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Cervical Vertebral Stenotic Myelopathy (view source)
Revision as of 10:09, 7 August 2011
, 10:09, 7 August 2011no edit summary
aka Wobblers
==Introduction==
Cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy is an equine disease common in Thoroughbred horses between the ages of 6 months to 3 years. It is most typically seen in rapid growing colts.
==Pathogenesis==
Narrowing of the vertebral canal due to malalignment or maldevelopment of the vertebrae, causing progressive compression of the spinal cord.
There are two types of the disease:
(1) CVM Type 1 - Dynamic
This form is more common in younger horses. Spinal cord compression is caused by excessive movement of the vertebrae during flexion and extension of the neck. Vertebrae C3-C5 are most commonly affected.
(2) CVM Type 2 - Static
This form is more common in older horses, as a result of osseous change in the vertebrae. Vertebrae C5-C7 are most commonly affected.
==Aetiology==
The disease produces OCD (osteochondrosis dessicans)- like lesions on the vertebrae, producing an irregular joint surface. Nutrition is thought to play a part in the development of disease, with excessive protein and zinc, copper, calcium and phosphorous imbalances indicated as contributing factors. As horses with Cervical Vertebral Malformation appear to be more likely to develop OCD lesions in other joints there is thought to be a heritable component.
==Clinical signs==
Hind limb ataxia, spasticity and weakness are the main clinical signs. The development of these signs are normally insiduous
===Cervicospinal Arthropathy===
===Cervicospinal Arthropathy===