Wobbler disease is a condition of the cervical vertebrae that causes an unsteady gait and weakness in dogs. It is also known as cervical vertebral instability, cervical spondylomyelopathy, and cervical vertebral malformation. The disease is most common in large breeds, especially Great Danes and Dobermanns. It is most likely inherited.
Instability of the vertebrae of the neck causes spinal cord compression. In younger dogs such as Great Danes less than two years of age, wobbler disease is caused by stenosis of the vertebral canal. A high protein diet may contribute to its development. In middle aged and older dogs such as Dobermanns, intervertebral disc disease leads to bulging of the disc or herniation of the disc contents, and the spinal cord is compressed.
The disease tends to be gradually progressive. Symptoms such as weakness, ataxia, and dragging of the toes start in the rear legs. Dogs often have a crouching stance. The disease progresses to the front legs, but the symptoms are less severe. Neck pain is usually not seen. X-rays and possibly a myelogram are used to make the diagnosis. Treatment is either medical to control the symptoms, usually with corticosteroids, or surgical to correct the spinal cord compression. The prognosis is guarded in either case. Surgery may fully correct the problem, but it is technically difficult and relapses may occur.
Wobbler’s syndrome is also occasionally found in horses, where it is not thought to be hereditary, but rather a condition of the horse’s growth. Surgical options are available at (Columbus) Ohio State University, and also 1-2 schools on the west coast. Titanium baskets are placed to fuse the vertebrae, thereby preventing compression. Most horses are able to return to work, with many reaching competitive levels once again.
Commonly affected breeds
Great Dane
Dobermann
St. Bernard
Weimaraner
German Shepherd Dog
Boxer
Basset Hound
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Dalmatian
Samoyed
Old English Sheepdog
Bullmastiff
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