As a loving owner of a large dog, you’d do anything to keep your gentle giant healthy and happy. But what if an invisible condition was lurking, capable of robbing your furry friend of their mobility? Enter Wobbler Syndrome, a complex condition that primarily affects large and giant breed dogs. Let’s dive into what you need to know to protect your four-legged family member.
Key Takeaways:
- Wobbler Syndrome primarily affects large and giant breed dogs
- Early detection is crucial for better outcomes
- Symptoms progress from mild clumsiness to severe mobility issues
- Various treatment options are available, including surgery and non-invasive therapies
What is Wobbler Syndrome?
Wobbler Syndrome, scientifically known as Cervical Spondylomyelopathy (CSM), is a progressive disease involving compression of the vertebral column, resulting in spinal cord trauma. This serious condition often goes undetected in its early stages, as the first symptoms can easily be mistaken for arthritis.
“Early recognition of even subtle gait changes, clumsiness, and a lower carriage of the head should alert the owner [of Wobbler Syndrome, leading the way to] an earlier diagnosis, which allows the specialist to design a plan and, I believe, improves the long-term prognosis.”
Is Your Gentle Giant at Risk?
While any dog can develop Wobbler Syndrome, your large or giant breed pup is at significantly greater first. In fact, in a recent study, only five of the participating 105 dogs were small breeds.
Breeds Most Likely to Develop Wobbler Syndrome
Is your furry friend one of these breeds? They may be more susceptible:
- Great Danes
- Doberman Pinschers
- Mastiffs
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Labrador Retrievers
- Dalmatians
Did you know? If your dog is male, he’s twice as likely to develop Wobbler Syndrome compared to female
Age Matters
- Young dogs: More vulnerable to developmental bone-associated Wobbler Syndrome (BAWS)
- Older dogs: At risk of developing degenerative disc-associated Wobbler Syndrome (DAWS)
Decoding the Warning Signs
Keep a close eye on your pup! These progressive symptoms of Wobbler Syndrome might first appear to simply be quirky or clumsy behaviors.
Early Warning Signs
- Is your dog clumsy with their back legs?
- Have you noticed an abnormal or widened gait in their back legs?
As the Condition Progresses
- Are your dog’s back toenails more worn down than usual?
- Has your usually friendly pup become more anti-social?
Advanced Symptoms
- Has the stiffness spread to your dog’s front legs and neck?
- Is your furry friend having trouble getting up or seeming extremely tired?
- In severe cases (about 5% of cases), your dog may experience paralysis
Hope on the Horizon: Treatment Options for Your Dog
While Wobbler Syndrome is a serious disease that requires immediate attention, there’s good news. Many creative options can help slow down the progression of symptoms and improve your dog’s quality of life.
Surgical Solutions
Surgery is common for dogs with Wobbler Syndrome and typically involves the removal of a portion of the spine to reduce compression. In a 2008 study, 81% of dogs that underwent surgical treatment for Wobbler Syndrome had an improvement post-procedure.
Non-Invasive Treatments
- Medications:
NSAIDs and steroids can be effective at reducing inflammation and pain. A recent study reported 54% improvement in dogs who opted for medical management of the condition.
- Targeted Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (tPEMF™) therapy:
Assisi Loop® therapy,a drug-free tPEMF devices, provide significant relief for pets suffering from inflammatory conditions like Wobbler Syndrome. Assisi Loop therapy is a clinically proven alternative for dogs that aren’t viable candidates for surgery and can be easily used alongside other treatments.
- Alternative Therapies:
Acupuncture and chiropractic therapy have grown in popularity. Treatments like gold bead acupuncture have shown benefits for dogs with Wobbler Syndrome.
Living with Wobbler Syndrome: A Success Story
When 15-month-old Great Dane Ranie started staggering around and walking with extreme difficulty, her owner brought her in for a consultation with veterinarian Dr. Tim Crowe DVM, DACVS, DACVECC.
Dr. Crowe applied the Assisi Loop to Ranie’s neck, and after just 10 minutes, he began to see a difference. After 20 minutes, he noticed improved coordination. “She was able to rise on her own and her gait improved. Right there, within 10-20 minutes, you see her gait change,” Dr. Crowe recalls.
Dr. Crowe sent the Assisi Loop home with Ranie’s owner, instructing them to use it three to four times a day. After two weeks of regular treatments, Ranie’s gait showed significant improvement. “Four months after the initial application you can’t tell her from her other Great Dane playmate!” Dr. Crowe exclaimed.
Quick Tips: What You Can Do Now
- Switch from a neck collar to a harness
- Provide non-slip surfaces for easier walking
- Monitor your dog’s gait and energy levels
- Consult your vet if you notice any symptoms
Take Action Today!
Don’t wait for advanced symptoms to appear in your furry friend. Early detection and treatment can make all the difference in managing Wobbler Syndrome. If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, book a check-up with your vet as soon as possible.
Remember, your gentle giant relies on you to be their health advocate. By staying informed and vigilant, you can ensure many more years of tail-wagging happiness together!
