Wobbler Syndrome In Dogs
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
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We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
Wobbler syndrome in dogs, or cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM), causes a dog’s spine to compress which causes a wobbly gait.
This painful disease is typically progressive, but can also be more acute.
Table of Contents:
Large breeds, like Great Danes and Doberman Pinschers, are more prone to wobbler syndrome. It is most often seen in large female dogs, though it has been seen in smaller breeds as well.
The disease usually occurs in the neck when there is compression on the spinal cord causing the dogs to wobble.
Cats are very rarely affected by wobbler syndrome.
- Wobbly gait
- Stiffness in the neck
- Weak limbs
- Muscle loss near the shoulders
- Paralysis
- Scuffed or worn toenails from uneven walking
- Extension of limbs is increased
- Difficult getting up when lying down
Cause of Wobbler
Genetics, particularly in large breeds, seems to be a factor since many large breed dogs get wobbler’s disease. There are theories that because of the rapid growth from puppies to adult, this could contribute to the cause.
Nutrition is also thought to possibly cause wobbler syndrome, with too much calcium, protein, and even calories, particularly in Great Danes.
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Wobbler Diagnosis
The physical test is completed to find the cause of the abnormal gait and if this is a result of a neurological problem of an issue with the dog’s neck.
Standard x-rays are used to see if there are other conditions that could have caused the disease. If other conditions aren’t the cause, and MRI is typically used as it is the most accurate and safest test for your dog.
Another diagnostic test, which is an older type, that your veterinarian might use is called a Myelogram. This is an x-ray and there is a dye injected around the dog’s spinal cord.
However, this test isn’t as safe as the newer ways to test for Wobbler.
An MRI is typically the most common and the best of all the test. It is safe and accurate. A CAT scan might also be used which isn’t as accurate or safe as the MRI.
Testing for Wobbler is typically done in a hospital or some specialized clinics.
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
Wobbler Treatment
There are many different approaches to treating wobbler syndrome.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Dogs which are treated non-surgically have a 50 % success rate of recovery while surgery typically results in a much a higher success rate.
Some of the non-surgical methods used to help alleviate wobbler syndrome are the following:
Anti Inflammatory Drugs:
Steroids and no-steroid drugs are typically the first choices of treatment, especially in the early stages of the disease. Corticosteroid therapy and rest is an effective treatment.
Electro Acupuncture:
This type of acupuncture) is a deep needle insertion that targets the affected areas and has also been very effective in dogs. There is a high success rate with this therapy with very few side effects.
Gold Bead Implantation:
This type of acupuncture is permanent. What happens here is that there are tiny beads that are implanted in the dog’s back and the head was affected by the disease. The long term stimulation helps to relieve the symptoms.
Neck Wraps For Wobblers:
There are some specialized neck wraps that can be helpful for the dog and are typically used in addition to steroids and rest.
Your vet can help with a recommendation and/or if your dog will benefit from a wrap.
Surgical Treatment
If your dog is less than 8 years old, surgery is the most successful.
The goal of the surgery is to stabilize and decompress the area of the spinal cord that is affected. The treatment is an effort to fuse the unstable segments of the spinal cord.
An artificial disc is sometimes used in place of the affected disc to help correct the disease depending on the location of the affected area.
Dogs who have had the surgery will be in the hospital for a few days.
And, following the surgery, very little activity for 2 to 3 months following is recommended so the fusion of the cervical areas can stabilize.
Physical therapy is also an important post-surgery to help the loss of muscle strength and to help for a successful recovery.
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What Is The Cost Of Wobbler Syndrome Surgery?
If you have a large dog that is pre-disposed to wobbler syndromes like a German Shepherd or Great Dane, it would be wise to look into pet insurance particularly when your dog is young and before any symptoms occur.
Pet insurance can help offset the high cost of medical treatment while paying up to 90% of the bills.
Healthy Paws is just one insurance company who offers excellent coverage and including rehabilitation therapy in all of their plans.
Recovery from Wobbler
If the damage is severe, there may be a lesser chance of your dog to fully recover, but can help prevent any more damage. If non-surgical treatments are used for your dog, rest and minimal activity area typically recommended aiding recovery.
Dogs should always be walked with a chest harness to help speed recovery. If the dog is younger, a low protein diet is usually recommended, particularly in the larger breeds like Great Danes.
It could take up to 10 months to recover from surgery and inactivity and crate rest will be recommended.
Make sure to avoid all neck collars for your dog and to raise food bowls to help ease drinking and eating.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wobbler Syndrome in dogs?
Wobbler Syndrome, or cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM), is a condition causing a wobbly gait in dogs due to compression of the spine, commonly seen in large breeds like Great Danes and Doberman Pinschers.
What causes Wobbler Syndrome in dogs?
Genetics, rapid growth in large breeds, and nutritional factors like excessive calcium, protein, and calories are believed to contribute to Wobbler Syndrome.
How is Wobbler Syndrome diagnosed in dogs?
Diagnosis involves a physical test, standard x-rays, and, if necessary, an MRI or Myelogram to assess the spinal cord and identify the cause of the abnormal gait.
What are the treatment options for Wobbler Syndrome in dogs?
Treatment can be non-surgical, including anti-inflammatory drugs, electro-acupuncture, gold bead implantation, and neck wraps. Surgical options aim to stabilize and decompress the affected spinal cord.
What is the cost of Wobbler Syndrome surgery for dogs?
Surgery costs vary, but pet insurance, such as Healthy Paws, can help offset expenses, covering up to 90% of medical bills for large breeds predisposed to Wobbler Syndrome.
How long is the recovery for dogs with Wobbler Syndrome?
Recovery time depends on the severity of the condition. Non-surgical treatments may require rest and minimal activity, while surgical recovery can take up to 10 months, including inactivity and crate rest.
Can pet insurance help with the costs of Wobbler Syndrome treatment?
Yes, pet insurance can be beneficial in covering medical expenses for Wobbler Syndrome treatment, including surgery, medications, and rehabilitation therapy.
Are there preventive measures for Wobbler Syndrome in dogs?
While there’s no guaranteed prevention, maintaining a healthy diet, especially for large breeds, and considering pet insurance early for predisposed breeds can be proactive measures.
Is Wobbler Syndrome common in cats?
No, Wobbler Syndrome is very rare in cats; it predominantly affects large dog breeds.
How can I choose the right pet insurance for my dog with Wobbler Syndrome?
search various pet insurance providers, considering coverage for surgical and non-surgical treatments, and choose a plan that suits your dog’s needs and your budget.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.