Disc-associated wobbler syndrome in the Doberman pinscher.

Disc-associated wobbler syndrome is a subset of the diverse canine wobbler complex. Disc-associated wobbler disease can occur in many large-breed dogs but the vast majority are middle-aged Doberman Pinschers. Dorsal annulus hypertrophy and protrusion is the hallmark lesion with variable association of dorsal ligamentum flavum hypertrophy and bony malformations. Chronic caudal cervical spinal cord compression results in the clinical signs. Instability, primary disc degeneration, and conformational etiologies have been incriminated. The clinical course usually entails chronic progressive paraparesis to tetraparesis with insidious onset. Acute onset or exacerbations are less common. Diagnosis is based upon history, neurologic examination, and radiography/myelography. Long-term conservative therapy is only palliative and usually leads to the demise of the animal. Surgical therapy offers the potential of a cure but at significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Surgical treatment consists primarily of decompressive techniques with or without stabilization. The numerous surgical techniques utilized highlight the variability of the lesions and the lack of universal acceptance of any one technique. Decompression is accomplished by surgical access to the vertebral canal to physically remove the abnormal ligament and/or bony material. Alternatively, distraction combined with fusion of the vertebrae adjacent to the offending disc may reduce the hypertrophied/prolapsed dorsal annulus. Regardless of the procedure, postoperative management may be fraught with complications that require special considerations.