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 in dogs causes compression of the spinal cord, which interferes with a dog’s ability to move normally. The condition is commonly found in large breeds and giant breeds, but it can affect any dog. The severity of Wobblers disease can vary. Some affected dogs may only show mild signs, while others could experience significant mobility issues.
Signs of Wobblers Disease in Dogs
The clinical 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 clinical signs of Wobblers disease in dogs is a wobbling gait. This means that you will notice your dog walks unsteadily, especially when it uses its hind legs. Dogs with wobbler syndrome 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
Neck pain is a frequent issue in dogs with Wobblers. Dogs 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 cervical vertebral instability, 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 breeds and giant breeds are more prone to this syndrome because of inherited traits. Some of the most commonly affected dog breeds are Great Danes, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds.
Anatomical Abnormalities
Another common cause is anatomical abnormalities. Some dogs are born with vertebrae in their neck that don’t form correctly, which can cause cervical vertebral instability and compress the spinal cord over time. In other cases, the spinal canal itself is too narrow. This setup increases the risk of nerve root impingement and spinal cord compression 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 middle aged or 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 and aggravating cervical spondylomyelopathy.
Diagnosing Wobblers Disease in Dogs
Diagnosing Wobblers disease in dogs involves a combination of clinical signs, physical observation, and advanced imaging. 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 observe for an unsteady walk, front leg weakness, or signs of neck pain when the head is moved. These tests help pinpoint whether the neurological problem stems from the cervical spine.
Imaging Techniques
Once Wobblers disease is suspected, imaging is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and assess the compression of the spinal cord. Diagnostic imaging tools such as X-rays, CT scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are essential.
While X-rays can’t show the spinal cord itself, they can reveal abnormalities in the vertebrae such as cervical vertebral instability. Magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard for visualizing soft tissues and the spinal cord. It can show bulging intervertebral discs, nerve root impingement, and surrounding inflammation.
CT scans give a more detailed look at bone structures and are often used when evaluating surgical treatment options.
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.
“When your dog’s movement changes, it’s their way of telling you something’s wrong, even if they can’t say it out loud.”
- Dr. Soheyl Simaei
Conclusion
Wobblers disease can be difficult to witness, especially when you see your dog struggling to move, walk, or even rise. But with our clinic’s care and your unwavering support, there’s a path forward.
Whether your dog is one of the commonly affected large breeds like the Doberman Pinscher or Great Dane, or simply showing the clinical signs of this neurological problem, know that you’re not alone. With love, expert guidance, and the right treatment plan, affected dogs can still enjoy happy, fulfilling lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Share
