Equine Pathology Workbook

Horses with dynamic wobbler’s only show clinical signs when the neck is flexed ventrally or laterally, while those with the static presentation show clinical signs no matter the position of the neck. Dynamic wobblers most commonly affects the joint between , and is indicative of CVI. Static wobbler's most commonly affects , and is indicative of CSM. The signs of both dynamic and static wobblers are increased when the neck is flexed. The clinical presentation of CVM include ataxia, incoordination, weakness, loss of balance, falling, knuckling of the hind limb, and circumduction of the hind limb. All symptoms are more pronounced when the neck is , when the horse is turned on a tight circle or when the horse is backed up. Unless severe, the signs and symptoms of wobblers are generally not noticed until the animal is started training. Diagnosis of CVM is made through clinical signs and symptoms, case history and radiography showing vertebral malformation. Radiography is difficult in the horse due to its size. Treatment of CVM is generally symptomatic, though chiropractic adjustment may be able to correct vertebral luxations that are the result of trauma. Massage therapy may be used to increase to muscle tone of the hind limb and to relieve compensatory tension in the back and the forelimb of affected horses. Surgical stabilization ( of the vertebrae may be successful in cases of dynamic wobblers. NSAIDs, CS, DMSO are also beneficial to relive pain & inflammation.

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