Wobblers Syndrome in Horses

or is tripping more than usual then its time to call the vet. Tripping occasionally can be a result of long hooves but if the horse is getting regular farrier work then untended feet arent likely the problem.
Your vet will first take blood and spinal fluid tests to determine if another neurological disease like EPM is the problem. Physical tests include turning the horse in a tight circle to watch for hindend coordination problems and backing the horse up which will be difficult if the messages from the brain to the hind end are getting scrambled.
If no other conditions exist imaging will be done to look for tumors vertebrae damage or other injuries.
Treatment
Depending on the exact cause of the wobblers syndrome treatment can include surgery drug therapy and changes in the horses management. Drugs can help reduce swelling that might be impairing the spinal column. Surgery can be done to support the damaged vertebrae.
Nutritional therapy physiotherapy stall rest and exercise can assist a horses recovery from wobblers syndrome.
Prognosis for Horse with Wobblers Syndrome
Recovery can be lengthy and if the horse was used for competition it may never return to its previous performance level although some do.
If untreated a horse with wobblers syndrome can lose its condition and become progressively weaker. The horse may fall easily and have difficulty getting up. Although wobblers wont cause death if left untreated it will make life a struggle for the animal and a potential hazard for handlers or riders.
How to Prevent Wobblers Syndrome in Horses
Unfortunately there is no way to prevent a horse from developing wobblers syndrome. However conscientious breeding practices can help reduce the occurrence of this syndrome.