Cervical spondylomyelopathy (Wobblers syndrome) causes progressive neurological dysfunction in large and giant breeds, representing a significant welfare challenge with complex management decisions.
Wobblers syndrome causes progressive neurological welfare impairment — dogs lose hindlimb coordination and develop increasingly abnormal gaits that affect their ability to exercise, play, and engage in normal activities. Neck pain causes reluctance to lower the head and aversion to collar pressure. Progression to severe ataxia creates safety risks and psychological distress for dogs that cannot understand their changing bodies. Management decisions are complex because the evidence for surgical versus conservative management depends on the type and severity of compression. Welfare assessment must be ongoing — monitoring for deterioration, pain indicators, and functional capacity to guide appropriate intervention timing and quality-of-life evaluation.