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A myelogram and laboratory testing of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may be utilized to further evaluate the spinal cord however CSF cell count and protein are often normal. Imaging in the form of radiographs (x-rays), computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be employed. Other causes for ataxia in horses, such as infectious diseases, must be ruled out. How is cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy diagnosed?ĭiagnosis of CVCM typically includes evaluation of a horse’s history, along with physical and neurological examinations. Proprioceptive defects are typically more severe in the hind (pelvic) limbs than the front limbs. Signs can become more severe as the spinal cord becomes more compressed, developing into ataxia, or incoordination, toe dragging, and decreased range of motion. What are the clinical signs of cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy?Ĭlinical signs of CVCM can be mild in the beginning and include stiffness in the neck and mild proprioceptive deficits (inability to correctly place feet). It has been suggested that certain breeds are genetically predisposed to CVCM, but to date no causative mutations have been identified and further evaluation is needed. Male horses appear to be at increased risk for the disease, but the reason for this is unknown. While the spinal cord is not visible on an x-ray, the borders are defined and highlighted here with blue lines.Ī number of causes, including malformation of the vertebral column, osteochondrosis, repetitive microtrauma, and dietary factors such as copper deficiency, excessive zinc, or high carbohydrate ration, can result in clinical signs characteristic of CVCM. X-ray of a section of cervical spine of a horse affected with CVCM showing evidence of compression at C3-4 (yellow arrow). Other names for this condition include cervical vertebral malformation, cervical vertebral instability, cervical spondylotic myelopathy, and cervical vertebral stenosis. One of the most common noninfectious causes of spinal ataxia in the horse, CVCM is commonly referred to as “wobbler syndrome” since affected horses are often unsteady on their feet. It results from lesions that lead to compression of the spinal cord and damage to spinal cord tracts. Prognosis varies, with younger horses with mild clinical signs of short duration the most likely to successfully return to performance.Ĭervical vertebral compressive myelopathy (CVCM or CVM) is a developmental defect of the vertebrae in the neck (cervical vertebrae) that causes narrowing of the spaces in the spine.Medical management or surgery may be recommended to treat CVCM, depending on a variety of factors.CVCM is also known as “wobbler syndrome” because affected horses are often unsteady on their feet.It is one of the most common noninfectious causes of spinal ataxia in the horse.Cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy (CVCM or CVM) is a developmental defect of the vertebrae in the neck that causes narrowing of the spaces in the spine.