What Is Wobblers Syndrome?
Wobbler syndrome is the common name for cervical vertebral instability, which is caused by a malformation of the vertebrate that lessens the effectiveness of the spinal cord. It is a serious, progressive disorder that can eventually cause paralysis in large dogs if left untreated.
-
Causes
-
Wobbler syndrome occurs when the vertebrate is malformed, which leads to intervertebral disc rupture and pressure on the spinal cord. If enough compression of the spinal cord occurs, the dog's strength and coordination will be affected. The core problem lies with the dog's skeletal structure, rather than the spinal cord itself.
Identification
-
Younger dogs manifest this issue in clumsiness or in an unsteady gait, while older dogs wobble when they walk and take short, painful steps. A dog who is affected by wobbler syndrome might carry its head low due to pain in the neck. In severe situations, the dog might be unable to stand.
-
Breeds
-
According to Dr. Alistair McVey, formerly a veterinarian at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, wobbler syndrome is seen primarily in younger Great Danes and older Dobermans. Both breeds grow large very quickly, and this fast growth can lead to the malformation of the spine that leads to wobbler syndrome.
Treatment
-
When a dog is suffering from wobbler syndrome, anti-inflammatory medication and pain-control medication bring relief from the pain, but will not improve the malformation of the spine. Depending on the veterinarian's advice, surgery can stabilize the spine or pare it down so that the spinal cord regains function.
Prevention/Solution
-
When you are selecting a dog, look for puppies whose ancestors do not have a record of this disorder. If you know that your dog is going grow up to be large, feed it a well-balanced diet that does not have supplementary minerals, which will help its growth stay even. Large breeds, especially those that are prone to this disorder, should be switched to adult food at 6 months to ensure slower growth. For an older dog, use a harness instead of a leash when walking your dog to relieve the pressure on its neck.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Surprised merle great dane puppy staring at the camera image by velora from Fotolia.com
