![\"Wobbler](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Untitled-design-43.png\")
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If your pet collapses or is unable to walk or get up, these are considered \u201cRED\u201d \u2013 or true emergencies \u2013 on our Fast Track Triage system. We advise you seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you! <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n If your pet is experiencing weakness, incoordination, or neck pain, these are considered a \u201cYELLOW\u201d \u2013 or semi-urgent case \u2013 on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend having your pet evaluated by your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital within 24 hours. Call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you, and if your pet\u2019s condition worsens, call the team back to inform them of the status change. <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Wobbler disease, also known as Wobbler Syndrome or Cervical Spondylomyelopathy (CSM), is a disease of the cervical spine \u2013 or simply put, the neck. The cervical spine is composed of the spinal cord and is surrounded by ligaments, fat, spinal fluid, intervertebral discs, and bones. These all play an important role in protecting the spinal cord, which transmits signals from the brain to the rest of the body.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But in a dog with Wobbler disease, the bones, ligaments, and\/or discs of the cervical spine change shape or position over time. These changes cause compression of the spinal cord and associated nerves which leads to the visible signs of the disease.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In some large breed dogs like Great Danes, signs can develop within a year of age. For other breeds, signs may not be seen until middle age. Dog parents will first notice the following:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>If your pet is displaying any of these signs, further testing is important because many diseases of the cervical spine can present this way.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Wobbler disease is typically diagnosed with a<\/span>n<\/span> <\/span>MRI<\/span><\/span><\/a>. This type of <\/span>advanced <\/span>imaging will show soft tissue structures, neural structures (spinal cord and nerves), and bones of the spine. <\/span>MRI can help your veterinarian kn<\/span>ow<\/span> the severity and extent of the disease, eliminate other possible causes of clinical signs, and determine treatment options. <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>Treatment<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Treatment options for Wobbler disease include both medical and surgical options:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Deciding the best treatment for your dog depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of signs and MRI findings.\u202f<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you have any questions or concerns about your pet\u2019s cervical spine health, talk to your family veterinarian about <\/span>steps to a diagnosis<\/span><\/a> and treatment options. They may choose to refer your pet to a board-certified veterinary neurologist.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Learn more about Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota\u2019s Neurology Service <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"Wobbler](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Untitled-design-42.png\")
<\/p>\nSigns of Wobbler Disease<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
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![\"MRI,](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Untitled-design-41.png\")
<\/p>\nDiagnosis<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
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![\"Wobbler](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Untitled-design-47.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"Tess](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/BLOG-Author-Block-1.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"Animal](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Fast-Track-Triage-for-Clients-Animal-Emergeency-Referral-Center-of-Minnesota.png\")
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