Equine Cervical Vertebral Malformation

Question 1

What are 2 other names for equine cervical vertebral malformation?

Answer 1

1. cervical stenotic myelopathy
2. wobblers

Question 2

What does equine cervical vertebral malformation result in? In what horses is it most commonly seen?

Answer 2

compression of the cervical spina cord

1-2 y/o, rapidly growing male horses –> Thoroughbreds, Quarterhorses

• most common in those <4-5 y/o

Question 3

What is a key aspect to clinical signs of equine cervical vertebral malformation? What else is seen?

Answer 3

symmetric ataxia, paresis, and spasticity worse in the hindlimb compares to the forelimbs

• wide-based stance at rest + proprioceptic deficits
• stumbling, toe dragging
• circumduction of hindlimbs

Question 4

How is a presumptive diagnosis of equine cervical vertebral malformation reached? What mode of diagnosis offers support?

Answer 4

• SIGNALMENT - young (<4-5 y/o), rapidly growing horses
• CLINICAL SIGNS - symmetric hindlimb weakness and ataxia

survey radiographs with or without myelography

Question 5

How are survey radiographs used to assess for equine cervical vertebral malformation?

Answer 5

sagittal ratio - determined by measuring the smallest sagittal diameter of the vertebral canal (a) of each cervical vertebra and dividing this number by the width of the cranial aspect of the vertebral body at its widest point (b)

• should be greater than 52% at C4-C6 and 56 at C7
• myelographic studies required for definitive antemortem diagnosis

Question 6

What treatments are available for equine cervical vertebral malformation?

Answer 6

LIMITED

• vertebral stabilization or decompression - costly, not commonly pursued
• stall rest
• anti-inflammatories
• dietary restriction

Question 7

What is the prognosis of equine cervical vertebral malformation?

Answer 7

POOR - conservative therapy provides transient improvement, but the horse may be a danger to caretakers and riders

• surgery has had success, but is costly with variable results