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Wobblers Disease and the Doberman Pinscher

Wobblers Disease is a widespread neurological condition found in big and oversize dog breeds. This disease also has two other names cervical spondylomyelopathy and Wobblers syndrome.

This disease might possibly include a malformation of the vertebrae, intervertebral disc protrusion, as well as injury to the spinal ligaments. The vertebrae in the neck will become unstable and cause compression on the spinal cord.

Of all the Wobblers disease cases reported, eighty percent of them are either Doberman Pinschers or Great Danes. Other dog breeds that may be affected include Saint Bernards, Weimaraners, German Shepherds, Boxers, Basset Hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Dalmatians, Samoyeds, Old English Sheepdogs, and Bullmastiffs.

This disease does not typically show up in Dobermans until the age of four or five years. The symptoms will typically emerge in the hind legs as a slight problem with coordination in gait and could become worse and afflict the front legs too.

A dog that is majorly afflicted will develop a drunken-like way of walking. This symptom is usually slow to develop and will develop slowly over time. The partial inability to move and lack of coordination is caused by the pressure on the spinal cord as it goes through the neck’s vertebrae, the last three vertebrae are the main well known locations. The Doberman rear end will appear to be wobbling or swaying. Some other things to watch for are as follows:

It may become very hard for the dog to walk on slippery surfaces.

When turning the dog falls for no apparent reason.

The dog may have a wide legged stance to maintain better balance.

The front limbs are not usually afflicted in the beginning. However, as Wobblers disease gets worse, the front limbs will seem to become stiffer making the Doberman’s gait appear irregular. Little by little the front legs can develop the same wobbling or swaying that the rear legs have. While there is no evidence of what causes Wobblers, there is suspicion that growing too fast, due to overeating and a poor nutritional diet, and genetics are behind this disease. To diagnose a Doberman Pinscher a veterinarian will perform a neurological exam. The exam will usually include x-rays of the cervical spine as well as a mylogram x-ray. An owner may want to be fully informed about the necessity of this test because the cost is very pricey.

The treatment plan for a Doberman with Wobblers could include corticosteroids, neck brace, and possible surgery. In the case of surgery, the two afflicted vertebrae are fused together to minimize the pressure on the spinal cord, however this can place further strain on adjacent vertebrae causing them to become unstable as well. Some Dobermans can live a long life with virtually no pain and little if any treatment. Unfortunately for other Dobermans, the progression of Wobblers disease is too rapid and the kindest option to free them from their pain is to put them to sleep.