Update on Surgical Treatment of Wobblers

Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract. 2019 Aug;35(2):299-309. doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2019.04.002. Epub 2019 May 27.

Abstract

Cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy (CVCM) represents the most significant disease of the spinal cord in horses for which surgical treatment is described. Current surgical methods used include ventral interbody fusion with kerf cut cylinders and dorsal laminectomy. Polyaxial pedicle screw and rod constructs and ventral locking compression plating have been introduced in the treatment of equine CVCM and present promising alternative approaches to achieve ventral interbody fusion. Advancements in diagnostic imaging and endoscopy of the cervical vertebral canal may improve reliable preoperative identification of the exact locations of spinal cord compression in horses with CVCM to improve postoperative outcomes.

Keywords: Cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy; Horse; Wobbler.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cervical Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Cervical Vertebrae / surgery
  • Endoscopy / veterinary
  • Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Horse Diseases / surgery*
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Spinal Cord Compression / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Cord Compression / surgery
  • Spinal Cord Compression / veterinary