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Originally Posted by alwayshadpets  Zeus, my daughters` dog was diagnosed yesterday with Wobblers. Zeus is 91/2 and has been a healthy dog. His sire died of complications of Wobblers at the age of 11. Zeus had a romp in the snow and the next day he was limping. We all thought he sprained his foot. It did not get better. Turns out it is his neck.
My understanding of Wobblers is that it is the narrowing of the spinal vertebrae and that puts pressure on the spinal cord.Treatment is needed to prevent possible paralysis. Zeus is on steroids and some other meds (he was put on these late yesterday afternoon). Further treatment will be determined today. The tough part is he is to be kept quiet and he cannot go upstairs. He sleeps upstairs in bed with my daughter and her husband--has since he was a baby-so this is going to be tough. My daughter has young children and is expecting a baby next month. Timing is not good.
Anyone have any thoughts on this disease and the prognosis with him being 91/2 years old? |
I lost my 6 year old female to Wobblers many years ago. At the time, the surgery available was much less effective than it is today. Still, it shouldn't be entered in to lightly. It takes a very long time for the dog to recover and even if successful, the dogs quailty of life is never quite the same.
In my case, from onset to end, it was about 15 months. I didn't opt for surgery and instead took a holistic approach... acupuncture, water based exercises, diet with extra supplementation, etc. All of these things kept her active up until the last 4 days of her life. I also relied on my vets expertise for the pain management end of the deal. She was extremely comfortable (although a bit unhappy with her more restrictive lifestyle, lol.)
Many cases of Wobblers can present quite differently which is why nailing down specific treatment plans can take some time and much effort on the part of the owner and the vet. There are also many levels of functionality from one dog to the next. Some Wobblers dogs have pain while others loose mobility without the pain. It would be hard to make any prognosis because of this. Obviously the common thread is the loss of quality of life for the dog as well as the owner.
You can find loads of information on the DPCA breeders education site.
Article Menu - DPCA Breeders Education, Doberman Pinscher Club of America, Dobermans, Clubs, America, USA
I'm sure you've already seen it but wanted to add the link anyway.
It is odd how it sometimes comes about out of the blue. My Keely-Girl woke up one morning with her back hunched up like a Halloween cat. There seemed to be no precipitating injury or stressor. Other than the genetic weakness of her cervical spinal column. This is why I am not an advocate of traditional choke training collars. The use of this collar in dobes is never a good idea simply because it's difficult to know which dog will be adversely affected by it. Of course this is merely my opinion, so please people.... DON'T SHOOT! LOL.
At any rate, I'm sending best wishes and good thoughts to your granddoggy and his family. Please keep us posted.
Take care,
VB