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Australian National Kennel Council Registered Breeder
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Cervical Vertebral Instability (CVI) also known as "Wobblers" Cervical Vertebral Instability (CVI), commonly known as "Wobblers" is the compression on the spinal cord between the 5th, 6th and 7th cervical vertebrae located in the neck. It usually develops gradually and is seen in the affected canine typically between 7 and 8 years of age. Some say that X-Rays will help in diagnosis of CVI but most specialist Vets will tell you that the only accurate tool in diagnosis is a myelogram - where dye is injected into the dog's spinal column and Radiological pictures taken. Myelogram's are extremely dangerous (many dog's have died as a result of this procedure) and should only be used as an absolute necessity. The early visual signs that the dog may have Wobblers is the dragging of hind feet causing abnormal wear to the dog's toenails. The hind legs will often be awkward and sway, making the animal walk like he is drunk - thus the name "Wobblers". The disease will progress from this point, eventually affecting all four limbs. Occasionally, in more serious cases, there is a rapid decline in the dog's condition. This is associated with extreme pain, arching of the neck, and the dog is unable to raise his head higher than shoulder level. All four legs are extremely rigid and walking is impossible. There are definitely 2 schools of thought on the hereditary properties of CVI. One school believes that it is not necessarily hereditary and can in fact be caused by dietary insufficiencies and/or novice owners not knowing how to use a check chain correctly. The other school believe CVI to be hereditary. As the inheritance factors for this problem are not fully understood - often the onset of this disease occurs late in a dog's life after they have already produced offspring, so removing afflicted animals from the breeding pool is difficult. Treatment for this disease can include pain medication and rest, surgery (though not always successful), through to alternative treatments of neck wraps (to immobilise the neck) and gold bead implants (currently being used with some success in the US). For more information, visit the sites below or contact your Breeder. Wobblers - is there an alternative to surgery? (US site) Wobblers Syndrome - CVI (US site)
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