Last Updated: 13/01/2026
Understanding Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatment
Learn about Wobbler Syndrome in dogs, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, to help manage and improve your pet's quality of life.
Author: Dr Samantha Wycherley BVSc
Reading Time: 1 minute - quick read
Wobblers syndromes is a disease seen in dogs that affects nerve function in the neck and causes a wobbly gait (hence the name). The technical name for this syndrome is cervical spondylomyelopathy. We will explore what causes this condition, the symptoms you may notice and treatment and management options.
Symptoms of Wobbler Syndrome
The early signs of wobblers disease can be mild. Many dogs will start by scuffing their back feet or having a slight wobble when walking, this can then progress to showing signs of wobbliness in all four limbs. As the disease progresses even further dogs can struggle to stand. Dogs can also show signs of neck pain such as carrying their head low.
Causes of Wobbler Syndrome
Wobblers disease occurs when the spinal cord in the neck region is compressed - there are a number of different mechanisms for how this can occur but usually relate to a narrow spinal canal or a bulging intervertebral disk. This then affects the signals the nerves are sending to the limbs leading to an uncoordinated gait. In severe cases it can lead to paralysis.
Breeds at Risk of Wobbler Syndrome
Large and giant breed dogs are most commonly affected. Breeds that are predisposed to Wobblers include:
- Great Dane
- Dobermann
- Basset Hounds
- Bull Mastiff
- Rottweiler
Treatment Options for Wobbler Syndrome
Treatment can be either medical or surgical, or a mixture of both. Medical treatment can be used in mild cases or dogs that are not good surgical candidates. This involves the use of steroids or anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation and spinal cord swelling.
In many cases surgical treatment will be required to help stabilise the neck and relieve pressure on the spinal cord (in the case of a bulging disk).
Prevention of Wobbler Syndrome
Wobblers syndrome is primarily a genetic issue. There has been some suggestion that large breed dogs that have rapid growth can be more at risk (although this has not yet been proven). Nonetheless it's important to ensure large and giant breed puppies are on a balanced growth/puppy diet formulated specifically for large or giant breed dogs.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue Aug 16 2022
Written by Dr Samantha Wycherley BVScDr Samantha Wycherley BVSc
Contributing Author, BVSc
Dr Samantha works as a companion animal veterinarian in Melbourne. Graduated from Massey University in New Zealand in 2015. I have worked in NZ, across the UK and in Australia. Special interests include wildlife and senior pet medicine.
