Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatment

Wobbler Syndrome in dogs is a painful and debilitating neurologic disease that affects the spine in the neck (cervical region) and can cause spinal cord compression, problems with gait, weakness, and neck pain.

There are two forms of Wobbler Syndrome: Disc-Associated Wobbler Syndrome (DAWS) and Bony-Associated Cervical Spondylomyelopathy (BACS). Treatment may include medical management or surgery depending on the location and severity of the problem.

What Is Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs?

Wobbler Syndrome in dogs (also called Wobblers or Wobblers disease) is a painful and debilitating neurologic disease that affects the spine in the neck, or cervical region.

This condition has about 14 different names in veterinary literature. The most commonly used name is cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM), a disease of the neck vertebrae that affects the spinal cord. Other common names include:

• Cervical vertebral instability (CVI)
• Cervical vertebral malformation (CVM)
• Cervical vertebral malformation-malarticulation (CVMM)
• Cervical spondylopathy

Dogs Predisposed to Wobbler Syndrome

Dobermans and other large-breed dogs usually have the classic form of the disease characterized by disc herniations, while Great Danes typically have the form associated with bony changes.

Dobermans usually develop the disease when they are middle-aged to older, with a mean age of 6 years, whereas Great Danes are typically younger. Small-breed dogs occasionally develop the disease, but it is very uncommon.

Any large or giant breed can develop the condition, but breeds that appear to be predisposed to Wobbler Syndrome include:

• Borzoi
• Rottweiler
• Mastiff
• Weimaraner
• Irish Wolfhound
• German Shepherd
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Swiss Mountain Dog
• Basset Hound

Types of Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs

There are two forms of Wobbler Syndrome: Disc-Associated Wobbler Syndrome (DAWS) and Bony-Associated Cervical Spondylomyelopathy (BACS).

Disc-Associated Wobbler Syndrome (DAWS)

In this form, a dog experiences a “slipped disc.” In medical terms, this means an intervertebral disc herniation occurs.

This form is commonly seen in large-breed dogs older than 3 years of age.

Bony-Associated Cervical Spondylomyelopathy (BACS)

In this form, a bony malformation leads to compression of the spinal cord and, in some cases, the nerves. This compression causes issues with gait, and if nerve roots are affected, a dog can experience a great deal of pain.

This form of Wobbler Syndrome is most common in giant-breed dogs, usually young adults less than 3 years of age. Dobermans and Great Danes are most commonly affected.

What Are the Symptoms of Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs?

The most characteristic symptom of Wobbler Syndrome in dogs is a “wobbly” gait, especially in the back legs. Dogs may also develop neck pain, weakness, difficulty getting up, abnormal movement in the front legs, or partial or complete paralysis.

Spinal cord disorders in dogs can cause a loss of motor function and coordination in the legs and/or a loss in their sense of position. Motor function is an activity or movement controlled by motor nerves. 

With both forms of Wobbler Syndrome, signs can develop slowly or appear suddenly.

The wobbly gait may only be visible on slippery floors or when the dog walks slowly. Dogs may walk with their head down, which is usually a sign of neck pain.

In more advanced stages of Wobbler Syndrome, symptoms can become noticeable in all four legs. Dogs may have trouble getting up, appear very weak, and even “buckle over” in the front legs. 

Approximately 5% of dogs with Wobbler Syndrome may become suddenly paralyzed in all four legs.

Common clinical signs of Wobbler Syndrome in dogs include:

• Strange, wobbly gait
• Neck pain or stiffness
• Holding the head down
• Crying when shaking the head
• Weakness
• Short-stride walking
• Spastic or very weak front limbs
• Muscle loss near the shoulders
• Worn or scuffed toenails from uneven walking
• Increased extension of all four limbs
• Difficulty getting up from a lying position
• Partial or complete paralysis

What Causes Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs?

Veterinarians do not know exactly what causes Wobbler Syndrome in dogs.

There is a genetic basis for the disease, but the evidence for genetics is still unclear.

Nutrition has been suggested in some cases involving Great Danes that ingest too much protein, calcium, and calories in their diet. However, nutrition does not appear to play a role in the development of Wobbler Syndrome in giant-breed dogs.

How Is Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs Diagnosed?

Wobbler Syndrome in dogs is diagnosed using a medical history, physical and neurologic examinations, laboratory testing, and imaging. Advanced imaging such as MRI or CT may be used to visualize spinal cord compression caused by disc herniation or bony changes.

If your dog has symptoms, especially difficulty walking or signs of neck pain, a trip to your veterinarian's office is highly recommended.

Physical and Neurologic Examinations

Your veterinarian will obtain a complete medical history and perform both a physical and neurologic examination to determine whether the symptoms can be attributed to a neck or neurologic problem.

A physical exam includes checking your dog's weight, body temperature, heart rate, and breathing rate, as well as listening to the chest and feeling the abdomen. Your veterinarian will also assess the range of motion in all joints and look for abnormalities in the way your dog walks or runs.

A neurologic exam checks the following:

• Head and neck
• Cranial nerves, which help dogs taste, smell, hear, and feel sensations and also help with facial expressions, blinking, and tongue movement
• Gait, or the way a dog walks and runs
• Front and hind legs
• Torso, the main part of the body containing the chest, abdomen, pelvis, and back
• Anus, including assessment of muscle tone
• Tail

Laboratory Testing

Baseline laboratory tests may include blood work, such as a complete blood count and chemistry panel, as well as urinalysis and stool testing to rule out conditions causing similar symptoms.

X-Rays and Advanced Imaging

X-rays and a myelogram (imaging of the spinal canal) can help rule out other conditions such as diskospondylitis, tumors, and inflammatory spinal cord disease.

Advanced imaging such as MRI or CT may be performed to visualize spinal cord compression caused by disc herniation or bony changes.

These tests are typically performed by veterinary specialists at larger animal hospitals, universities, or specialty clinics. They require the dog to be under general anesthesia to ensure complete stillness during the exam.

How Is Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs Treated?

Treatment for Wobbler Syndrome in dogs depends on the location and severity of the problem. Cervical (neck) surgery is typically recommended for the best chance of improvement, while medical management is another treatment option when surgery is not appropriate.

Medical Management

Medical management may include:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs, including steroids such as prednisone or non-steroids such as carprofen, to reduce pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots
• Pain medication
• Limiting activity for a period

Medical management may be suggested for dogs with few clinical signs, dogs with spinal cord compression in several places, or dogs with other health concerns that make surgery risky.

Supportive Care

Because dogs with Wobbler Syndrome have a neck problem, neck leashes should not be used, and chest harnesses are strongly recommended.

Dogs that are unable to walk should be kept on soft bedding and rotated frequently to avoid sores.

Some dogs may also require help emptying their bladder and bowels regularly if they cannot do so on their own because these functions are controlled by the affected nerves.

Surgery for Wobbler Syndrome

Dogs with continuing signs that do not respond to medical management may be advised to undergo surgery if they are good candidates.

The goal of surgery is to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and prevent further damage. Surgery cannot correct damage that has already occurred, and most dogs will never walk normally. However, surgery can improve quality of life.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks that your veterinarian will discuss with you based on your dog's diagnosis.

Recovery After Surgery

Following surgery, activity should be restricted for at least two to three months to allow the spinal cord and vertebral bones to heal.

Investigational Treatments

Other treatment methods are being investigated, including artificial disc replacement, which is the gold standard surgical treatment for people with a very similar disease called cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Recovery and Management of Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs

The prognosis for a dog with Wobbler Syndrome depends on three factors: the severity of spinal lesions, neurologic damage, and the type of treatment used.

Prognosis for Dogs With Wobbler Syndrome

For dogs unable to stand or walk, it is not clear how much surgical intervention will help. Dogs with mild symptoms have a much greater chance of recovery.

Even after surgery and medical management, some dogs with Wobbler Syndrome may never walk normally again.

Long-Term Management

When combined with physical therapy and postoperative care, treatment can provide a significant chance of improving your dog's general quality of life.