Wobbler syndrome describes a complex of symptoms caused by nerve damage in the cervical spine. The often typical ataxic (irregular) gait of affected animals gave the disease its name, as the English word "to wobble" means to sway or stagger. It occurs particularly often in Dobermans and Great Danes, but other large breeds of dog can also be affected. Male dogs are twice as likely to develop the condition as females.
Damage to the spinal cord can be caused by a variety of different changes to the spine. In terms of the symptoms that occur, a distinction is made between static and dynamic narrowing of the spinal canal. In the case of dynamic narrowing, compression of the spinal cord only occurs as a result of neck movement, whereas in the case of static wobbler syndrome, it is permanently compressed.
The most common causes include chronic degenerative disc changes, especially in Great Danes and Dobermans. Overuse can cause structural changes and swelling of the intervertebral discs in older dogs, causing them to bulge into the spinal canal from below and press on the spinal cord.
In young dogs in particular, malformed vertebrae in the area between the third and seventh cervical vertebrae can lead to compression of the spinal cord. It is still unclear whether these malformations are hereditary or nutritional. A subluxation (incomplete dislocation) of the joint between the first and second cervical vertebrae can lead to joint instability and thus also to spinal cord damage. Malformations of the vertebral arch or the joint processes (primarily in Great Danes) in combination with a thickening of the vertebral ligament can pinch the spinal cord from above or from the side. Tumors, cartilage changes, abscesses, or other inflammatory changes can also trigger wobbler syndrome. Predisposing factors for the disease include rapid growth, malnutrition, and calcium excess.
Dogs with wobbler syndrome usually exhibit a characteristic gait, with symptoms developing very slowly and often being overlooked at the onset of the disease. Initially, only a slightly unsteady, swaying gait and difficulty standing up can usually be observed. As the disease progresses, which can take weeks or months, the typical exaggerated movements of the hind limbs occur, while the dog takes small, shuffling steps with the front limbs. The dog basically runs with two different gait patterns, which is also known as "two engine gait." In severe cases, complete paralysis of the limbs may occur.
If you notice any suspicious symptoms, you should take your dog to the vet immediately. Describe the changes you have noticed in your dog as accurately as possible.
After taking this detailed preliminary report, they will subject the dog to a thorough general and neurological examination, which includes various tests to check the function of the central nervous system. This provides them with important initial information about the location of any spinal cord damage.
However, an X-ray examination is essential for an accurate diagnosis, although normal X-rays do not usually reveal all narrowings. Only with the help of myelography, which involves taking X-rays with a contrast agent injected into the spinal canal, can narrowings of the spinal canal be reliably detected. CT or MRI scans can help to further narrow down the affected area or to clarify cases that are still unclear after myelography.
Depending on the type and severity of the damage and the age of the dog, different treatment plans must be developed for Wobbler syndrome. In cases with mild symptoms, non-bony changes, and no progression, conservative therapy may be sufficient. The dog is kept completely calm and given painkillers. In young dogs, the composition of their food should also be checked.
If herniated discs and bony vertebral changes are the cause of spinal cord compression, only surgery can relieve the pressure on the nerve tissue. Depending on the type and extent of the change, different surgical techniques are available. Your veterinarian will advise you in detail on the planned procedure in each individual case.
For young dogs with mild and non-progressive symptoms, the prognosis is cautious if the treatment plan is strictly adhered to. After surgery, the chances of recovery depend on the severity and duration of the symptoms. The longer the symptoms have been present (even before surgery) and the more severe they are, the poorer the prognosis. Older and more severely affected dogs also generally have a poorer prognosis.
Since some of the causes are genetic, the disease cannot be completely prevented. However, as a dog owner, you can take a few targeted measures to minimize certain factors that contribute to the disease. By feeding your dog a balanced diet that is not too high in energy and ensuring it gets regular exercise without excessive strain during its growth phase, you can significantly reduce the risk of the disease.
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining that can occur in dogs as a result of superficial or deep injuries. Persistent irritation of the stomach lining can lead to chronic inflammation and ultimately to a stomach ulcer. The disease can take an acute or chronic course.
Like humans and dogs, horses can also suffer from poor heart performance. In heart failure, the heart is unable to pump enough blood through the body, resulting in a lack of oxygen supply to the cells and a backup of blood in the body and pulmonary circulation.
Giardiasis is a diarrheal disease in dogs and cats caused by single-celled parasites in the small intestine. There are different types of Giardia, most of which are harmless to humans. However, some rare forms can also be transmitted to humans, making it a zoonosis. Young children and immunocompromised individuals are particularly at risk, which is why strict hygiene measures are essential when dealing with giardiasis.
Cryptorchidism refers to the absence of one or both testicles in the scrotum of a stallion. It is a relatively common developmental disorder in horses and can occur in all horse breeds. These stallions are also colloquially referred to as "Klopp-, Spitz- or Urhengste" (clop, pointed or original stallions). Since the majority of cryptorchid stallions are infertile, this condition also has economic significance in relation to horse breeding.
X-ray fluoroscopy is an imaging examination method that uses X-rays to create a series of moving images of the part of the body being examined. The X-ray machine is freely movable thanks to a C-shaped arm (= C-arm), allowing the body part or organ to be viewed from all angles in real time on the monitor.
Distemper is a long-known and highly contagious viral infection that can affect various carnivorous wild animals as well as dogs and ferrets. It is also known as Carré's disease, after its discoverer, Henri Carré. Since the introduction of protective vaccination in 1960, outbreaks and mortality rates have been significantly reduced. However, with declining vaccination rates and the constant increase in dog imports from Eastern Europe, distemper is once again on the rise in Germany.
If your horse suddenly looks like it has run through hundreds of stinging nettles or been bitten by a swarm of mosquitoes, it could be hives, also known as urticaria. Triggered by certain stimuli, this excessive reaction of the immune system causes hundreds of small, round, raised swellings, known as wheals, to form on the horse's skin. In most cases, this rash disappears quickly once the cause has been treated.
If feed components or foreign bodies become stuck in the horse's esophagus, the surrounding muscles cramp up and a blockage occurs. Due to the risk of pneumonia caused by inhaling feed residues (aspiration pneumonia), a blockage is always a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary treatment.
Despite its somewhat misleading name (hematoma = bruise), this very rare disease in horses is not a simple bruise, but a slowly growing tumor originating in the ethmoid bone or paranasal sinuses that can cause severe bleeding. Ethmoid hematoma can occur in horses of any age, but is most common in horses between 8 and 15 years of age.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, also known as dry eye, describes inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva caused by insufficient or completely absent tear fluid, which in severe cases can lead to blindness.
Pyometra is a purulent inflammation of the uterus that occurs in most cases approximately two to ten weeks after the last heat and is the most common disease of the female reproductive organs. According to recent scientific studies, 25% of all unspayed female dogs develop pyometra within the first ten years of their lives. Female dogs that have not yet been pregnant and female dogs over the age of four are at higher risk of developing pyometra.
For many horse owners, this is a sad moment. The diagnosis "unrideable" abruptly ends the dream of experiencing more wonderful moments in the saddle with your horse. But even if riding is no longer possible, the horse should not be any less valuable as a friend. After all, there are wonderful alternatives for spending time together.
