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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Hi all I just got from arca max an article on
Wobbler's syndrome.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I heard about it before but if anyone wants to read
it here it is.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Something like vestibular disease but
worse.</FONT></DIV>
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<P><STRONG
style="FONT-SIZE: 36px; MARGIN: 0px; COLOR: #1a2d79; FONT-FAMILY: times">Cats</STRONG>17,
2008 </P>
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<TD> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><A
href="http://www.arcamax.com/catsanddogs/catbreed?pageid=177154"
target=_blank>Exotic </A></STRONG>
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style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 20px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><A
name=story2></A><STRONG
style="FONT-SIZE: 18px; MARGIN: 10px 0px; COLOR: #000">What is Wobblers
Syndrome? </STRONG><BR><SMALL
style="FONT-SIZE: 11px; MARGIN: 10px 0px"><I>By Joseph Sabol </I></SMALL>
<P style="MARGIN: 10px 0px">Wobblers Syndrome is a neurological disorder
that affects several large breed dogs, but is especially common in
Dobermans and Great Danes. The medical term for Wobblers is Cervical
Spondylopathy or Cervical Vertebral Instability or CVI. It is caused by a
narrowing or malformation of the cervical vertebrae. The exact cause is
unknown, but it has been linked to genetics and also to nutrition.
<BR><BR>Wobblers Syndrome causes progressively worse pain, limited
mobility and in the worse cases it can lead to paralysis. <BR><BR>Symptoms
of Wobblers usually appear first in the back legs. The dog will appear to
be uncoordinated and could have trouble standing up. It is usually most
noticeable when the dog tries to turn a corner as he is walking. The hind
legs are spread farther apart than normal and his toes may scuff the
ground. As time goes by, the front legs also become weak and may appear
stiff. The dog literally wobbles when he walks. An unwillingness to bend
the neck is another symptom. <BR><BR>The disease is different in Great
Danes and Dobermans, the two breeds most often affected. In Great Danes it
occurs early, usually before the puppy is a year old. It is thought to be
caused by rapid growth due to improper nutrition or over nutrition, and
inappropriate use of supplements. Because the Great Dane is such a large
dog, the bones and spine need to develop slowly enough to support its
weight. <BR><BR>In Dobermans, the symptoms usually begin when the dog is
between 3 and 5 years old. In Dobermans, it is not considered to be
related to rapid growth but a slight abnormality in the cervical spine
that progressively becomes worse. <BR><BR>Wobblers Syndrome is diagnosed
by a complete physical and neurological exam, including x-rays and blood
work. To see the specific compression of the vertebrae, a myelogram, an
x-ray with dye for contrast, or an MRI is needed. Wobblers Syndrome causes
progressively worse pain, limited mobility and in the worse cases it can
lead to paralysis. <BR><BR>Treatment for Wobblers Syndrome begins with
corticosteroids to decrease inflammation and rest, with decreased physical
play. Elevated feeding dishes are helpful in reducing strain on the neck
and a neck brace can be used. It is a also a good idea to use a halter for
walks rather than a collar. <BR><BR>For more acute or severe cases of
Wobblers Syndrome, surgery may be recommended. A veterinary surgeon can do
a fusion of the spinal cord, decompression of the cervical vertebrae or
even the placement of screws. <BR><BR>For many dogs with Wobblers
Syndrome, it is possible to live a long, pain free life. It requires
expert management from the vet as well as extra special love and care from
the dogs family. <BR><BR>======== <BR><BR><I>Joseph M. Sabol is a world
class Doberman breeder. Please go to <A
href="http://petvitamins4u.com/">http://petvitamins4u.com</A> or to <A
href="http://theroadhousedobes.com/">http://theroadhousedobes.com</A> for
further informati</I></P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></DIV></BODY></HTML>