Ataxia of the Great Dane caused by stenosis of the cervical vertebral canal: comparison with similar conditions in the Basset Hound, Doberman Pinscher, Ridgeback and the thoroughbred horse

Wright, Fiona; Rest, Joan; Palmer, Alan M.

doi:10.1136/vr.92.1.1

Cited by 47 publications

(42 citation statements)

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“…Ataxia caused by malformation or malarticulation of the cervical vertebrae ("wobbler disease") has been described in older Great Danes. Compression of the cervical spinal cord and narrowing of the vertebral canal in cervicospinal incoordination of older Great Danes was caused by deformation of the vertebral body [22]. The disease in the study-group dogs differed from the usual cervicospinal ataxia of Great Danes because it occurred at an earlier age and because the vertebral bodies showed no evidence of bridging osteophytes as is common in the older dogs.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 76%

“…Deposition of mineral in the diarthrodial joints and dorsal displacement of the seventh cervical vertebra were associated with deformation of the articular processes and pedicular notch, which contributed to vertebral canal stenosis. It has been postulated that the large head, relatively long neck, and rapid growth of the Great Dane produce an imbalance in the forces acting on the cervical spine [22]. Dogs with some connective tissue disease then might develop a collapsed vertebral body at the fulcrum.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Calcium Phosphate Deposition Disease in Great Danes

et al. 1982

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Abstract.A new clinicopathologic syndrome, possibly familial, in Great Dane dogs, resembles the familial childhood variant of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposit disease in man, except that the mineral deposits were composed of amorphous calcium phosphate or hydroxyapatite rather than pyrophosphate. The syndrome was characterized clinically by paraplegia and incoordination in very young puppies which was caused by concentric constriction of the posterior cervical spinal cord. Canal stenosis resulted from dorsal displacement of the seventh cervical vertebra and deformation of the vertebral articular processes. Mineral deposition in the diarthrodial joints of the axial skeleton could be seen on radiographs of weanling puppies, and the appendicular skeleton became involved as the dogs matured. Periarticular mineralization of the limbs was associated with shorter bones, a thin cortex, abnormal bone curvature, and increased medullary trabeculae. Bone alterations were associated with abnormalities of the growth plate, which had focal areas of cartilage calcification. Soft tissue mineralization, seen in all dogs, was a primary feature of the disease process. Serum calcium concentrations were within the normal range, but serum phosphorus concentrations were decreased.Crystal deposition disease is a current term for various types of crystal-induced synovitis. Gout was the first condition identified in which acute synovitis was associated with urate crystals in the synovial fluid. In calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease, the second form of the disease to be described, acute joint inflammation was associated with crystals of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate rather than urates.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 76%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Calcium Phosphate Deposition Disease in Great Danes

et al. 1982

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“…Those most often quoted as being predisposed to wobbler syndrome are the Doberman and Great Dane 20,26 . The syndrome has, however, been diagnosed in many others, including Basset Hounds, Rottweilers, Boxers, Rhodesian Ridgebacks and English Mastiffs 7,8,30 . It has been proposed that bony malformations may be a response to early vertebral instability 26 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It has been proposed that bony malformations may be a response to early vertebral instability 26 . Other factors that have been implicated include over-nutrition, oversupplementation with calcium and head weight/carriage 12,13,30 . The diagnosis is suspected on the basis of signalment, clinical signs, and neurological examination, and confirmed using diagnostic imaging studies such as myelography and MR imaging.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This group is largely represented by middle-aged Dobermans. Stenosis of the bony part of the canal is often present but is mild and symptoms are thought to be due to subsequent instability and degenerative changes of the supporting structures, such as the ligamentum flavum and intervertebral discs that undergo a Hansen type 2 disc protrusion 14,17,27,30 . The Boerboels in this limited study clearly fit into the 1st group.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Cervical spondylomyelopathy (wobbler syndrome) in the Boerboel

Gray¹,

Kirberger²,

Spotswood³

2003

J. S. Afr. Vet. Assoc.

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The Boerboel is a South African large-breed dog resembling a Bullmastiff. The records of Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital were searched for dogs that had presented, between 1998 and 2003, with symptoms indicative of wobbler syndrome and had undergone survey radiographic and myelographic studies. Ten cases fitted the inclusion criteria. Dogs presented within the first 2 years of life, often with acute onset of symptoms. All presented with pelvic limb and 6 with concomitant thoracic limb ataxia or paresis. Treatment varied and included none (4), prednisolone (2), and dorsal laminectomy (2). Two dogs were euthanased at the time of diagnosis. The breed appears to be affected with a form of spondylomyelopathy that comprises bony malformation of cervical and/or thoracic vertebrae. In 8 dogs, malformations were evident on survey radiographs and were characterised by enlarged, irregular articular facets and associated medial deviation of the pedicles. These changes resulted in axial compression of the spinal cord best seen on ventrodorsal or dorsoventral myelographic studies. Multiple vertebrae were affected in some dogs and lesions were not confined to the caudal area of the cervical spine. Three dogs were alive and without symptoms at follow-up. Four were euthanased as a result of the disease and 1 died as a result of post-operative complications. Two additional dogs presenting with wobbler clinical signs are also described. One had medial deviation of the T5 and T6 caudal pedicles and 1 dog suffered from multiple cervical articular facet synovial cysts.

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Is “Wobbler” Disease Related to Disc Disease?

Fitzpatrick¹,

Fingeroth²

2014

Advances in Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs and Cats

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Ataxia of the Great Dane caused by stenosis of the cervical vertebral canal: comparison with similar conditions in the Basset Hound, Doberman Pinscher, Ridgeback and the thoroughbred horse

Cited by 47 publications

References 0 publications

Calcium Phosphate Deposition Disease in Great Danes

Calcium Phosphate Deposition Disease in Great Danes

Cervical spondylomyelopathy (wobbler syndrome) in the Boerboel

Is “Wobbler” Disease Related to Disc Disease?

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