Wobblers is a neurological disease that affects the spine and neck of large dogs and horses. In most cases, a small spinal canal (the channel through which the spinal cord travels) and misaligned discs or bony outgrowths pinch the spinal cord, nerve or nerve roots. As a result, the dogs have difficulty walking and standing and in advanced cases may be paralyzed on all four legs. Affected dogs often walk with an unsteady swinging of the back hindquarters, the wobble for which disease is named.

Wobblers pinched nerves

 

Little is known about the cause of wobblers. Some veterinarians believe that it may be genetic. And, unfortunately, there are few options for treating the disease. With medical management, dogs are prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and restricted activity for the rest of their lives. Surgery can successfully improve their condition. A study of 104 wobblers dogs at the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine found that 50% of dogs treated with medical management and 80% treated with surgery showed signs of improvement. The rest remained in stable condition or worsened.

 

There is now evidence that Assisi, a pulsed electromagnetic field device, may help dogs with wobblers regain mobility and freedom from pain. Assisi is the animal line of SofPulse, a technology that has been FDA approved to treat humans recovering from surgery. The device emits low-level frequency pulses of energy that boosts the body’s natural response to inflammation. By helping reduce swelling, the device also reduces pain and recovery time. Assisi has been used for years by vets and owners to help pets with arthritis, wound recovery, and mobility.

 

Watch this inspiring video of a young Great Dane with wobblers syndrome and his miraculous recovery with Assisi. His improvement gives new hope to pets suffering from wobblers and their owners for a non-invasive, simple and cost-effective way of treating the disease.

References:

“Wobblers syndrome: questions and answers” by Ronaldo C. da Costa. Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine., 7/18/12.