Wobblers Syndrome: A Serious Spinal Condition in Dogs

Wobbler syndrome, also know as cervical vertebral instability, a condition cause by a malformation in the vertebrae within the neck. The spinal cord lies within the vertebrae in the spinal canal. Dogs who are infected with this condition, the opening is smaller than normal , which causes pressure on the spinal cord. When this occurs neural impulses are unable to pass through the spinal cord. As the animal ages the space in the vertebrae continues to shrink. Any breed can be infected, although it occurs mostly in older Doberman Pinschers and younger Great Danes.

One of the first signs your dog may be infected with Wobblers Syndrome is a unwillingness to bend the neck. Your dog may also not hold its head up due to the pain. This condition will proceed to the dog having weakness and lack of coordination in the back legs. Then it continues to the front of the legs where the dogs front legs will become weak as well.

This is a serious condition and can lead to complete paralysis. If your dog is showing any of these signs, it is best you seek your veterinarian. If the breed of your dog is a Great Dane or a Doberman Pinscher, an examination by your veterinary should be performed immediately.

Although a full recovery is usually not achieved, there are ways to make your dog feel some relief. Your veterinarian can give you anti-inflammatory medications for your dog. Your veterinarian may also perform surgery to stabilize the vertebrae or remove a portion of the vertebrae. This will allow more room for the spinal cord. After surgery your dog may be worse before it gets better. It can take a week to two months before your dog is able to get up on its own.

Your veterinarian may have you reduce your dogs activity, by keeping the dog in a cage for at least a month. This will ensure your dog will get complete rest and not do anymore damage to the vertebrae. Allowing your dog to move around excessively, may result in more damage that can't be reversed. Using a leash to walk your dog may cause more damage to the vertebrae and neck. If you are going to walk your dog it is best that you use a harness to prevent further damage. This will decrease the amount of pressure that is put on the dogs neck.

Sources

Doctors Foster and Smith: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2105&aid=489