All About ... Wobbler Disease

What is it

Wobbler disease is characterised by poor coordination and weakness particularly of the hindquarters.  

Signs

• Poor co-ordination 
• Weakness 
• Clumsiness 
• Unusual wear of front toes or sores to the front heels from over-reaching 
• Reluctance to lie down 
• May progress to exaggerated/drunken movements and crashing into objects or obstacles eg: doorways

Causes

Compression of the spinal cord causes injury to the nerves which are responsible for sensing the position of the limbs.  The compression can be caused by:

• Trauma to the cervical vertebrae (often from a fall) 
• Virus (herpes or rhinopneumonitis) 
• Infection 
• Incorrect or excessive bone growth 
• Hypertrophy of the ligaments of the spinal canal 
• Malformed or misaligned vertebrae 
• Soft tissue inflammation around the vertebrae 
• Inflammation of the spinal cord 
• Inflammation in the joint capsule

 

Diagnosis

The vet will do a neurological exam.  They can also take radiographs of the neck to pinpoint any problem areas.  This can be followed by a myelogram which is when dye is injected into the spinal canal before further radiographs are taken.  Unfortunately the horse will need to have a general anaesthetic for this.

Treatment

Surgery is often the only option.  However, in cases of young horses a change in diet can help.


Prevention

Preventing trauma.  Feeding youngsters appropriately.

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Jo