Cervical Vertebral Instability (Wobbler syndrome )

Cervical Vertebral Instability (Wobbler syndrome )

By: Dr. John McDonnell

Section: Overview

Cervical vertebral instability is also known as Wobbler Syndrome, caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy, cervical vertebral malformation, cervical spondylolisthesis, cervical stenosis and cervical spondylopathy. Wobbler syndrome is a term loosely used to encompass compressive spinal cord lesions affecting the caudal cervical spine (the spinal cord at base of neck) in large- and giant-breed dogs. The cause is likely to be the result of genetic, nutritional and biochemical influences.

What to Watch For

  • Neck pain – variable
  • Difficulty rising to a standing position
  • Worn toenails, scuffed paws
  • Incoordinated gait caused by decreased proprioception
  • Variable muscle atrophy, especially in forelimbs
  • Occasionally, the presence of Horner's Syndrome
  • Worsening of signs when the neck is flexed

    There are two distinct diseases described as Wobbler Syndrome.


  • The first disease is seen in young dogs (particularly Great Danes) arising from developmental abnormalities causing malformation and malarticulation of the spinal column – all cervical joints may be affected.

  • The second disease syndrome is seen in adult dogs (particularly Doberman pinschers) arising from type II disk herniation with accompanying vertebral ligamentous hypertrophy caused by vertebral instability.

    Dogs that have been diagnosed with Wobblers Syndrome should not be used for breeding or working.

    Diagnosis

    Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical and neurological examination to assess the location and severity of the problem. Additional tests may include:

  • Complete blood count, chemistry profile and urinalysis
  • Survey cervical radiographs
  • CSF tap
  • Myelogram, CT-myelogram or magnetic resonance imaging
  • Anesthesia for CSF tap and neuro-imaging

    Treatment

    These patients usually require surgery to treat the spinal cord compression. Surgical treatment is aimed at decompression (relieving the impingement of the spinal cord) and depending on the nature of the lesion, fusion or stabilization may be recommended.

    Medical treatment consisting of glucocorticosteroids and rest may alleviate some signs of disease but effects may be temporary and may cause gastroenteritis and cystitis.

    Home care

    Physical therapy is an important aspect of home care for Wobbler's syndrome. Your pet may be placed in a neck brace and will need to be confined for a set amount of time (usually 4 to 8 weeks). Limit jumping and leaping off of elevated areas and reduce obesity.

    •  
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Review the Most Frequent Questions
    Answered by Dr. Jon and His Staff of Veterinarians
    Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     

    Related Articles

    • 1 Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) – Cervical Area

      Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) of the cervical of the neck results from acute or chronic pressure of material from an intervertebral disc pressing on or around the spinal cord. The exact cause of disc...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Diskospondylitis

      The spine contains many small bones called vertebrae. In between these bones are small “cushions” called intervertebral discs. Diskospondylitis is an infection of a one or more vertebral discs and their...

      Read MoreRead More
    Related Articles
    • 1Diskospondylitis

      The spine contains many small bones called vertebrae. In between these bones are small “cushions” called intervertebral discs. Diskospondylitis is an infection of a one or more vertebral discs and their...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) – Cervical Area

      Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) of the cervical of the neck results from acute or chronic pressure of material from an intervertebral disc pressing on or around the spinal cord. The exact cause of disc...

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Dogs & Puppies
    Cats
    Related Articles
    • 1Diskospondylitis

      The spine contains many small bones called vertebrae. In between these bones are small “cushions” called intervertebral discs. Diskospondylitis is an infection of a one or more vertebral discs and their...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) – Cervical Area

      Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) of the cervical of the neck results from acute or chronic pressure of material from an intervertebral disc pressing on or around the spinal cord. The exact cause of disc...

      Read MoreRead More