Cervical instability

Cervical stenotic myelopathy (CSM) (cervical vertebral malformation, wobbler syndrome) is a common cause of spinal ataxia in young horses.

Cervical instability (myelography) depicting spinal cord compression (arrows) is shown.

Appears to be multifactorial.

Clinical signs can be:

• Mild ataxia to quadriplegia
• Lameness of the forelimbs
• Neck pain, stiffness, and torticollis

Radiographs:

• The growth plates and their closure times must be taken into consideration when interpreting the radiographic images in foals and young adult horses.
• Frequently fissure lines and fractures are overlooked. Other imaging modalities are advised.
• Fracture lines are often poorly visualized.

Radiographic examination:

• Lateral radiographs
• Ventrodorsal radiographs. In the thoracolumbar region they are usually unrewarding because of the massive musculature around the vertebrae.

Computertomography:

• Possible up to C7 with standard CT scanner in adult horses.

Myelography:

• Very useful for the neck area
• Definitive diagnosis for cervical stenotic myelopathy is achieved by myelography, which helps to differentiate between dynamic and static compression.

MRI:

• Only possible for the first vertebrae with standard MRI in adult horses. A complete examination is possible in foals, small foals, ponies and donkeys.