Veterinary Medical Center

Purpose of the study:

To characterize the anatomic, pathologic and biochemical features of CSM in Great Danes using CT (computerized tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CSF (cerebrospinal fluid)  analysis and electrodiagnostic tests and compare the same features to those of normal Great Danes.

Background:

Wobbler syndrome, also known as Cervical Spondylomyelopathy (CSM), is the most common spinal disease of giant and large breed dogs, with Great Danes and Dobermans being the most commonly affected breeds. This disease frequently affects young Great Dane dogs, causing compression of spinal structures, leading up to pain and neurological debilitation (the syndrome name comes from “wobbling” walk).  Despite the frequency of CSM in Great Danes very little is known about the disease in this breed. Wobbler syndrome is a frustrating disease because treatment is difficult, expensive and yields variable results. The key reason for this is poor understanding of the mechanisms causing the disease.

Inclusion criteria:

We plan to enroll 15 clinically normal Great Danes as determined by physical and neurologic exam, and 15 clinically CSM affected Great Danes as determined on neurological exam.

Study design:

All dogs will undergo cervical radiographs, CT of the cervical spine and motor evoked potential (MEP) studies under sedation, and MRI of the cervical spine and lumbar CSF collection under general anesthesia.

Client cost:

• Owners of CSM- affected dogs will be responsible for covering the costs of: Initial hospital service fee and initial neurologic exam, bloodwork, cervical spine radiographs, boarding, as well as the costs related to the treatment of cervical spondylomyelopathy (surgical or medical)


Client compensation

• The study will cover for all costs related to the normal Great Danes’ examination and procedures
• The study will pay for the costs of general anesthesia, MRI, CT, CSF, MEP and one recheck exam for the CSM-affected Great Danes