Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

FIBROCATILAGINOUS EMBOLIC MYELOPATHY
This problem occurs when small emboli of disc material break off and block
spinal cord blood vessels. Dogs often show a short period of pain followed by
weakness ranging from mild ataxia to paralysis. Signs may be on only one side.
This problem is seen more often in large to giant breed dogs, but also
Shetland Sheepdogs and Miniature Schnauzers.
Treatment: Most dogs show at least a partial recovery after treatment with
corticosteroids.
WOBBLER SYNDROME
Wobbler syndrome is a disease that results from compression of the spinal
cord in the neck. The compression is caused by vertebral instability related to
either a malformed cervical vertebrae or a ruptured Hansen Type 2 neck disc.
Both may be accompanied by hypertrophy (enlargement) of the ligament that
runs down the vertebral canal beneath the vertebrae. Ligament enlargement
is believed to be a reaction to instability of the spine.
Most cases of wobbler syndrome occur in Doberman Pinschers over 5 years
of age, and to a lesser extent in Great Danes under 2 years of age, but other
breeds can also be affected. Ruptured discs are more common in Doberman
Pinschers, while vertebral malformations predominate in Great Danes. The
malformed vertebrae may be related to the long neck and rapid rate of growth
in Great Danes.
The principal sign of both conditions is a progressive loss of coordination
in the rear legs, accompanied by a peculiar, wobbly gait. Weakness or partial
paralysis affects the front legs as the disease progresses. Manipulating the neck
up and down is painful and may exacerbate the paralysis. The diagnosis is
made by X-rays of the cervical spine and by a myelogram.
Treatment: Medical treatment is similar to that described for ruptured
discs. Dogs with mild symptoms may respond to medical management. More
severely affected dogs respond best to a surgical procedure that decompresses
the spinal cord and stabilizes the vertebral column. Dogs will require extensive
rehabilitation after the surgery. Acupuncture and cervical collars may help.
Breed factors and genetic influences appear to contribute to the wobbler
syndrome. Until more is known about the exact cause, affected individuals
should not be bred.
CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM • 379
The cauda equina is composed of nerves that form the terminal extension of
the spinal cord. Injuries to the cauda equina can be caused by ruptured discs,