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Orthopaedics, Joint Replacements, Spinal Disorders and Ophthalmology

Cervical spondylopathy

What is meant by cervical spondylopathy?

Cervical spondylopathy is an uncommon condition involving abnormal development of the bones in the neck (the cervical vertebrae). The deformed bones may directly compress the spinal cord or cause soft tissues in the spine, such as the discs between the vertebrae, to thicken and compress the spinal cord. Instability of the abnormal vertebrae may play an important role.

A common term for cervical spondylopathy is 'wobbler syndrome' due to the characteristic wobbly gait that many of these dogs develop. Protrusion of the disc ('slipped disc') secondary to cervical spondylopathy is a common combination; referred to as cervical spondylopathy-associated disc protrusion (or disc-associated wobbler syndrome).

What types of dogs get cervical spondylopathy?

Dobermans and Great Danes are the most common breeds that develop cervical spondylopathy. The majority of dogs show signs of spinal cord compression when young adults, for example four to six years of age. Occasionally dogs with severe deformities of their vertebrae will develop problems when they are immature (five to ten months).

Could my dog have cervical spondylopathy?

Typical Doberman with wide-based hind leg stance

Dobermans and Great Danes who start becoming weak or wobbly or show signs of neck pain should be considered as potentially having cervical spondylopathy. Signs usually develop gradually and are progressive over many months. Occasionally dogs can go from appearing normal to having great difficulty walking within a few days.

Signs of cervical spondylopathy are either due to (1) spinal nerve injury or (2) neck pain.

(1) Nerve injury

Compression of the spinal cord causes weakness and inco-ordination. The back legs (hind limbs) tend to be more severely affected than the front legs (fore limbs). Indeed the latter may appear to be normal initially. Scuffing of the paws and dragging of the toe nails is common. This may be heard and examination of the nails may show excessive wear. Typically the fore limbs have a shortened stride with a choppy action and the hind limbs look disconnected. Inability to walk and incontinence are very uncommon with cervical spondylopathy.

(2) Neck pain

Signs of neck pain may be obvious such as yelping and crying or rigidity of the neck. More subtle signs include reluctance to jump or climb and low head carriage. Difficulty lowering the head to eat from the floor may be evident.

How is cervical spondylopathy diagnosed?

Myelogram showing severe spinal cord compression

A neurological examination is necessary to detect evidence of spinal cord compression and neck pain. There are many other causes of neck pain and nerve injury in addition to cervical spondylopathy. As a result investigations are necessary to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other conditions.

X-rays (radiographs) of the neck (cervical spine) may show deformity of the bones (vertebrae). In adult dogs there may be evidence of disc disease, such as disc space narrowing. More advanced tests are necessary to assess the possibility and nature of any spinal cord compression. Myelography and MRI are the most common methods. Myelography involves injecting a dye (contrast agent) around the spinal cord and watching it flow to see if it is interrupted. MRI uses high powered magnets and a computer to generate images of the spine. The spine can be put in traction (stretched) in order to see if the compression on the spinal cord is reduced or eliminated. Many dogs with cervical spondylopathy-associated disc protrusions have compressions that respond to traction. Both myelography and MRI require the dog to have a general anaesthetic.

Occasionally it is necessary to collect some fluid (cerebrospinal fluid - CSF) from the spine and send it to a laboratory for analysis. This test enables the diagnosis of inflammatory conditions that affect the spine.

How can cervical spondylopathy be treated?

X-ray showing vertebral distraction-stabilisation using a tantalum spinal fusion block

Cervical spondylopathy tends to be a progressive condition. The abnormally formed vertebrae and associated instability cause the soft tissues, such as the discs, to continually thicken and compress the spinal cord. As a result many cases are managed surgically to try and prevent further injury to the spinal cord. Some old dogs and those where the outlook with surgery is so poor may be managed conservatively.

(1) Surgery

The aim of surgery is to relieve the compression on the spinal cord. This may be done in one of two ways. Firstly the abnormal tissue, such as the thickened disc, can be cut away from the spinal cord (termed direct decompression). Alternatively the abnormal tissue, providing it is soft tissue and not bone, may be stretched to reduce compression on the spinal cord (termed indirect decompression) Stabilisation (or fusion) of the abnormal vertebrae may be necessary. Vertebral distraction-stabilisation procedures are often indicated in dogs with cervical spondylopathy-associated disc protrusions.

(2) Conservative treatment

When dogs with cervical spondylopathy are managed conservatively their exercise should be restricted with avoidance of unnecessary jumping and climbing. Short walks on a harness may be preferable to long periods of free exercise. Painkillers may be necessary if there are signs of neck pain.

What is the outlook with cervical spondylopathy?

The outlook (prognosis) with cervical spondylopathy is variable. In severe cases that are managed conservatively, progressive spinal cord compression often results in deterioration in strength and co-ordination. Some dogs become unable to walk. Progression of signs may be gradual or sudden.

The success rate with surgery depends on the nature of the spinal cord compression, the number of areas of compression and whether or not the compression(s) respond to traction. The best scenario is generally a single, traction-responsive, disc protrusion. In these cases the outlook is often favourable although a degree of weakness and inco-ordination may persist. Unfortunately with cervical spondylopathy the spinal cord has often been compressed for a long time prior to treatment and this results in some of the nerve injury being irreversible.

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