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Wobbler syndrome

Wobbler syndrome is a disease of the spine that mainly affects large breeds of dog. The cause is a narrowing of the spinal canal, which leads to compression of the spinal cord. This results in neurological symptoms such as weakness, balance problems and paralysis of the hind legs. In this article you will learn more about Wobbler syndrome, how it is diagnosed and treated and how you can give your dog the best possible life.

What are the causes and risk factors for Wobbler syndrome?

The exact cause of Wobbler's syndrome is not known, but there are some factors that may increase the risk. These include:

  • The size and weight of the dog: Large and heavy dogs have a higher load on their spine, which can lead to wear and tear on the intervertebral discs and vertebrae.
  • Genetics: Wobbler syndrome appears to be more common in some dog breeds than others. Affected breeds include the Great Dane, Doberman, Bernese Mountain Dog, Rottweiler and Newfoundland.
  • Age: Wobbler syndrome usually occurs in older dogs as the spine degenerates over time. However, it can also occur in younger dogs if they have a congenital malformation of the spine.

How do you recognize Wobbler syndrome?

The symptoms of Wobbler syndrome can vary depending on the severity and location of the spinal cord compression. The most common signs are

  • An unsteady and wobbly gait, especially in the hind legs. The dog may stumble, fall over or lose coordination.
  • Reduced pain sensation in the hind legs. The dog may injure or burn itself without realizing it.
  • Weakness or paralysis in the hind legs. The dog can no longer stand up or walk or has no reflex in the paws.
  • A change in posture. The dog may lower its head or arch its back to reduce pressure on the spinal cord.
  • Impaired bladder and bowel function. The dog can no longer control urine or feces or has difficulty urinating or defecating.

How is Wobbler syndrome diagnosed?

To diagnose Wobbler syndrome, a vet must carry out a thorough clinical examination and ask about the dog's medical history. He will look for the typical symptoms and test the dog's reflexes and pain perception. However, further examinations are necessary to determine the exact location and extent of the spinal cord compression. These include:

  • An X-ray of the spine: this can provide evidence of narrowing of the spinal canal or displacement of the vertebral bodies, but will not show the spinal cord itself.
  • A myelography: A contrast agent is injected into the spinal canal and then an X-ray is taken. The contrast agent shows the shape of the spinal cord and can make compression visible.
  • Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine: These are the most accurate methods of visualizing the spinal cord and surrounding structures. They can also rule out other causes of neurological symptoms, such as tumors or infections.

How is Wobbler syndrome treated?

The treatment of Wobbler syndrome depends on the severity of the symptoms, the age and the health of the dog. There are two options: conservative treatment or surgical treatment.

Conservative treatment

Conservative treatment aims to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and maintain mobility. It includes

  • The administration of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids. These can be administered orally or by injection.
  • The use of physiotherapeutic measures such as massage, heat, cold or electrical stimulation. These can promote blood circulation, relax the muscles and stimulate the nerves.
  • Lifestyle adjustments, such as reducing weight, avoiding stairs or slippery floors, using a harness instead of a collar or providing an orthopaedic bed. These can reduce pressure on the spine and increase comfort.

Conservative treatment may be sufficient for mild to moderate symptoms to achieve improvement or at least prevent progression. However, it requires regular monitoring by the vet and consistent implementation by the owner.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment aims to remove the spinal cord compression and stabilize the spine. There are various surgical techniques that can be used depending on the location and cause of the compression. These include

  • Ventral decompression: this involves removing part of the vertebral body to create more space for the spinal cord. This method is mainly used in dogs with compression in the cervical spine.
  • Dorsal laminectomy: Part of the vertebral arch is removed to create more space for the spinal cord. This method is mainly used in dogs with compression in the thoracic or lumbar spine.
  • Ventral fusion: Two or more vertebral bodies are fused together to prevent displacement. This method is often used in combination with ventral decompression.
  • Dorsal stabilization: Metal plates or screws are attached to the vertebrae to prevent displacement. This method is often used in combination with dorsal laminectomy.

Surgical treatment may be necessary if symptoms are severe or if conservative treatment has failed in order to achieve an improvement or at least prevent further deterioration. However, it also involves risks such as bleeding, infection, nerve damage or recompression. It therefore requires careful consideration by the vet and the owner as well as intensive aftercare.

What is the prognosis for Wobbler syndrome?

The prognosis for Wobbler syndrome depends on the severity of the symptoms, the age and health of the dog and the treatment method chosen. In general:

  • Conservative treatment can achieve a 50 to 70 percent improvement in mild to moderate symptoms.
  • Surgical treatment can achieve an improvement of 70 to 90 percent for severe symptoms.
  • The relapse rate is around 10 to 20 percent for both conservative and surgical treatment.

Wobbler syndrome is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, but can be controlled with appropriate treatment and care.

The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.

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