Cervical spondylomyelopathy (‘wobbler syndrome’) in dogs

originally identified in the basset hound by Palmer and Wallace in 1967, but in the past 10 to 15 years it has been recognised as an increasingly serious problem in dobermanns and great Danes. The male is much more likely to be affected than the female. Dogs affected exhibit characteristic neurological deficits as would be expected with spinal cord compression in the cervical region. Derek Lewids The problem is multifactorial in origin, but the underlying features are related to breed conformation. It is recognised in Derek Lewvis qualified at many of the large breeds, but individual cases can arise in breeds London in 1947. After 17 such as the King Charles spaniel. Incorrect feeding during the years as principal in his own early formative months of life plays a considerable part. This mixedU practice, he Joined the has been shown both by the original work of Hedhammer and RVC for two years and others (1974) and more recently by Hazewinkel and others (1985, subsequently moved to the 1987) and Goodegeburre and Hazewinkel (1986). These senioerst lectur erpinsmalania investigations show that over-feeding in general, or the feeding snorthopa redics andophthalof diets with a chronic calcium excess, have a very real influence mortogy.aedcreirdinp1991. H on skeletal development. Current research studies undertaken is a memiber of the BVA/KC by the author indicate that it is the calorific value of the diet Hip Dysplasia PaneL. For the that is important. past 10 years he has Worked Dobermanns fed a diet high in protein, but balanced in close association wvith the calorifically and containing correct levels of vitamins and Mnesidatnd h 'oberan blub, minerals, show no increased evidence of skeletal abnormalities. investgatingthe 'wbbler'For recent updates on the clinical manifestations, diagnosis syndrome. and current knowledge in the breeds commonly affected see Shores (1984), van Gundy (1988) and Lewis (1989).