Wobbler Syndrome: What We Know and Where We’re Headed

Cervical stenotic myelopathy (CSM), a neurologic disease commonly known as wobbler syndrome, was first reported anecdotally back in the mid-1800s. Skeletal malformations of the neck vertebrae in affected animals lead to narrowing of the cervical spinal canal and subsequent spinal cord compression. Clinical signs primarily include neurologic deficits, with the hind limbs typically more severely affected than the forelimbs. In severe cases, veterinarians might recommend euthanasia for humane reasons and to guard horse and human safety.

Equine CSM is a multifactorial disease, meaning it has many causes. High planes of nutrition (overfeeding), increased growth rates, alte