What's Wobblers Syndrome? - Dr Sarah Goldsmid

Summary

Wobbler's syndrome causes dogs, like Jasper, to experience a wobbly, almost drunk-like gait due to spinal issues, commonly seen in Great Danes and Dobermans. Jasper, suffering from severe pain and mobility loss, underwent successful surgery to correct the pinching in his neck spine. Despite the complexities of his condition, the operation was a success, and Jasper was able to walk again just hours later. Two months post-surgery, he’s doing remarkably well, showcasing an inspiring recovery story.

Takeaways

• 😀 Wobbler's syndrome causes dogs to walk in a wobbly, almost drunk-like manner.
• 😀 Jasper, a Great Dane, was affected by Wobbler's syndrome and required surgery to recover.
• 😀 The condition causes significant pain, and dogs often struggle with coordination, falling or walking in circles.
• 😀 Dr. Sarah Goldsmith, a surgical specialist, explains that Wobbler's syndrome is common in breeds like Great Danes and Dobermans.
• 😀 The syndrome involves spinal issues in the neck, particularly a pinching of the spine, leading to neurological issues.
• 😀 In Jasper's case, an MRI revealed significant swelling and damage to the spinal cord due to the pinching.
• 😀 Wobbler's syndrome is challenging to treat and often leads to chronic damage, making it a frustrating condition to manage.
• 😀 The treatment for Wobbler's syndrome often requires delicate surgical intervention, such as a dorsal laminectomy.
• 😀 During surgery, the bone causing the pinching of the spine is removed to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord.
• 😀 Jasper's surgery took two hours, and despite the severity of the condition, he was able to walk again with assistance just hours later.
• 😀 After two months, Jasper made a remarkable recovery, demonstrating how effective surgery can be in treating Wobbler's syndrome.

Q & A

What is Wobbler's syndrome?

Wobbler's syndrome refers to a condition in dogs where they exhibit a wobbly, almost drunk-like walk. This is usually caused by spinal issues affecting the neck area, leading to coordination and balance problems.

Which dog breeds are most prone to Wobbler's syndrome?

Great Danes and Dobermans are particularly prone to developing Wobbler's syndrome, although other breeds can be affected as well.

How does Wobbler's syndrome affect a dog's walking ability?

Dogs with Wobbler's syndrome often have difficulty walking in a straight line, may fall sideways, and struggle to make turns without losing balance. In severe cases, they may fall over completely.

What did the imaging reveal about Despero's condition?

Imaging tests like CT and MRI revealed that Despero had a pinched spine in his neck, causing significant pressure on the spinal cord, leading to the wobbly, uncoordinated movement.

What is the underlying cause of Wobbler's syndrome in Despero?

The cause of Despero's Wobbler's syndrome is a malformation in his neck spine, specifically a narrowing or 'hourglass' shape that pinches the spinal cord and causes inflammation and swelling.

What challenges do vets face when treating Wobbler's syndrome?

Treating Wobbler's syndrome can be difficult because some dogs suffer from chronic damage to their spinal cord. This damage may not be fully reversible, and the condition is often frustrating to treat.

What was the proposed solution for Despero's condition?

The solution involved a delicate surgery called a dorsal laminectomy, where the bone pressing against the spinal cord is removed to relieve the pressure.

How long did the surgery take for Despero?

The surgery to relieve the pressure on Despero's spinal cord took around two hours.

How did Jasper, another dog with Wobbler's syndrome, respond after his surgery?

Jasper, after undergoing surgery, was able to walk with some assistance just a few hours later. He showed a remarkable recovery and was able to walk on his own just two months after the procedure.

What is the prognosis for dogs with Wobbler's syndrome after surgery?

The prognosis for dogs with Wobbler's syndrome can vary. Some dogs, like Jasper, show significant improvement after surgery, while others may continue to face challenges, especially if the spinal cord damage is chronic.