WOBBLER DISEASE Meaning and
Definition
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Wobbler disease, also known as cervical vertebral instability or cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM), is a condition that affects the spinal column in animals, particularly large dog breeds and horses. It is characterized by an abnormality in the cervical vertebrae, leading to compression or injury of the spinal cord and nerve roots in the neck region.
In dogs, wobbler disease typically occurs in the large and giant breeds such as Great Danes, Doberman Pinschers, and Irish Wolfhounds, although it can also affect smaller breeds. The disease is believed to have a genetic component, with certain dogs being predisposed to developing the condition.
Symptoms of wobbler disease include a lack of coordination or proprioceptive deficits, weakness in the hind legs, difficulties in standing or walking, an unsteady gait, and a swaying or wobbling motion. In severe cases, dogs may experience neck pain, paralysis, or even be unable to walk at all.
In horses, wobbler disease primarily affects young, rapidly growing animals. The condition is thought to be related to nutritional factors and has been associated with imbalances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Signs of wobbler disease in horses may include a wobbly gait, stumbling, stiffness, incoordination, and an inability to maintain balance.
Treatment options for wobbler disease depend on the severity of the condition and may include conservative management such as exercise restriction, physical therapy, and medication, or surgical intervention to stabilize the affected vertebrae. Overall, it is a complex and potentially debilitating condition that requires veterinary intervention for proper diagnosis and management.
Etymology of WOBBLER DISEASE
The term "wobbler disease" is primarily used in veterinary medicine to refer to a condition called cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM) in dogs. Its etymology stems from the symptomatology associated with the disease, as affected dogs often exhibit a wobbly or unsteady gait.
The word "wobble" itself originates from the Middle English word "wobblen", which means "to waver" or "to totter". The term "wobbler" subsequently describes something or someone who wobbles or lacks stability in movement.
In the case of "wobbler disease", the specific symptom of an unsteady walking pattern led to the adoption of the term to describe this condition in canines. Therefore, the etymology of the word "wobbler disease" is primarily linked to the characteristic wobbly gait observed in affected dogs.
