Companion Animals

Dog Wobblers Syndrome: Welfare Management of Cervical Myelopathy

Cervical spondylomyelopathy (Wobblers syndrome) causes progressive neurological deterioration. Understanding treatment options and welfare management helps affected dogs and their owners.

Key Facts

Welfare Considerations

Wobblers syndrome causes progressive neurological dysfunction that affects a dog's ability to move, balance, and function normally. The wobbling hindlimb gait and, in severe cases, forelimb dysfunction significantly impairs quality of life. The condition can be painful particularly in the disc herniation form. Without treatment, most cases progress. Surgical decompression achieves good outcomes in selected cases with improvement in neurological function and quality of life. Post-surgical physiotherapy is important for maximizing recovery. Even cases managed medically benefit from anti-inflammatory treatment and activity modification to prevent progression and maintain welfare.

What You Can Do