A novel surgical technique for treatment of cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy (wobbler syndrome) in a filly.
Authors: Mannaa Mazen, Shamaa Ashraf A, Shawky Ahmed, Hassan Islam M, Refaey Ashraf M, Abu-Seida Ashraf M
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
Cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy represents one of the most challenging neurological presentations in equine practice, particularly in young stock where prognosis is often guarded; this case report from 2023 documents a novel surgical approach to decompression and stabilisation in a 16-month-old Arabian filly presenting with severe grade 4 ataxia, hypermetria, and significant hindlimb weakness. Myelography confirmed spinal cord compression at both C3–C4 and C4–C5 levels, and the surgical team employed a custom-designed titanium plate with an intervertebral spacer to achieve both decompression and internal fixation at the stenotic site. Over eight months of postoperative monitoring, radiographic evidence demonstrated successful arthrodesis without complications, and notably the filly showed clinical remission of neurological signs. Whilst this is a single-case study rather than a controlled trial, the technique's success in achieving both anatomical stabilisation and functional recovery suggests potential as an alternative to traditional cervical fusion approaches, particularly where multilevel compression is present. Further investigation across a larger patient population would be valuable in establishing whether this method offers advantages in terms of fusion rates, complication profiles, or long-term neurological outcomes compared with conventional surgical protocols currently available to the equine surgeon.
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Practical Takeaways
- •A novel surgical technique using titanium implants and intervertebral spacers offers a decompression and stabilization approach for CVSM in young horses, with successful arthrodesis and clinical improvement documented
- •This case demonstrates that severely affected horses (grade 4 ataxia) may benefit from surgical intervention when imaging confirms discrete cervical stenosis points
- •Long-term radiographic monitoring (8+ months) is important to confirm fusion and document sustained clinical improvement in wobbler cases
Key Findings
- •A 16-month-old Arabian filly with grade 4 ataxia and spinal cord compression at C3-C4 and C4-C5 was successfully treated with a novel titanium plate and intervertebral spacer technique
- •Radiographic evidence confirmed arthrodesis development with no postoperative complications over eight months of follow-up
- •Clinical signs remitted following the novel decompression and stabilization surgical procedure