Cervical spondylomyelopathy (‘wobbler syndrome’) in dogs

Body conformation in Great Danes with and without clinical signs of cervical spondylomyelopathy

“…However, no comparison between the body conformation of clinically normal and CSM-affected Great Danes was available, and no kinematic or bio-mechanical investigations were performed. Another study proposed that breed conformation, head weight and posture, and neck length and shape are important etiologic factors in canine CSM, but provided only limited data to support this statement (Lewis, 1992). …”

“…Nevertheless, the high prevalence of CSM in some dog breeds, particularly Doberman pinschers and Great Danes, but also Bernese Mountain dogs, Bull Mastiffs, Weimaraners and Rottweilers suggests a breed predisposition of this disease that, even if not related to breed conformation, may have a genetic origin (Trotter et al, 1976; Raffe and Knecht, 1978; Lewis, 1992; Burbidge et al, 1994; Eagleson et al, 2009; da Costa, 2010; da Costa et al, 2012; Lewis et al, 2013). No genetic studies have been performed in CSM-affected Great Danes.…”

“…The etiology of cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM) in dogs is unknown, but is presumed to be multifactorial, with possible contributions from genetic, congenital and nutritional factors, fast growth rate, body conformation and abnormal forces on the cervical vertebral column (Wright et al, 1973; Hedhammar et al, 1974; Selcer and Oliver, 1975; Hazewinkel et al, 1985; Jaggy et al, 1988; Lewis, 1992; Burbidge et al, 1994, 1999; da Costa, 2010). Giant breeds of dogs are most often affected by osseous-associated CSM, in which there is absolute vertebral canal stenosis secondary to proliferation of the vertebral arch, articular processes and/or pedicles, causing spinal cord compression and foraminal stenosis (da Costa, 2010; Gutierrez-Quintana and Penderis, 2012).…”

“…There are reports of CSM in various giant breeds, including Great Danes, Bernese mountain dogs, Bull Mastiffs and Boerboel dogs (Wright et al, 1973; Raffe and Knecht, 1978; Olsson et al, 1982; Lewis, 1992; Gray et al, 2003; Eagleson et al, 2009). In the Great Dane, it has been suggested that a combination of large head, relatively long neck and rapid growth may cause abnormal forces on the cervical vertebral column and be involved in the pathogenesis of CSM (Wright et al, 1973).…”

Cervical arthroplasty in two dogs with disk-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy

“…[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] Many other breeds, including small dogs, are reportedly affected by this condition. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] Many other breeds, including small dogs, are reportedly affected by this condition.…”