Is wobblers syndrome in dogs genetic?
The etiology of wobbler syndrome is not fully understood and it appears to have many contributing factors. Several factors thought to be influential in the development of wobblers in dogs include genetic predisposition and nutritional problems, such as a high protein diet.
How Long Can dogs live with wobblers syndrome?
Again, it depends on how severe are the spinal lesions, how much neurological impairment is present and the type of treatment. Typically, based on our studies, the mean survival time of dogs with wobblers is approximately 4 years. This survival is the same whether the dogs is treated medically or surgically.
Is there a cure for Wobbler Syndrome?
It’s most common in Great Danes and Dobermans, with 4-5% of those breeds being affected. There is no cure for Wobblers, and depending on how advanced the symptoms become, sometimes treatment isn’t effective.
How do you prevent wobblers syndrome?
For the most part, Wobbler Syndrome can’t be prevented because it is genetic in nature. However, sometimes the condition arises when puppies grow too fast, so monitoring your dog’s diet to prevent rapid growth can help you avoid, or reduce the severity of, Wobbler Syndrome.
How much is surgery for wobblers syndrome in dogs?
$1,000 to $3,000 is a typical cost for the sophisticated imaging techniques required in these cases. Surgery is definitely a high-cost proposition in these cases. Individual surgical procedures themselves will typically cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000.
How do you treat wobblers in dogs?
The two main treatments for wobbler disease are medical management and surgery. Medical management typically involves activity restriction and treatment, with a course of corticosteroids to reduce spinal cord swelling associated with compression.
Can wobblers be prevented?
Wobbler syndrome can be managed with medications that help to reduce the inflammation in the neck and activity will need to be restricted. Alternatively, surgery to reduce the compression on the spinal cord may be recommended.
How is wobblers diagnosed?
Wobbler syndrome is caused by pathology associated with the intervertebral discs between the bones of the vertebral column or a malformation of the bones that make up the cervical vertebral column. The diagnosis is confirmed using an MRI scan to examine the spinal cord and the discs between the cervical vertebrae.
Is wobblers disease painful?
Wobbler syndrome is a disease of the neck (the cervical spine) that is seen in large and giant breeds of dog. These dogs experience compression of the spinal cord and the spinal nerve roots, resulting in nervous system deficits and/or neck pain.