Post by IH Health on Jul 31, 2009 10:21:41 GMT 1
Wobblers Syndrome
What is it?
Wobblers is a sudden onset, neurological condition that affects foals to young adult horses. TBs and part breds are particularly affected, especially males that rapidly grow. It can affect older horses though. It affects the cervical part of the spine and causes an unsteady gait and weakness in the horse.
Causes
Constriction of the horses spinal cord due to narrowing of the spinal canal (normally at the 3rd of 4th cervical vertebrae) which interferes with the normal spinal growth plates. In older horses, trauma can cause wobblers. Up to 12% of cases is reported to be due to osteochondrosis.
Symptoms
• Lowered head carriage
• Lack of hind leg co-ordination
• Forelegs tend to swing out
• ‘Swaying’ gait
• Horse may fall over if asked to change direction quickly
• Difficulty in stopping or going backwards
Diagnosis
The vet needs to run neurological test to identify any lesions on the spinal cord along with observing any symptoms. Cerebrospinal fluid may also be collected for examination.
Treatment
Wobblers Syndrome has no effective treatment – sometimes the condition will stabilise by itself but the majority of cases do not have a happy ending. Drugs are available to attempt to reduce swelling or constriction but are not deemed cost effective. Vets in America are currently trialling a surgical option.
Useful websites
Wobblers Syndrome in Horses
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.
What is it?
Wobblers is a sudden onset, neurological condition that affects foals to young adult horses. TBs and part breds are particularly affected, especially males that rapidly grow. It can affect older horses though. It affects the cervical part of the spine and causes an unsteady gait and weakness in the horse.
Causes
Constriction of the horses spinal cord due to narrowing of the spinal canal (normally at the 3rd of 4th cervical vertebrae) which interferes with the normal spinal growth plates. In older horses, trauma can cause wobblers. Up to 12% of cases is reported to be due to osteochondrosis.
Symptoms
• Lowered head carriage
• Lack of hind leg co-ordination
• Forelegs tend to swing out
• ‘Swaying’ gait
• Horse may fall over if asked to change direction quickly
• Difficulty in stopping or going backwards
Diagnosis
The vet needs to run neurological test to identify any lesions on the spinal cord along with observing any symptoms. Cerebrospinal fluid may also be collected for examination.
Treatment
Wobblers Syndrome has no effective treatment – sometimes the condition will stabilise by itself but the majority of cases do not have a happy ending. Drugs are available to attempt to reduce swelling or constriction but are not deemed cost effective. Vets in America are currently trialling a surgical option.
Useful websites
Wobblers Syndrome in Horses
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.