number of exposures are taken and often the study includes the use of a specialised technique known as a myelogram.

Your vet may want to prefer to refer your dog to a specialist for this procedure. Newer techniques such as MRI give even better views of the spinal cord compression but are more expensive.

From the images obtained, the nature of the problem in each individual case can be assessed. Your vet will want to identify the precise locations where spinal cord compression is occurring so that appropriate treatment can be planned.

What is the treatment?
If untreated, dogs with wobbler syndrome will often get worse. Surgery is often indicated to improve the dog’s quality of life and to try and prevent further deterioration. In older dogs, or those which are considered a high surgical risk, non-surgical measures may be more appropriate.

Dobermanns are prone to a number of other diseases which can increase the risks associated with anaesthesia or surgery eg clotting disorders (such as von Willebrand’s disease), under active thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) or heart problems (cardiomyopathy). Your vet may advise that your dog is tested for these conditions before surgery.

Surgery is difficult, time-consuming and requires specialist expertise. The surgeon should explain the procedure and give an outline of the likely prognosis, as well as warning of potential complications.

The outcome for dogs following surgery is generally good but depends on a number of factors including number and type of spinal cord compressions, duration of clinical signs prior to diagnosis, the dog’s weight and age.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to discuss cases directly with owners before their animal is seen for an initial consultation.