A review of wobbler syndrome in the Doberman Pinscher

This article reviews the known information on wobbler syndrome as it affects the Doberman Pinscher. The presenting signs usually consist of progressive hindlimb ataxia with upper motor neuron deficits, neck pain, forelimb dysfunction and tetra- or paraplegia. These clinical signs occur as a result of compression of the caudal cervical spinal cord, caused by a combination of deformed cervical vertebrae and/or associated degenerative disc disease. Factors thought to be involved in the aetiology of the disease are heritability, body conformation, unbalanced nutrition and altered growth rate, and trauma. Radiographic studies of the cervical vertebrae and myelography are required to confirm the diagnosis. At present, there is no consistently successful form of treatment. Both medical and a variety of surgical procedures have been used.