- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Have you noticed your dog becoming a little less stable on their hind legs? Perhaps they’re walking with their head down and slightly wobbling? If so, they may be exhibiting the very first signs of wobblers syndrome.
Wobblers syndrome in dogs, or wobblers, is a painful neurologic disease that occurs when a dog’s spinal cord is compressed in the neck region. “Wobblers [syndrome] is thought to be caused by the dog’s anatomy,” explains Dr. Linda Simon, a member of the British Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. “It can also be linked to a dog’s nutrition, such as excess protein in the diet.”
Below, we’ll discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatments for wobblers syndrome in dogs.
What Are the Symptoms of Wobblers Syndrome?
Dr. Simon notes that symptoms of wobblers vary from dog to dog and are very similar to the symptoms caused by other illnesses, such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and brain tumors.
Additionally, she says for most dogs, the symptoms start subtle (scuffed paws and weakness in one limb) and then worsen. Other signs of wobblers include:
- Slowed walking
- Instability in hind legs
- Swaying or wobbling in hind legs
- Pain in the neck region
- Their head is down when walking
In more advanced stages of the disease, your dog may suffer from:
- Poor coordination when walking
- Lameness and stiffness in all four legs
- Weakened muscles
- Trouble getting up and lying down
- Falling over
- Buckling of the front legs
What Causes Wobblers Syndrome?
Wobblers syndrome, or cervical spondylomyelopathy, develops when a dog’s spinal cord or spinal cord nerves are pinched. While the exact cause of wobblers is still unknown, Dr. Simon says the telltale compression of the spinal cord happens in two different ways.
Disc compression
The compression of the spinal cord occurs when one or multiple discs that sit between the vertebrae in a dog’s spine herniate and put pressure on the spinal cord.
This is most commonly seen in large breed dogs, such as Doberman Pinschers, and affects older dogs (around six years old).
Vertebral compression
The other form of spinal cord compression happens when one or more of the vertebrae in a dog’s spine are malformed. The vertebra grows misshapen, which puts pressure on the spinal cord. In severe cases of wobblers, multiple vertebrae are malformed, causing multiple lesions.
This type of compression is often seen in giant breed dogs, such as Great Danes, and affects dogs when they are younger, around three years old.
Which Dog Breeds Get Wobblers Syndrome?
“Larger dogs are generally affected due to their genes and anatomy,” Dr. Simon explains. “Their spinal canal can be smaller than it should be.” Additionally, she says these dogs are more prone to joint disease and arthritis.
While we’ve mentioned wobblers syndrome is common in larger dogs, the same can’t be said for smaller dog breeds.
Besides Dobermans and Great Danes, the following dog breeds are most likely to develop wobblers syndrome.
How Does a Vet Diagnose Wobblers Syndrome?
After an initial mobility exam, Dr. Simon says if a vet suspects wobblers syndrome, they’ll perform imaging tests. First, they start with X-rays to see if the spinal cord is pinched. Then, to confirm the dog does have wobblers syndrome, the vet refers them to a larger, more specialized facility where advanced imaging tests are performed.
The three types of advanced imaging tests used to confirm wobblers are:
- Myelograms
- MRI
- CAT scan
Once the vet confirms wobblers syndrome, it’s time to start treatment.
How Do Vets Treat Wobblers Syndrome?
After a diagnosis, the next step is to determine the best treatment based on the disease’s severity. The good news? There is medical treatment and surgery available to treat wobbler syndrome. In one study, 80% of dogs that received surgical treatment saw an improvement.
For mild cases of wobblers syndrome, treatment consists of medical management. This usually includes pain medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, and a limit on your dog’s activity. Additionally, your vet might recommend you use a harness instead of a leash to remove the pressure from your dog’s neck.
For severe cases of wobblers, surgery is the usual route. The purpose of the surgery is to decompress the spinal cord where it is being pinched. There are different types of surgery available to treat wobbles. Your vet will choose the correct surgery depending on the severity of spinal lesions, the number of compression points, and other medical conditions affecting the dog.
Takeaway
If you are a pet parent to a large or giant breed dog, keep an eye out for wobblers syndrome. If you notice your playful pup experiencing mobility problems, take them to the vet. With the right medical help, your pup can lead a happy, wobbles-free life.