Cervicospinal Arthropathy

• = "Wobbler" in horses
• Usually presents in first two years of life
• Mainly in fast growing thouroughbreds
• Most common site is C3-C4, can occur anywhere
• Abnormal laxity between the vertebrae + cervical vertebral malformation may be evident
• Osteophyte formation at edges of synovial components of joint
• Some due to stenosis of neural canal later in life (1-4 years of age)
• Clinical signs:
  • Ataxia - hindlimbs more affected
• Presumed cause is rapid growth