KSAH - Wobbler Syndrome
Karrinyup Small Animal Hospital
5/207 Balcatta Road
Balcatta WA 6021 AU
08 9447 4644
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Wobbler Syndrome

Wobbler syndrome is a neurologic condition within the spinal cord of the neck. The impact is compression of the spinal cord. The condition tends to occur in large and giant breed dogs, and rarely in small breed dogs.

Breeds commonly affected:

  • Dobermanns 
  • Great Danes 
  • Bernese Mountain Dog
  • German Shepherd Dogs
  • Mastiffs
  • Rottweilers
  • Swiss Mountain Dog
  • Weimaraners

Forms of Wobbler syndrome

There are 2 main forms of Wobbler syndrome

  1. Young form (Cervical Stenotic Myelopathy)
  2. Older form

Young form

Young form (Cervical Stenotic Myelopathy) that occurs in young giant-breed dogs such as Great Danes, Mastiffs, Bernese Mountain Dog. It is caused by abnormal shaped vertebrae in the neck that changes the shape of the spinal cord over time.

Studies suggest as many as 4.2% of Great Danes are affected by this condition. It tends to affect younger dogs around 3 years of age. 

Older form

The older form occurs in middle-aged to older dogs such as the Dobermann, Labrador Retriever, Dalmatian. It is caused by a chronic bulging intervertebral disc, which puts pressure on the spinal cord.

Studies suggest as many as 5.5% of Dobermans are affected by this condition. It tends to affect middle-aged dogs around 6 years of age. 

Signs

  • “Wobbly” gait 
  • Head down
  • Difficulty getting up
  • “Buckling” over
  • Paralysis – occurs in 5% of affected dogs

The signs are due to the compression of the spinal cord at the level of the neck. 

Cause

The exact cause is unknown with genetics believed to be the basis for disease and nutrition also having an impact on the young form.

Diagnosis

A thorough physical examination with a neurological assessment will help determine if there is a spinal condition. X-rays, MRI, or CAT Scan can confirm the location of the lesion and the condition.

Management

Wobbler syndrome can be treated medically or surgically.

Medical management

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (corticosteroids or NSAIDs)
  • Restricted activity
  • No use of collars or leashes
  • Use of chest harnesses
  • Raised food and water bowls
  • Use of ramps not stairs
  • Avoid slippery floor surfaces

Surgical management

Surgery is recommended for dogs that continue to worsen even with medical management. A neurologist or surgeon typically performs surgery. Physical therapy will assist in the recovery and aid in walking. It is important to note that dogs may never return to full mobility after surgery, but they have the chance to live a good quality of life.

Prognosis

Studies suggest that 50% of dogs will improve with medical management, 30% will remain stable, 20% of dogs will get worse.

Studies suggest surgical treatment has a success rate of 80% with 20% of dogs remaining stable or getting worse. 

The mean survival time is approximately 4 years for both medically or surgically managed pets.