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Canine Wobbler's Disease

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Doberman pinschers can be affected by Wobbler's Disease.

Wobbler's disease, also known as wobbler syndrome, is an issue relating to the compression of the spinal cord. This issue can severely affect your dog's health and its quality of life, and becoming more aware of this problem can help you make better decisions regarding your dog's health.

  1. Significance

    • Wobbler's disease occurs when there is an instability or malformation of the cervical vertebrae. This can cause pressure on the cervical spinal cord which will affect the way the dog can stand and move. It most commonly affects great danes and Doberman pinschers, but it can affect other dogs as well.

    Features

    • Weakness and a lack of coordination of the hind limbs are usually the first sign that a dog is being affected by wobbler's disease. The hind limbs might be splayed for balance, and the dog might sway even when it is standing still. The hind limbs might seem unable to fully extend, causing the dog to move around in a crouched position. The dog will remain alert and responsive.

    Identification

    • Wobbler's disease needs to be diagnosed with a myelography. In this procedure, a colored material is injected into the space surrounding the dog's spinal cord and nerve roots. This material allows the veterinarian to clearly see the condition of the cervical spinal cord and the vertebrae that might be compressing it.

    Treatment

    • Dogs who have very mild issues with wobbler's disease may be prescribed painkillers, which will allow them to function normally. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to correct the malformation of the vertebrae.

    Prevention/Solution

    • According to the University of Illinois, the use of a harness rather than a leash can reduce the pressure on the spine for an older animal. Dogs who grow quickly, like great danes and Doberman pinschers, may be switched to an adult food at 6 months, which will help stabilize their growth. When you are selecting a dog, choose a dog that does not have a history of wobbler's disease in its lineage.

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References

  • Photo Credit Miniature Pinscher image by Jessica Triplet from Fotolia.com

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