Top 10 early signs of wobblers in dogs You Need To Know

What is Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs?

Wobblers Syndrome (or Wobblers, Wobblers disease) is a painful and debilitating neurologic disease in dogs that affects the spine in the neck or cervical region. This condition has about 14 different names in veterinary literature. The name most used is cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM), a disease of the neck vertebrae that affects the spinal cord. Other common names are:

• Cervical vertebral instability (CVI)

• Cervical vertebral malformation (CVM)

• Cervical vertebral malformation-malarticulation (CVMM)

• Cervical spondylopathy

There are two forms of Wobblers: Disc-Associated Wobbler Syndrome (DAWS) and Bony-Associated Cervical Spondylomyelopathy (BACS).

• DAWS: In this form, a dog experiences a “slipped disc.” In medical terms, this means an intervertebral disc herniation occurs. This form is commonly seen in large-breed dogs older than 3 years of age.
   
• Bony-Associated Cervical Spondylomyelopathy: As the name implies, a bony malformation leads to compression of the spinal cord (and in some cases the nerves). This compression causes issues with gait and if nerve roots are affected, a dog can experience a great deal of pain.

  This form of Wobblers is most common in giant-breed dogs, usually young adults that are less than 3 years of age. Dobermans and Great Danes are the breeds most commonly affected.

Dobermans and other large-breed dogs usually have the classic form of the disease characterized by disk herniations, while Great Danes have the typical form seen in Giant breeds (bony changes). Dobermans usually have the disease when they are middle-aged to older (mean age 6 years), whereas Great Danes are typically younger. Small breed dogs occasionally get the disease, but it is very uncommon.

Any large or giant breed can develop the condition, but breeds that appear to be predisposed to Wobblers include:

• Borzoi, Rottweiler

• Mastiff

• Weimaraner

• Irish Wolfhound

• German Shepherd

• Bernese Mountain dog

• Swiss Mountain dog

• Basset Hound

Symptoms of Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs

Spinal cord disorders in dogs cause a loss of motor function and coordination in the legs and/or a loss in their sense of position. Motor function is an activity or movement controlled by motor nerves. For both forms of Wobblers, signs can occur slowly, or they appear suddenly.

Dogs with Wobblers typically have a “wobbly” gait mostly in the back legs. This wobbly gait may only be visible on slippery floors and when the dog walks slowly. They may walk with their head down, which is usually a sign of neck pain. In the more advanced stages of Wobblers, the symptoms become noticeable in all four legs. Dogs may have trouble getting up, appear very weak and even “buckle over” in the front legs. Approximately 5 percent of dogs with Wobblers may become suddenly paralyzed in all four legs.

The most common clinical signs noticed in a dog with Wobblers Syndrome are:

• Strange wobbly gait

• Neck pain, stiffness, holding head down and crying when shaking head

• Weakness

• Short-stride walking, spastic or very weak in the front limbs

• Muscle loss near the shoulders

• Worn or scuffed toenails from uneven walking

• Increased extension of all four limbs

• Difficulty getting up from a lying position

• Partial or complete paralysis

Causes of Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs

Veterinarians do not know exactly what causes Wobbler Syndrome.

There is a genetic basis for the disease, but the evidence for genetics is still unclear. Nutrition has been suggested in some cases when Great Danes ingest too much protein, calcium and calories in their diet. However, nutrition does not appear to play a role in the development of Wobbler Syndrome in giant-breed dogs.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs

If your dog appears to show any of these symptoms, especially difficulty walking — or any signs of neck pain—a trip to your veterinarian’s office is highly recommended. During the visit, your vet will obtain a complete medial history and perform both a physical and a neurological examination to see if the symptoms can be attributed to a neck/neurologic problem.

A physical exam consists of taking a dog’s weight, body temperature, and heart rate, as well as the breathing rate, listening to the chest, and feeling the abdomen/belly. Your vet will assess range of motion in all joints and detect any abnormalities in the way that the dog walks/runs.

 A neurologic exam checks the following:

• Head and neck

• Cranial nerves – which help dogs taste, smell, hear and feel sensations; also help to make facial expressions, blink eyes and move tongue

• Gait – the way a dog walks and runs

• Front and hind legs

• Torso – main part of the body that contains the chest, abdomen, pelvis and back

• Anus – assessing muscle tone

• Tail

Some baseline lab tests are performed, including bloodwork (complete blood count and chemistry panel), urinalysis and stool testing to rule out conditions causing similar symptoms.

X-rays and myelogram (imaging done on the spinal canal) can help rule out other conditions such as diskospondylitis, tumors and inflammatory spinal cord disease. Advanced imaging such as an MRI or CT are preformed to visualize the spinal cord compression caused by the disc herniation or the bony changes.

Typically, these tests are done by veterinary specialists in larger animal hospitals, universities or specialty clinics and require the dog be under general anesthesia to ensure complete stillness during exam.

Treating Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs

Treating Wobbler Syndrome depends on the location and severity of the problem. Cervical (neck) surgery is typically recommended for the best chance of improvement, but as with any surgery, there is always a risk of complications.

For affected dogs in which surgery is not appropriate, medical management is another reliable treatment option. This can include:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs (steroids, such as Prednisone, or non-steroids, such as Carprofen) to reduce the pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots

• Pain medication

• Limiting activity for a period

Medical management may be suggested for dogs with few clinical signs, dogs with spinal cord compression in several places or those that have other health concerns that make surgery risky. 

Because dogs with this condition have a neck problem, neck leashes should not be used, and chest harnesses are strongly recommended. Dogs that are not able to walk should be kept on soft bedding and rotated frequently to avoid sores.

Some dogs also require help emptying their bladder and their bowels on a regular basis if they are not able to do so on their own, because these are functions controlled by the affected nerves. Dogs with continuing signs that are not responding to medical management are advised to undergo surgery, if they are a good candidate. 

The goal of surgery is to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and prevent further damage. It cannot correct damage that has already occurred and most dogs will never walk normally. However, the surgery can improve quality of life. As with any surgical procedure there are risks that your veterinarian will discuss with you depending on your dog’s diagnosis.

Following surgery, activity should be restricted for at least 2-3 months to allow the spinal cord and the vertebral bones to heal.

Other treatment methods are being investigated, including artificial disc replacement (the gold standard surgical treatment for people with a very similar disease called cervical spondylotic myelopathy).

Recovery and Management of Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs

The prognosis for a dog with Wobblers depends on three factors: the severity of spinal lesions, neurologic damage and the type of treatment used.  

For dogs unable to stand or walk, it is not clear how much a surgical intervention will help. Dogs with mild symptoms have a much greater chance of recovery. Even after surgery and medical management, some dogs with Wobbler Syndrome may never walk normally again. However, when combined with physical therapy and post-operative care, treatments can provide a significant chance of improving your dog’s general quality of life.

Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs FAQs

• Author: petmd.com

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• Sumary: Barri Morrison, DVM, discusses wobbler syndrome in dogs, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

• Matching Result: Symptoms of Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs · Strange wobbly gait · Neck pain, stiffness, holding head down and crying when shaking head · Weakness · Short …

• Intro: Wobbler Syndrome in DogsWhat is Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs? Wobblers Syndrome (or Wobblers, Wobblers disease) is a painful and debilitating neurologic disease in dogs that affects the spine in the neck or cervical region. This condition has about 14 different names in veterinary literature. The name most used is cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM), a disease of the neck vertebrae that affects the spinal cord. Other common names are: Cervical vertebral instability (CVI) Cervical vertebral malformation (CVM) Cervical vertebral malformation-malarticulation (CVMM) Cervical spondylopathy There are two forms of Wobblers: Disc-Associated Wobbler Syndrome (DAWS) and Bony-Associated Cervical Spondylomyelopathy (BACS). DAWS: In this form,…

• Source: https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/neurological/c_dg_wobbler_syndrome

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• Sumary: Wobbler syndrome, or cervical spondylomyelopathy, is a rare condition that impacts giant dog breeds – including great danes and dobermans.

• Matching Result: The signs of wobbler syndrome start out as very subtle, and you may barely notice them, but they gradually get worse and become more noticeable …

• Intro: Does my puppy have wobbler syndrome? Are you concerned that your puppy is not walking normally? Have you read about Wobbler Syndrome online, and now you’re concerned that your puppy may be affected? Remember, if you have any concerns at all about your puppy, then the best thing to do is bring them to your vet, who will likely want to watch them walking, examine their joints, perhaps take some x-rays or maybe even refer to a specialist. But in the meantime, here is some information to put your mind at rest, or ensure that you feel informed when you…

• Source: https://vethelpdirect.com/vetblog/2021/06/16/does-my-puppy-have-wobbler-syndrome/

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• Sumary: Wobbler syndrome is a spinal condition that affects a dog’s gait and can cause severe pain. Learn the causes, treatment, and prevention.

• Matching Result: Symptoms · Altered gait · Stiff neck · Incoordination · Difficulty standing up or laying down · Weakness …

• Intro: What Is Wobbler Syndrome and How Do You Treat It in Dogs? Wobbler syndrome is a disease that results from a compressed spinal cord in a dog’s neck. The syndrome is characterized by the wobbly gait it causes in the dog’s impacted hind legs. Other symptoms include neck pain, incoordination, and difficulty sitting and laying down. The cause of wobbler syndrome is unknown, but the disease is more prevalent in large and giant breeds like Doberman pinschers, Great Danes, mastiffs, and rottweilers. Your vet can diagnose wobbler syndrome with a physical examination and radiographic tests. Treatment usually begins with movement restriction and anti-inflammatory medications but…

• Source: https://www.thesprucepets.com/wobbler-syndrome-in-dogs-4779854

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• Sumary: Veterinary Surgical Centers is committed to providing premier quality care, in a state-of-the-art surgical center with an atmosphere that brings comfort to the client and instills confidence in the referring veterinarian through interaction with our highest quality staff and doctors.

• Matching Result: Clinical signs are usually slow and gradual in onset. Some dogs will appear to suddenly get worse if they have trauma to the spinal cord during exercise or have …

• Intro: Veterinary Surgical CentersWhat is wobbler syndrome? Wobbler syndrome is the common term to describe a gait seen in dogs with spinal cord compression in the neck, where they often take short or “floating” steps with the front limbs and have a swaying or “wobbly” gait in the hind limbs. There are two main forms of wobbler syndrome. The first is called cervical stenotic myelopathy. It occurs in young, giant-breed dogs such as Great Danes, Mastiffs, and Bernese Mountain Dogs. The vertebrae in the neck have a square, hour-glass, or triangular shape in the center, putting pressure on the spinal cord…

• Source: https://www.vscvets.com/surgery/neurology-conditions/wobbler-syndrome

• Author: fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk

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• Sumary: Cervical spondylomyelopathy, commonly referred to as wobbler syndrome, is a disease of the spine within the neck, resulting in poor transmission of nerve signals between the brain and the body.

• Matching Result: The most common clinical sign of wobbler syndrome is a ‘wobbly’, uncoordinated gait, with a tendency to stumble and scuff their feet. Some dogs have neck pain, …

• Intro: Cervical Spondylomyelopathy (Wobbler syndrome) – Fitzpatrick ReferralsWhat is cervical spondylomyelopathy (wobbler syndrome)?Cervical spondylomyelopathy, commonly referred to as Wobbler syndromeCervical spondylomyelopathy, commonly referred to as ‘wobbler syndrome’, is a disease of the spine within the neck, resulting in poor transmission of nerve signals between the brain and the body.”>wobbler syndrome, is a disease of the spine within the neck, resulting in poor transmission of nerve signals between the brain and the body.There can be various MorphologicalA term pertaining to the specific form and structural feature of an organism.”>morphological problems of the bones of the neck in affected dogs. Most frequently, these bony abnormalities…

• Source: https://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk/neurology/cervical-spondylomyelopathy-wobbler-syndrome/

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• Sumary: Wobbler syndrome is a disabling disease affecting the spine in the neck region. Compression of the spinal cord and spinal lesions create an awkward, wobbly gait.

• Matching Result: Symptoms of Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs · Unsteady, staggering gait in the hind legs · Legs spread out for better balance · Short, choppy stride on rigid front legs …

• Intro: Wobbler Syndrome in DogsThere are several methods that are used to treat wobbler syndrome. Many times nonsurgical medical treatment and alternative medicine is utilized with success. In other cases, surgery may be required. The type of treatment will depend on the progression and severity of the disease. It appears that approximately 50% of dogs will improve with non-surgical management. Surgical treatment typically offers a higher success rate. However, this depends on the severity of the disease, and how much damage has been done to the spinal cord. Anti-inflammatory drugs Both steroidal and non-steroidal drugs are often used as the first…

• Source: https://wagwalking.com/condition/wobbler-syndrome