Species: Dog
Condition: Cervical Vertebral Instability
Organ System: Cardiovascular
Congenital deformation of the bones, ligaments and other structures involved in the maintenance of the neck stability. As a result, spinal chord in the neck is compressed causing weakness and incoordination on all four legs. The condition progresses and the symptoms worsen over time. Large and giant breeds are predisposed to Wobbler syndrome. In order to diagnose the disease, the dog undergoes myelography. Special dye is inserted into the spinal canal and X-ray image is taken to determine spinal chord compression. The vet will suggest medical or surgical treatment depending on the severity of the condition. The results are variable.
Breeds exposed to Cervical Vertebral Instability – Research Reference
Border Terrier Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Border Collie Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Australian Kelpie Sheepdog Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Scotch Collie Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Shetland Sheepdog Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD) & University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Collie – Rough – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Shetland Sheepdog – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD) & University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Australian Shepherd – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Border Collie – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Scotch Collie – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Australian Kelpie Sheepdog – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Border Terrier – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Kelpie – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Australian Shepherd Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Kelpie Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine
To learn more about Cervical Vertebral Instability or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.
This information is accurate as at May 2014 and is subject to change without notice.
For Petmed Pet Health Insurance – pre-existing condition exclusion applies. Annual Benefit Limits and excess amounts vary based on pet health insurance plans.
