Watch Out for Wobbles

Dobermans are generally healthy dogs. But like any other breed, Dobes are prone to certain conditions and diseases which breeders try to eliminate by breeding only those dogs which have a clean bill of health.

Wobbles is a condition that affects large breed dogs, including great Danes, Dalmatians, and Dobermans. It is a spinal disorder that causes shaky and weak hindquarters, and uncoordinated front legs. Sometimes, when the condition is found in and allowed to progress untreated in younger dogs, the dog becomes nearly paralyzed.

Dogs with Wobbles are simply born with the condition. Running too much or too hard, roughhousing, or swimming do not cause Wobbles. The dog’s spinal column is malformed so that it compresses the spinal cord.

At first, dogs with Wobbles may appear as just klutzy or careless. They may trip easily, or knock into things. Many of the breeds prone to Wobbles, including Dobermans are naturally somewhat klutzy.

Dogs with Wobbles also tend to walk with a lot of side movement in their hindquarters. This trait can be hard to recognize if the owner has no other dog of the same breed to which they can compare their dog. Since Dobermans are fairly uncommon, their symptoms may go unrecognized more easily.

Sadly, many of these dogs go undiagnosed during the early stages when the condition may be most effectively treated. Many veterinarians believe that the traits of Wobbles may be minimized with early treatment.

One way to test for the nerve damage is to turn the dog’s foot over while he is standing, so that the top of the foot faces the floor. If there is no damage, he should flip the foot to its normal position as a reaction.

Veterinarians can diagnose Wobbles by using x-rays and myelograms. The only treatment for severe Wobbles is surgery. This is about 55 percent successful. Various types of surgery are available to correct Wobbles, including the following: Ventral Spondylectomy (for dogs which have only one area compressed), Dorsal Laminectomy (this helps dogs with several compressed areas), Fenestration (to help prevent further compression), and Stabilization/Fusion (this surgery is surrounded by controversy because it does stabilize the dog, but it also limits his function). For less serious cases, owners can treat their dogs by limiting their activity and food intake. As with most other health conditions, extra weight exacerbates Wobbles. A veterinarian should approve dietary supplements. Whatever treatment, it success depends upon early diagnosis. When you buy a Doberman, make sure its parents are tested for Wobbles and other genetic conditions. If your Doberman came from a rescue or shelter, be mindful of his gait and how it should look.

Go To Page: 1

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic