Radiological evaluation of ‘wobbler’ syndrome -caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy

Caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy (‘wobbler’ syndrome) is a common neurological disorder of large and giant breed dogs. Diagnostic evaluation requires radiological assessment, including plain radiography and myelography. Computed tomography can be used to give additional information on vertebral and spinal cord disease. This paper reviews plain radiographic and myelographic techniques and findings in caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy. The value of computed tomographic myelography is also reviewed. The relevance of the conventional radiological and computed tomographic findings to surgical treatment are discussed. Similarities between this condition and cervical spondylotic myelopathy in man are also examined.