Wobbler syndrome (cervical spondylomyelopathy) causes progressive spinal cord compression in large and giant breeds, significantly impacting welfare and requiring complex management.
Wobbler syndrome causes chronic pain and progressive neurological dysfunction — affected dogs experience neck pain, difficulty walking and eventual inability to rise without assistance. Quality of life assessment must be ongoing as the condition progresses. Pain management is a cornerstone of welfare — dogs often show subtle pain signs that owners miss. Decisions about surgical intervention versus continued medical management require honest welfare assessment alongside realistic outcome discussion.