Wobblers disease, or wobblers syndrome, might sound like a quirky name. But for many dog owners, it’s a serious and often worrying condition. Officially known as cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM), this disease affects the spinal cord in a dog’s neck, leading to an unsteady or "wobbly" gait, which sort of gives it its name.

What is Wobblers Disease in Dogs?

Essentially, Wobblers disease causes compression of the spinal cord, which interferes with a dog’s ability to move normally. The condition is most common in large and giant dog breeds, but it can affect any dog. The severity of wobblers disease can vary. Some dogs may only show mild signs, while others could experience significant mobility issues.

Signs of Wobblers Disease in Dogs

The signs of Wobblers disease in dogs gradually show because of the progressive nature of the syndrome. Here are the signs you would typically observe when your dog has Wobblers disease:

Wobbly Gait 

One of the trademark signs of Wobblers disease in dogs is a wobbly gait. This means that you will notice your dog walks unsteadily, especially when it uses its hind legs. Dogs may appear clumsy or stagger when walking, especially on smooth or uneven surfaces.

Paw Scuffing

You might notice your dog’s nails making unusual clicking sounds on hard floors, a result of their toes dragging slightly during movement. This scuffing can sometimes cause visible wear on their nails.

Reluctance to Move

Dogs with Wobblers disease often exhibit stiffness or hesitancy in turning their head or lowering it to eat, drink, or play. This reluctance can indicate discomfort or pain in the neck area. Your dog might shy away from their usual playtime or avoid stairs, jumping onto furniture, or even long walks.

Weakness in All Limbs

As the disease progresses, dogs may start showing weakness not only in their hind legs but also in their front legs. This can result in a staggering, “drunken” appearance when walking. Some dogs adopt unusual postures to alleviate neck pressure, such as holding their head lower than normal or standing with a hunched back.

Difficulty Rising or Lying Down

Activities that were once simple, like getting up from a resting position or lying down, become noticeably more difficult. Dogs may need assistance or take longer to complete these movements. Dogs may vocalize when moving in ways that strain their neck, such as jumping or turning suddenly.

Loss of Balance

Because the coordination and movement of dogs are impaired, they might trip, stumble, or even fall during activities that they are used to. This can be super concerning for larger dog breeds, where falls and losses of balance could lead to physical injuries.

Causes of Wobblers Disease in Dogs

The causes of Wobblers disease in dogs are still relatively unknown. However, there are some theories that can be included in the discussion. Here are some of the potential causes of Wobblers disease in dogs:

Genetic Predisposition

The most popular theory for the cause of Wobblers disease in dogs is genetics. It was observed that certain large and giant dog breeds are more prone to this syndrome because of inherited traits. Some of the most popular dog breeds affected by Wobblers disease are Great Danes, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Dobermanns.

Anatomical Abnormalities

Another common cause is anatomical abnormalities. Some dogs are born with vertebrae in their neck that don’t form correctly, which can compress the spinal cord over time. In other cases, the spinal canal itself is too narrow. This physical setup makes it easier for spinal cord compression to occur as the dog grows or moves.

Diet and Nutrition

Diet and nutrition are also some of the causes that are thought of when Wobblers disease is discussed. Great Danes have been discussed as having Wobblers disease when they ingest too much protein, calcium, and calories. 

Age

For older dogs, age-related wear and tear can contribute to Wobblers disease. Because the condition is progressive, the structures in the spine naturally degenerate. The intervertebral discs may bulge, putting pressure on the spinal cord.

Diagnosing Wobblers Disease in Dogs

Diagnosing Wobblers disease in dogs involves a combination of clinical observation and advanced imaging techniques. Because the issue can be tied to several other conditions, a thorough examination should be done first. Here are some ways our vets diagnose Wobblers disease in dogs:

Physical and Neurological Examination

The first step in diagnosing Wobblers disease is a detailed physical and neurological examination. Our vets will assess your dog’s gait, reflexes, and posture. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for signs like an unsteady walk, muscle weakness, or pain when the neck is manipulated. These tests help pinpoint whether the issue stems from the cervical spine.

Imaging Techniques

Once Wobblers disease is suspected, imaging is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and assess the spinal cord compression. Diagnostic imaging tools such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans are the technologies we’ll use. While X-rays can’t show the spinal cord itself, they can reveal structural abnormalities in the vertebrae, such as narrowing spaces between the bones or signs of instability.

MRIs provide a detailed view of the spinal cord and surrounding tissues, including discs and ligaments. It’s the gold standard for diagnosing Wobblers disease, as it can clearly show spinal cord compression and soft tissue abnormalities. CT scans give a more detailed look at the bony structures of the spine. It’s particularly useful when evaluating vertebral malformations or planning surgical interventions.

Treatment and Recovery for Wobblers Disease in Dogs

The treatment and recovery process for your dog’s Wobblers disease will depend on its severity and the health condition of your dog. Here are some methods we use:

Medications

For dogs with more manageable symptoms or those who aren’t able to handle orthopedic surgery, medications are usually the first option for treatment. We use anti-inflammatory and pain management medications. 

These are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain around the spinal cord and keep them comfortable. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids are typical options.

Surgical Interventions

For dogs with more severe symptoms or progressive neurological deficits, surgery may be the best option. The goal of surgery is to provide relief to the spinal cord’s compression and stabilize the affected vertebrae. The type of surgery will depend on your dog’s condition. 

One example is decompressive surgery. This procedure involves removing parts of the bone or disc material that are pressing on the spinal cord. It is often performed when there’s significant narrowing of the spinal canal. Another example is vertebral stabilization. This process will involve fusing vertebrae together to prevent further movement and compression.

After surgery, dogs may need time to recover. Recovery from spinal surgery can take several weeks to months. This time is needed to help their spinal cords recover. Dogs may also need physical therapy to help their bodies keep their functionality.

Physical Therapy

One method we can use is physical therapy. Our pet physiotherapists will be the ones to guide you and your dog on the best way to keep your dog’s muscle strength. We’ll work on improving coordination and enhancing mobility. 

Hydrotherapy, where dogs walk on an underwater treadmill, is particularly effective as it reduces pressure on the spine while allowing controlled exercise. The process also removes the pressure of running on solid ground.

Our team can help your dog with a wide range of exercises tailored to helping its body recover. While it can take a considerable amount of time, each session will be effective in helping your dog recover. 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an increasingly popular complementary treatment for dogs with Wobblers disease. It is the process of inserting thin needles into specific points and areas on the body to stimulate nerves, increase blood flow, and provide relief for dogs.

Gold bean implants are a type of acupuncture that involves using gold beads in the back and head of your dog. Doing so helps prevent excessive movement of the cervical vertebrae, which helps improve your dog’s condition. Additionally, it also remodels the bones by reducing inflammation.

Supportive Care

Supportive care techniques will focus on helping keep your dog’s body in good condition. With this, managing your dog’s activity levels is crucial. We might recommend reducing your dog's activity by keeping them indoors and in smaller spaces. This might include avoiding extravagant activities, such as jumping or running. 

You might also want to consider canceling outdoor activities for a while as we work on helping your dog recover. Also, it would help greatly to stop using collars and leashes for a while, as these may cause strain on your dog’s neck. If your dog is in the process of physical therapy, use wheelchairs.

Conclusion

Wobblers disease can be very difficult to deal with, especially if you see your dog struggling. With our clinic’s help, we can provide the care and relief your dog has been longing for. While Wobblers disease can be a challenge, it’s important to remember that with your love and support, your dog can continue to enjoy a good quality of life.