In the latest episode of the On The Rail Podcast, we invite a panel of esteemed veterinarians to discuss the topic of Wobbler's Disease in horses. Joined by Katy Barrett, listeners are treated to a wealth of knowledge from Dr. Janicek, Dr. Grant, and Dr. Reed. These experts bring decades of experience in diagnosing and treating this complex condition.
What is Wobbler's Disease?
Wobbler's Disease involves stenosis or narrowing of the vertebral canal which leads to neurological problems. It's often seen as a developmental issue influenced by genetic predisposition, rapid growth, dietary factors, or trauma. Dr. Reed elaborates on the significance of diagnosing Wobbler's amidst similar conditions like EDM and EPM, which can often be misdiagnosed as they present similar symptoms.
Diagnosing Wobbler's Disease
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. The gold standard for diagnosing Wobbler's, as explained by Dr. Janicek, involves a CT myelogram. This imaging technique allows veterinarians to view the spinal column in three dimensions, identifying compressions that typical X-rays might miss. Dr. Grant adds that while myelograms might seem daunting, they are generally well-tolerated by horses, including those with significant neurological deficits.
Treatment Options
The primary treatment for Wobbler's Disease is surgical fusion of the affected vertebrae. Dr. Grant and Dr. Janicek outline the surgical procedures, likening the insertion of baskets to decompress the spinal canal as a way to increase space around the spinal cord, allowing potential recovery. Dr. Grant provides insight into the success of this treatment method, mentioning the high improvement rate among treated horses. Both Dr. Reed and Dr. Janicek emphasize the importance of accurate diagnoses, as untreated or misdiagnosed cases can lead to irreversible damage.
Challenges and Misconceptions
One prevalent misconception is that neurology often leads to euthanasia. Dr. Janicek firmly believes that many horses are not given a fair chance due to the hesitation of dealing with neurological conditions. He stresses the importance of seeking experienced veterinary opinions to explore all possible treatment options. The veterinarians also brought attention to the lack of genetic research and funding in this area. Despite the industry's advances in genetic understanding, there remains a gap in concrete data concerning the genetic links to Wobbler's Disease. Dr. Reed highlights the efforts needed to differentiate between affects caused by genetic factors and those exacerbated by management practices.
Breeding and Genetic Considerations
The panel acknowledges the complexity of breeding decisions in horses known to have or be predisposed to Wobbler's Disease. While some believe in outcrossing to minimize risks, others see the potential benefits of continuing to breed successful, albeit affected, bloodlines due to their valuable traits.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with a call for increased education and awareness about Wobbler's Disease in the equine community. By dispelling myths and advocating for thorough diagnostics and innovative treatment approaches, veterinarians like Dr. Janicek, Dr. Reed, and Dr. Grant hope to improve outcomes for affected horses.
For more detailed information, including diagnostics, treatments, and support resources, listeners and readers can visit equinewobblers.com, a comprehensive platform developed by the experts to aid horse owners and veterinarians alike. The episode unwraps the layers of understanding required to address the challenges of Wobbler's Disease effectively. As knowledge spreads, the quality of care and chances for successful treatment can only improve.
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