![]() The following are some of the more basic tests and what is normal and abnormal about each.ġ. The tapes can also serve as a reference to determine if there is any clinical improvement with treatment. We recommend that the exams be videotaped so other examiners can render an opinion without having to travel. The tests are not complicated, but the interpretation of the results does require some experience and good observation. Arriving at a clinical diagnosis usually requires combining the information from a complete neurological exam, radiographs of the skull and cervical area, a myelogram and testing the spinal fluid.Ī neurological exam can be performed by your veterinarian or by an experienced horse person. In order to provide accurate information for the treatment and long-term prognosis, it is necessary to obtain a complete diagnosis as soon as possible. The clinical signs of each of these problems can be very similar as each one can damage the spinal cord in the neck region. The major causes of spinal cord damage include malformation of the cervical vertebra, trauma to the vertebra from falling and viral (herpes or rhinopneumonitis) and protozoa (Sarcocystis neurona) infections. The hind limbs are affected because the nerves which supply the area are located on the outside of the spinal cord in the cervical (neck) area, therefore, are more easily damaged than nerves leading to the front limbs protected deep within the spinal cord. The mild cases are often confused with subtle problems of the hind legs, especially of the hock and stifle. Mild cases may only present as an inability to change leads, stop smoothly or a negative change in behavior that results in poor performance. Severe damage can actually result in a horse that may fall and have difficulty getting up. The most obvious clinical sign is an abnormal gait characterized by wobbling, or a horse that looks like he has had a fair amount of tranquilizers. ![]() This article is designed to help the reader have an improved understanding of the clinical signs, diagnostic tests and possible successful treatment and prevention of the "Wobbler" syndrome.Ī "Wobbler" is a horse with a damaged spinal cord. A "Wobbler" diagnosis produces the same fear of the unknown that the dreaded diseases "colic," "founder" and "laminitis" are capable of producing. "Your horse may be a Wobbler" is a statement made by the attending veterinarian that very few horse owners want to hear.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |