Wobbler Syndrome (Cervical Spondylopathy)

Cervical spondylopathy or Canine wobbler syndrome is a problem affecting the neck bones of usually large breed dogs, particularly Great Danes and Dobermanns.

What causes the problem?

The problem is caused by cervical instability or deformity of vertebrae in the neck. As a result compression of the spinal cord occurs usually resulting in some loss of use of the hind legs. It is called wobbler syndrome because of the wobbly gait. Affected dogs often sway when walking, being unstable behind and having a shortened (choppy) stride in front.

Are any other breeds affected?

Apart from the two breeds of dogs most commonly affected the condition has been diagnosed in breeds as diverse as the Basset Hound and St Bernard, the Irish Setter and the Borzoi.

What are the usual signs?

Dogs usually have histories of clumsiness, difficulty in getting up from lying down, and hind leg weakness. Some will fall or collapse at exercise. Most show signs of neck pain.

Is it only the hind legs that are affected?

No, in some dogs there is foreleg involvement as well. Sometimes the condition can be diagnosed by just gently flexing the neck when the dog will momentarily collapse.

"Sometimes the condition can be diagnosed by just gently flexing the neck when the dog will momentarily collapse."

At what age does the problem become apparent?

In Great Danes the condition usually involves young dogs, often less than a year old and it has been found that the disease is related to a deformity of the neck vertebrae. In Dobermanns the condition is seen in mature, older animals due to intervertebral disc disease rather than any abnormality of the bones of the neck.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis is on the clinical signs and also radiography involving the use of specialised techniques.

What is the prognosis?

Without treatment symptoms usually worsen. The head may be held permanently lowered due to neck pain. Sometimes all four limbs are affected leading to tetraparesis, (partial paralysis) and finally to tetraplegia, (quadriplegia) where there is paralysis of all four limbs.

What is the treatment?

Mild cases often respond to anti inflammatory drugs and pain killers. However this is palliative rather than curative.

Treatment often involves specialised surgery for which referral to a specialist centre may be necessary.

How successful is surgery?

This depends upon the amount of damage that has been inflicted on the spinal cord prior to relieving the pressure. Over 75% of all cases are improved by surgery. However in some cases the dog may be left with an ambulatory deficit, usually a slight limp etc.

If surgery is delayed until the dog is unable to walk the prognosis is not good.

If you wish to discuss any of these points please feel free to contact us.