Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs

Canine wobbler syndrome is a disease that is often called many other names. It is a compression of the spine in dogs, causing great pain, which then produces a wobbly gait. Although usually a progressive disease, it can also come in an acute form. Wobbler syndrome is more common in the large and giant breeds, particularly Doberman Pinschers and Great Danes, but small dogs can be affected as well. It is more common in males than females.

Wobbler syndrome is a disabling disease affecting the spine in the neck region. Compression of the spinal cord and spinal lesions create an awkward, wobbly gait.

Symptoms of wobbler syndrome are very predictable. Depending on the severity and progression of the disease, some or all of the following symptoms will be present.

• Unsteady, staggering gait in the hind legs
• Legs spread out for better balance
• Short, choppy stride on rigid front legs
• May buckle or collapse if neck is extended
• Head held down to alleviate pain 
• In acute cases, dog may be quadriplegic (often a result of injury)
• Turning will often cause the dog to fall over in the back end
• Difficult if not impossible movement on slippery surfaces
• Excessive wearing of toe nails of hind legs

Types

Canine wobbler syndrome is called by many different names. What it is called depends on the training background of the veterinarian involved. It may be referred to as cervical spondylomyelopathy, cervical vertebral instability (CVI), cervical vertebral malformation (CVM), cervical vertebral malformation-malarticulation (CVMM), or cervical spondylopathy. No matter what it is referred to as, these are the types that are seen:

• Combined bone and soft tissue lesions on spine causing compression
• Small spinal canal with disc herniation
• Small spinal canal secondary to bony changes upon the spinal cord
• Compressed spinal nerves or nerve roots
• Spinal cord compression caused by abnormal development of cervical vertebrae

There is no definitive cause of canine wobbler syndrome. However, there are several theories. Genetics seems a most likely cause, although there is still not enough evidence to conclude that. Since it is most commonly found in the large or giant breeds, there is some speculation that rapid growth and nutrition could play a factor as well. Conformation of the neck-shoulder tie is also being considered. Since this disease is commonly found in certain breeds, heredity must play a part, perhaps with an environmental aspect as well.

The veterinarian will most likely perform a physical and neurological examination. This needs to be done to determine the reason for the abnormal walking, and whether it’s indeed caused by a neck or neurologic problem. There are a few different approaches to diagnosis. First, a standard x-ray will most likely be performed, to rule out any other condition which could be causing the issue. Once other conditions are ruled out, a more specific, more definitive test will be given. Although an older diagnostic test, your veterinarian may want to do a Myelogram (an x-ray with dye injected around the spinal cord). This is not as sensitive or safe as some of the newer methods of diagnosis. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is the best test. It is very safe, and a superior method of diagnosing Wobbler Syndrome. Another test that may be used is a CAT (computed tomography) scan. It is also a good test, but not as safe or as good as the MRI. These tests are usually done in larger hospitals or clinics.

There are several methods that are used to treat wobbler syndrome. Many times nonsurgical medical treatment and alternative medicine is utilized with success. In other cases, surgery may be required. The type of treatment will depend on the progression and severity of the disease. It appears that approximately 50% of dogs will improve with non-surgical management. Surgical treatment typically offers a higher success rate. However, this depends on the severity of the disease, and how much damage has been done to the spinal cord.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Both steroidal and non-steroidal drugs are often used as the first method of treatment, particularly in early and slow progression stages of the disease. Corticosteroid therapy combined with cage rest and/or restricted activity can be a successful treatment in many cases.

Acupuncture

Electro-acupuncture treatments have been proven very successful, using deep needle insertion. The recovery success is high, compared to traditional medical and surgical interventions. In addition, there seem to be no adverse effects with electro-acupuncture.

Gold Bead Implantation

Gold bead implantation is a form of permanent acupuncture. Tiny, pinhead sized beads are implanted on the acupuncture points of the dog’s head and back. This therapy provides long term stimulation to the points, relieving symptoms of the disease. 

Neck Wraps

Special neck wraps are sometimes used in combination with steroidal drug therapy and inactivity. A veterinarian can recommend the proper type.

Surgery

In severe cases, surgery may be the only treatment option, especially if the corticosteroid and rest therapy was unsuccessful, and/or if the radiographic results were severe. Surgery is aimed at stabilizing and decompressing the affected section of the spinal cord. Dogs 8 years and under are the most likely candidates for successful surgical treatments.

Depending on what type of treatment is chosen will determine the recovery and management. In the more severe cases, there is less chance for the dog to recover, but may prevent further damage to the cord.  If non-surgical treatments are used, crate-rest and inactivity will be recommended. The dog will need to be walked on a leash with a chest harness. If your dog is young and still growing, a low protein diet may be recommended to slow down growth. This is common in the giant breeds such as Great Danes. Recovery from surgery can take up to 10 months of crate rest and leash walking. In all cases, a neck collar should never be used, and bowls should be raised for eating and drinking.