Helping pets with wobbler syndrome

Bryan-College Station—A slight wobble in your canine companion’s footsteps may be easily attributed to an exhausting day. Yet, when an exhaustion-induced misstep becomes routine, there can be an explanation found in the neurological health of your pup.

Dr. Joseph Mankin, a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, relays the signs and realities of wobbler syndrome, a neurologic disease that can affect the neck region of a dog’s spine and, if left untreated, can diminish their quality of life.

Missed Signals

The name “wobbler syndrome” is derived from the “wobble” afflicted dogs demonstrate when they walk. The disease causes pain by putting pressure on the spinal cord, thus affecting the nervous system, a vital part of the body that sends signals to the brain. 

According to Mankin, the syndrome presents itself in two forms. 

“In young, giant breed dogs such as Great Danes, there is bone proliferation, or rapid growth, in the part of the spine that makes up the neck, leading to compression of the spinal cord,” Mankin said. “In older dogs, we see degeneration of the intervertebral disc, which also leads to compression of the spinal cord.”

While this disease can affect all breeds, Great Danes, Dobermans, German shepherds, Rottweilers, and Weimaraners are the most commonly affected by wobbler syndrome.

Stumbling Into A Diagnosis

As wobbler syndrome progresses, symptoms intensify. According to Mankin, owners should look for:

Difficulty getting up – leading to an appearance of stiffness

Difficulty walking – leading to stumbling

Dragging of feet – leading to nail wear

Semi or complete paralysis.

Mankin points out that the largest sign of wobblers lies in the source of the immediate pain.

“Since this is a condition of the neck, the clinical signs will progress to affect both the back and front legs,” Mankin said. “Pain may be part of their condition, which may be displayed as reluctance to move their head or lower it for eating and drinking.”  

While these signs may appear similar to the symptoms of arthritis, Mankin says that the two are different in that arthritis tends to present with generalized joint pain and may be worse after sitting or lying for a prolonged period of time, while with wobblers, the signs will be consistent throughout the day.

Recovery Journey

Because the severity of each wobblers case varies, treatment recommendations also vary. Treatment goals generally aim to control pain, reduce inflammation, and alleviate spinal cord and nerve compression. In some cases, Mankin said surgical intervention may be necessary. 

“Surgical selection depends on the type of compression seen on advanced imaging obtained with an MRI or CT scan,” Mankin said. “Surgery may not be necessary, as medical management may be successful in some cases.”

Each dog’s recovery timeline looks different and is often associated with the dog’s stage of spinal compression, but medical intervention has cured and brought back the comfortability for many furry patients, according to Mankin. 

“If you are concerned your pet may have wobblers, see your family veterinarian for evaluation,” he said. “Other conditions may mimic these signs, so a complete neurologic exam is the first step in diagnosis. Following that, imaging with MRI is often recommended, as evaluation of the cervical spinal cord is essential in diagnosis.”

When it comes to wobbler syndrome, being overly watchful and cautious of a dog’s seemingly odd actions can potentially improve their well-being and overall quality of life.

SOURCE College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University