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This is a question e-mailed in to me. But I thought it was useful enough to include on the Forum.

Hi. Sorry to bug you but I was looking through the archived messages about Wobblers. I think I have one coming in this week, owner states that the dogs seems to walk normally with head down but when he lifts it, he begins to walk like he is drunk. Started with the front end. He is an 11yr cho lab. They will not be able to do an MRI or surgery. My plan was acupuncture, appropriate Chinese herbals, and possibly a collar. I saw you mention traction- can you direct me to where I can find information on that or can you give me some guidance on that?

Thanks for any help you can give.

JM

Hi J.!

All great questions!
I have a soft spot for these old Wobbers dogs, and I have a lot of info on FourLeg on the subject. I was just going to direct you to the info on FourLeg on this subject, but then I wasn’t sure if you were a member or not.
(I searched your name and then I search your e-mail. Maybe it’s under a different name/email?) Anyways, in regards to Wobblers, here’s what on FourLeg:


Articles

Neurological Rehab: Wobblers in Dogs Article

Protocol: Wobblers Dog Protocol

Geriatrics: Geriatric Wobblers and Physiotherapy Management

Article: Geriatric Wobblers and Physiotherapy Management


Video Training

Video Training 13: Traction and the Canine Spine

Video Training 57: Geriatric Wobblers & Physiotherapy Management 1

Video Training 58: Geriatric Wobblers & Physiotherapy Management 2


Newsletters

2019: Nov-Dec: Volume 8, Issu 6

2019: July-Aug: Volume 8, Issue 4

But, let me see, without being a member… Let me provide some links that will help in regards to conservative management. (I can’t link to the videos, you will be directed to the members sign up page on those if not logged in as a member. Sorry.)
There is a bit of an art form to doing traction well. Find the position the dog best tolerates (i.e. side lying or sternal - see pics in the protocol). Go slow. Take up the slack in the tissues. Hold (i.e. stop pushing more). Slow release. Repeat.


https://www.fourleg.com/media/8(4)FourLegNews.pdf

https://www.fourleg.com/media/FourLegNews8(6).pdf

https://www.fourleg.com/media/Wobblers%20Protocol.pdf


I hope this helps!

Laurie