A recent survey of the Veterinary Medical Database showed that 4.2% of Great Danes have wobblers, whereas the disease is present in 5.5% of Dobermans. While none of us knows the exact cause of Wobblers, it is clear to me that those who deny or reject the obvious genetic component of this silent, progressive killer are those who are passing the buck. But healthy parts of the kidneys help them to keep working normally overall. In other words, the genes responsible for causing the disease are passed from one generation to another through breeding. such as intervertebral disc disease (bulging or herniated discs in between the spinal bones), degenerative myelopathy, cervical spondylomyelopathy (Wobblers), nerve damage, fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE), cauda equina syndrome, and cancer of the spinal . Ask the Vet - EPM vs Wobblers vs Lyme disease . Dogs may have trouble getting up, appear very weak and even buckle over in the front legs. We have had very good success with both medical and surgical management. Horses need vitamin E in their diet because they cannot synthesize it endogenously in their body. Diagnosis is based on clinical features and diagnostic imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). Blood tests can also identify other conditions, including lead poisoning, certain infections, and myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease in which the connections between nerve and muscle are blocked and weakness results. The body tries to correct this instability resulting in thickening of the ligaments that are within the vertebral joints. Early intervention can absolutely help and a proper diagnosis (**see below for what that means) is a critical first step. Often, signs start in the back legs and progress to involve the front legs. The use of a. Symptoms. I spent all day thinking I did this to her when I pulled her. Please keep me posted on how hes doing. Ronaldo C. da Costa, DMV, MSc, PhD, Dipl. A middle-aged form, the so-called disk-associated or type II wobbler syndrome, affects large breeds such as the Doberman Pinscher and Bernese Mountain Dog. What can mimic degenerative myelopathy in dogs? This wobbly gait may only be visible in slippery floors and when the dog walks slowly. Wobblers Syndrome (or Wobblers, Wobblers disease) is a painful and debilitating neurologic disease in dogs that affects the spine in the neck or . The most common clinical signs noticed in a dog with Wobblers Syndrome are: Neck pain, stiffness, holding head down and crying when shaking head, Short-stride walking, spastic or very weak in the front limbs, Worn or scuffed toenails from uneven walking, Difficulty getting up from a lying position. Some dogs have no clinical symptoms in the front limbs, while others have a stiff short-strided, choppy, or floating front limb gait. Dogs with wobbler syndrome typically have a wobbly gait mostly in the back end (thus the name wobblers). To confirm the disease more advanced imaging tests are required. Even after both surgery and medical management, some dogs with Wobblers syndrome may never walk normally again. The prognosis for a dog with wobbler disease depends greatly on the severity of the malformation and the amount of spinal cord compression. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. The Ohio State University. We did MRI to diagnose it. Set up your myVCA account today. Dobermans and Great Danes are the breeds most commonly affected. What are the symptoms of wobblers in horses? Wobbler syndrome is a disease of the neck (the cervical spine) that is seen in large and giant breeds of dog. COPD is a progressive disease, which means it can worsen over time. My purpose in writing this post is to share what I have learned in the five months since Wobbler Syndrome invaded my life. Approximately 5% of dogs with wobblers may become acutely paralyzed in all four legs. occasional pelvic limb weakness, difficulties getting up from lying, scuffing of the toe nails. In addition, Embark Vet is doing some groundbreaking new research to try and identify a DNA test for Wobblers as well. 1900 Coffey Road Wobbler Syndrome IS a neurologic disease of large and giant breed dogs. Pay attention to the ratio of calcium to phosphorus in the food you are feeding. If untreated, dogs with wobblers will often get worse. The weakness can be so severe it can hinder walking altogether. You are one step closer to achieving not only periodontal health but total overall health! Wobbler Syndrome is a broad term for a progressive disease that involves compression of the vertebral column and, as a result, spinal cord trauma. 2 Can a dog recover from wobbler syndrome? I have heard some suggest that Wobblers isnt a disease. They may walk with their head down, which is usually a sign of pain. Drugs can help reduce swelling that might be impairing the spinal column. Survival selection bias was evident in 6 [24,25,26,27,28,29] out of the seven studies reviewed. Be understanding of your dogs condition. Some dogs have no clinical symptoms in the front limbs, while others have a stiff short-strided or floating front limb gait. I am not a neurologist. Cases are evaluated on an individual basis to determine an appropriate treatment plan. How Fast Does Degenerative Disc Disease Progress. These were tests my neurologist did with Junior when we went in for his MRI. In young dogs with cervical stenotic myelopathy, a surgery called a dorsal laminectomy is performed to enlarge the narrowed vertebral canal. There are two forms of Wobbler Syndrome: Type 1: Rhonda started with symptoms last weekend and went downhill as the week progressed. It surfaced late in life and she lived to be 14. Surgery can be done to support the damaged vertebrae. It occurs in young, giant-breed dogs such as Great Danes, Mastiffs, and Bernese Mountain Dogs. Therefore, you should be picking up the phone to call us now at (970)879-4703. Some baseline lab tests are performed, including bloodwork (complete blood count and chemistry panel), urinalysis and stool testing to rule out conditions causing similar symptoms. The goal of surgery is to stop the progression of clinical signs. Thank you so much for posting this!!! I am not giving medical advice and this post should NOT be taken as such. The name most used is cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM), a disease of the neck vertebrae that affects the spinal cord. It might. Hes in remarkably good health despite the fact that he has survived a ruptured gallbladder at age 8 and his stomach turning at age 9. The cause of wobbler syndrome is not fully understood and likely involves many factors including genetics, nutrition, conformation, and growth rate. Copyright 2016 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. Many people believe that there is a genetic basis for the disease, which may well be true, but the evidence for genetics is still not clear. Medical management typically involves activity restriction and treatment, with a course of corticosteroids to reduce spinal cord swelling associated with compression. My purpose in writing this post is to share what I have learned in the five months since Wobbler Syndrome invaded my life. While I am not at all opposed to using medications where necessary and am absolutely committed to keeping him comfortable and pain-free, I believe there are some great natural supplements that can absolutely make a difference for him. In many cases, flexed and extended views of the neck are used to determine whether the degree of spinal cord compression gets worse when the neck is put in a flexed position. The use of a chest harness is strongly recommended to ensure no pressure is applied to the neck. Wobbler syndrome is a neurologic disease of dogs that affects their spine in the neck region. While there is no documented evidence that diet causes Wobblers, it is prudent for all large and giant breed dog owners to watch the weight and caloric intake of their dogs while they are growing. For reference, Junior didnt have x-rays taken until the day we went in for our MRI. I did your knuckling test and his one back leg stays folded under. Wobbler Syndrome What Dog Owners Must Know About this Silent Killer. What is Wobbler Syndrome? Other treatment methods are being investigated, including artificial disc replacement (the gold standard surgical treatment for people with a very similar disease called cervical spondylotic myelopathy). The total cost of the surgery/post-operative care, including the medical workup and diagnostic imaging can range from $5,000 - $10,000. For both forms of Wobblers, signs can occur slowly, or they appear suddenly. I adopted her 10 years ago and thought by getting a pure bred I may spare some of the heartache Ive had over the years with our older dog. Horses with wobblers syndrome will trip often and be stiff and uncoordinated when they move. These are breeders quick to blame their puppy owners for not feeding the right food or injuring the puppys neck with a collar. Wobbler's Syndrome is a serious issue, and it can eventually result in complete paralysis. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an important antioxidant for horses. 3 Is wobblers syndrome painful for dogs? Hello! Typically, based on our studies, the mean survival time of dogs with wobblers is approximately 4 years. Wobbler syndrome is a disease of the neck (the cervical spine) that is seen in large and giant breeds of dog. Dorsal laminectomies are often done over one to three vertebral spaces depending on where the spinal cord compression has occurred. Wobbler Syndrome / Caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy / Cervical vertebral malformation malarticulation. Nutritional Supplements and Medications For Dogs, 4 Simple Tests You Can Do At Home if You Suspect Wobblers, Medical Testing and Diagnosis of Wobbler Syndrome. Treatment of wobbler disease requires very dedicated owners with ability to do the intensive post-operative care and physical therapy. I want to focus on his diet . CAD often begins at a young age and develops without clinical events for years before symptoms arise. The name most used is cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM), a disease of the neck vertebrae that affects the spinal cord. We used state-of-the-art computerized systems to study the gait of Dobermans with and without wobbler syndrome. The second form of Wobblers syndrome occurs in middle- to older aged dogs and is usually caused by a chronic bulging intervertebral disc, which slowly puts pressure on the base of the spinal cord. This wobbly gait may only be visible in slippery floors and when the dog walks slowly. Columbus, OH 43210 I am so very sorry, Maddie! Conservative, non-surgical treatment consists of managing pain and restricting activity for several months. She is young and has a lot of life yet to live, which is a true blessing. It was a lifesaver for us. Although many dogs improve initially with steroids, most dogs become worse again when steroids are tapered or discontinued. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. How Does Wobbler Occur? Treatment of Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs Wobbler syndrome can be managed with medications that help to reduce the inflammation in the neck and activity will need to be restricted. Her older sister (terrier mix) is epileptic and has a large tumor mass slowly taking up all her space in her stomach. The most commonly affected breeds are Doberman pinchers (5.5%), Great Danes (4.2%), and Mastiffs, however, any large or giant breed dog can be affected. Despite certain breed predilections, any dog breed may be affected, including small dogs. A CAT scan (computed tomography) is a good test too, but probably not as good as the MRI. This survival is the same whether the dogs is treated medically or surgically. In some situations, titanium implants are used to allow for post-operative MRI follow-up precluded by traditional stainless steel material. Wobbler disease is a catchall term referring to several possible malformations of the cervical vertebrae that cause an unsteady (wobbly) gait and weakness in dogs and horses.A number of different conditions of the cervical (neck) spinal column cause similar clinical signs. The name comes from the weak, uncoordinated gait dogs with the condition have, giving the appearance of "wobbling" as they move. Dobermans are usually diagnosed with disc-associated Wobblers later in life. This form occurs most often young, giant-breed dogs such as Great Danes, Mastiffs, and Bernese Mountain Dogs. Do not breed dogs that have been diagnosed or are suspected to have Wobbler Syndrome. I believe someone should show him love and affection for as long as possible. The name most commonly used in veterinary articles is cervical spondylomyelopathy (which means a disease of the neck vertebrae affecting the spinal cord). It cannot correct damage that has already occurred and most dogs will never walk normally. I wont go into detail about Juniors raw diet here. In the past we used to do myelograms (an X-ray with dye injected around the spinal cord). Excess calcium and phosphorus have been linked to other growth disorders in large and giant breed dogs. Dogs with continuing signs that are not responding to medical management are advised to undergo surgery, if they are a good candidate. Over time, as you need to take higher doses for the medicine to work, it can also cause involuntary movements. Approximately 50% of the cases of wobbler syndrome seen in dogs occur in Doberman pinschers, and . Wobbler syndrome is caused by pathology associated with the intervertebral discs between the bones of the vertebral column or a malformation of the bones that make up the cervical vertebral column. Dogs that are severely affected to the extent that they are unable to stand or walk have a guarded prognosis even with surgical intervention. College of Veterinary Medicine, If you have a disability and experience difficulty accessing this content, contact CVM-DigitalAccessibility@osu.edu, Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Graduate Certificate in Global One Health, Veterinary Student Research Opportunities, Video of the computerized gait of a Doberman dog, Alicia L. Bertone DVM, PhD Diplomate ACVS, ACVSMR, Anne Gemensky-Metzler, DVM, MS Diplomate ACVO, Brian D. Husbands, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (oncology), C. A. Tony Buffington, DVM, MS, PhD Diplomate ACVN, Catherine E. Langston, DVM Diplomate ACVIM, Dah-Renn Fu, BVM, MVM, PhD, MS, DACVR (Radiation Oncology), Eric Green, DVM Diplomate ACVR (Radiology & Radiation Oncology), Gwendolen "Wendy" Lorch, DVM, PhD Diplomate ACVD, Jeffrey Lakritz, DVM, PhD Diplomate ACVIM & Diplomate ACVCP, John A. E. Hubbell, DVM, MS Diplomate ACVA, Karsten E. Schober, DVM, Dr med vet, PhD Diplomate ECVIM-CA (Cardiology), Marco Coutinho da Silva DVM, MS, PhD Diplomate ACT, Margaret Mudge, VMD Diplomate DACVS, DACVECC, Mary A. McLoughlin, DVM, MS Diplomate ACVS, Phillip Lerche, BVSc, PhD, Diplomate ACVA, Ramiro Toribio, DVM, MS, PhD Diplomate ACVIM, Comparative Endocrinology of Bone Biology, Rebecca Urion, DVM, MAg, DACVR-DI, DACVR-EDI, Ronaldo C. da Costa, DMV, MSc, PhD - Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology), Stephen P. DiBartola, DVM Diplomate ACVIM (Internal Medicine), Valerie Parker, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM, Nutrition), William Kisseberth, DVM, MS, PhD Diplomate ACVIM, Genetics of wobbler syndrome in Dobermans, Mechanisms leading to neurological deterioration after treatment. We typically do X-rays first to see if we can identify any obvious bony lesion or diagnose other diseases that can mimic wobbler syndrome. This occurred when authors excluded . When You Breathe In Your Diaphragm Does What. Horses with this syndrome can be treated with drug therapy, surgery, or aggressive management. Fully explains the different types of wobblers, and there are many, (disc associated, bone associated, etc) to treatments (medical and surgical) medication, dosages and life expectancy. In the more advanced stages of the disease, the problems become obvious in all four legs, and they may have trouble getting up, appear very weak, and even buckle over with the front legs. ], Organic Sea Kelp for Dogs: An Immune System Booster (That Works! Answer: Stringhalt is a rare lameness that causes a horse to lift his hind legs higher and more rapidly than usual when hes moving. The first is the type that Junior has. This study aims to characterize and to compare the presence of spinal abnormalities in normal and wobbler Great Danes using MRI and other tests. In the more advanced stages of the disease the problems become obvious in . Wobbler syndrome is primarily genetic in cause, however dietary factors may be contributory. Too many calories have been linked to other growth disorders in large and giant breed dogs; Lets make selfless and conservative breeding decisions to stop the spread of Wobblers. This condition has about 14 different names in veterinary literature. There is a genetic basis for the disease, but the evidence for genetics is still unclear. However, the surgery can improve quality of life. EPM is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. As I stated at the beginning of this post, if your dog is showing any of the symptoms I just outlined, you need to see your Veterinarian. Some of these dogs will be able to walk with surgery, however, they often require months of physical therapy and always maintain an abnormal gait. He eats a very nourished diet of chicken , veggies , kibbles , oats , white rice , curd , fruits like banana , apple , carrots etc. The compression can be caused by a combination of a small spinal canal with disc herniation (as commonly seen in large breeds such as the Doberman), or a small spinal canal secondary to bony changes impinging upon the spinal cord. One form happens in younger large breed dogs, and the Great Dane and Mastiff are the most common breeds. Our boy Maks developed this horrible disease at about 5 years old. Approximately 50% of the cases of wobbler syndrome seen in dogs occur in Doberman pinschers, and . How fast does wobblers disease progress in horses? Non-ambulatory dogs are kept on soft bedding and turned regularly to prevent bed sores. Texas A&M University | Dogs with wobbler syndrome typically have a "wobbly" gait mostly in the back end (thus the name "wobblers"). 10 Why is my dog's head wobbling side to side? Additionally, traditional collars or Halti type harnesses are not recommended for dogs with Wobblers. Some dogs also require help emptying their bladder and their bowels on a regular basis if they are not able to do so on their own, because these are functions controlled by the affected nerves. However, nutrition does not appear to play a role in the development of wobbler syndrome in large-breed dogs. Clinical signs are usually slow and gradual in onset with Wobblers disease but can appear to suddenly get worse if they have trauma to the spinal cord during exercise or have a second spinal cord problem, such as a sudden disc herniation. Unfortunately, some patients progress despite treatment. Blood tests may also be ordered to detect metabolic disorders, some of which can affect nervous system activity. Wobbler syndrome is a disease of the neck (the cervical spine) that is seen in large and giant breeds of dog. Much of this information is based on my own research, discussions with my neurologist as well as the process that took my boy from chronic neck pain to a Wobblers diagnosis. It is also smart to put some signs to remind people that your horse is unstable and/or is recovering from surgery. As the ligaments thicken they put pressure on the spinal cord. My Bernese Mountain Dog, Doc, was dx with wobblers just before 18 months. He has always been incredibly active he goes on three walks a day and has always enjoyed running Like crazy in the backyard. There is no cure for Wobblers, and depending on how advanced the symptoms become, sometimes treatment isn't effective. Affected horses display muscle atrophy, weakness, and weight loss. (Do not want to start a breeder debate here!) It is common for dogs with cervical stenotic myelopathy to have spinal cord compression over multiple vertebrae in the neck. Its caused by the microbe, Sarcocystis neurona, commonly found in the opossum. Pressure on the spinal cord causes irritation and swelling of the spinal cord. What does it mean when a horse is Hitchy? Proteinuria (higher than normal protein level in urine) Cardiovascular diseases such as congestive heart failure. I found your article very helpful. The best test is an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) (when we compared myelogram and MRI head to head we saw that MRI was clearly superior). . This technique is rarely used these days because there are better, more sensitive tests. Small breed dogs occasionally get the disease, but it is very uncommon. Most giant breed dogs with wobbler syndrome are diagnosed before the age of three, although symptoms may emerge later in life. It was prescribed by her neuro surgeon. According to. https://bigdogmom.com/natural-pain-relief-for-dogs/. When the Loop is placed over the head like a collar, or (if the head is too large) held in place over the back of the neck over the affected vertebrae, the swelling in the spinal cord is reduced and symptoms are often alleviated. And with genetics being the most likely cause, we need to be more open about the dogs who are affected. Privacy | Wobbler's Syndrome is a condition in which the cervical spinal cord, the part located in the neck, is compressed. Generally speaking, there are two years between the time symptoms start and the time it's diagnosed. Decreased appetite and weight loss are also common. I really dont have a question as of yet your video was very informative. Hi, thanks for posting. There are two main forms of Wobbler Syndrome. Your email address will not be published. We took him to the vet and she seems to think that it might be arthritis, but I have my fear that it is wobblers. These conditions may include malformation of the vertebrae, intervertebral disc protrusion, and disease of the interspinal . A horse with wobbler syndrome (also called cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy) suffers from narrowing of the spinal canal that pinches/compresses his spinal cord as he grows. Motor function is an activity or movement controlled by motor nerves. Immune system Medicine Calcium Epidermolysis bullosa simplex Epidermolysis bullosa 5 answers found This is the patient of this disease with the longest follow-up, and may indicate the slow progress of muscular condition of this disease. Rather than going into great detail here, I will refer you to a few articles I wrote about these supplements. Wobblers syndrome isn't life-threatening, but its symptoms of stiffness and coordination problems look similar to more serious neurological diseases such as equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM).If left untreated, wobblers can impair a horse's ability to move and threaten the safety of its rider, but most owners will notice the condition before it progresses and seek veterinary help to . Some dogs have difficulty turning around and cross their front limbs over each other when turning. This causes the vertabral ligaments to become loosened and overstretched (hypertrophy) to the . Thank you so much for all of your articles and explaining this in terms that are understandable. Nerve cells use this medication to help replenish dopamine levels. Activity restriction following surgery must be complete and consistent for at least 2 3 months following the procedure in order to facilitate fusion of the involved cervical segments. If the disease is the result of trauma the progress can however be very rapid. Typically, these tests are done by veterinary specialists in larger animal hospitals, universities or specialty clinics and require the dog be under general anesthesia to ensure complete stillness during exam. Thank you for all the information. Wobblers Syndrome (also called spondylolithesis), is a condition that can affect puppies or adult dogs. 5. If your FEV1 is getting worse, it can be a sign that your COPD is progressing. Drugs can help reduce swelling that might be impairing the spinal column. Subsequently the disease progression reported by a mean or percentage decline in ABPI in these studies, does not include those with more severe PAD and results therefore underestimate the true progression. Horses that come in contact with infected opossum feces can develop neurologic disease. Surgical treatment of wobbler syndrome involves fusing the segments of the cervical spine that are unstable. While there is no consensus to date, genetics are believed to be the most likely cause of the disease. An FEV1 measures the amount of air you can forcefully exhale in one second. This wobbly gait may only be visible in slippery floors and when the dog walks slowly. Most commonly, these dogs will have a wobbly gait mostly in the back end (thus the name wobblers). Causes of Wobbler in Horses. A young dog form sometimes referred to as type I wobbler syndrome, affects Great Danes, Mastiffs, and other giant breeds. Please let me know in the comments below if you would like more information on any one of these. A Wobbler dog's movements become unsteady or wobbly, the uncontrolled steps make them walk like a wiggly worm. There are natural anti-inflammatories as well which I outline here, however because this is a neurological disease, he will need a pain reliever that works specifically with the nervous system. Nutrition has been suggested in some cases when Great Danes ingest too much protein, calcium and calories in their diet. If you are not yet a member, join here. The affected dog can seem clumsy and . ACVIM Neurology Read about that in New Embark Vet Research and the Future of Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs! It is easy to overlook this part as it is mostly painless, but it is crucial to stop the downward spiral with good dental health as periodontal gum disease can be reversed at this point by killing harmful bacteria. Im going to do my best to break this down into laymans terms. What are the symptoms of wobbler syndrome? We just finished two large projects and the manuscripts of these studies are being written and published. Medical management alone is often recommended in dogs with mild clinical signs or dogs with spinal cord compression in multiple locations (more than three to four vertebrae) that might not be good surgical candidates. We just received this diagnosis for our 3 year old Cane Corso mix and we are just crushed. The goal of surgery is to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and prevent further damage. The discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, and when they deteriorate, they lose their ability to cushion the vertebrae and absorb shock. 5 Does wobblers syndrome get . Dogs can be treated medically or surgically and the recommendation by your neurologist will depend on many factors including age, severity of disease, type of compression, and the number of vertebrae affected. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are generally prescribed to decrease inflammation of the affected tissues and reduce pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots. In the more advanced stages of the disease the problems become obvious in all four legs, and they may have trouble getting up, appear very weak, and even buckle over with the front legs. These dogs experience compression of the spinal cord and the spinal nerve roots, resulting in nervous system deficits and/or neck pain. Causes of Wobbler's Syndrome. He almost bite our grandson whic is most in like him. New Embark Vet Research and the Future of Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs! The " wobblers" disease is common in large dog breeds and the Great Dane is at a high risk of developing it. I guess I just felt like I had to reach out to someone who would understand. Since Juniors diagnosis, I have been on a mission to find alternatives to chronic medications for him. Other breeds are Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Weimaraners, German Shepherds, Bernese Mountain dogs, Swiss Mountain dogs, but any large or giant breed dog can have the disease. Heres the truth to the question, now what. Depending on the exact cause of the wobblers syndrome, treatment can include surgery, drug therapy, and changes in the horse's management. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that . It is a structural narrowing of the spinal canal due to a variety of vertebral malformations and leads to spinal cord compression. Mar 24, 2009. Certain drugs decrease the nerve tissue swelling and intracranial pressure. The most common medication for Parkinson's disease is levodopa. I will share briefly some of the tests your vet may recommend if he or she suspects Wobblers, but before I get there, I wanted to share a few of the physical tests you can do at home to check your dogs neurological function. Most giant breed puppy owners will go through two years of self-doubt, confusion, and uncertainty about what they are feeding, constantly searching for perfection that doesnt exist. The vertebrae in the neck have a square, hour-glass, or triangular shape in the center, putting pressure on the spinal cord as it passes through. Some dogs will appear painful in the neck and reluctant to bend their necks down or turn their necks from side to side. In horses, familial predisposition is high dietary energy intake, and trauma to the neck probably all play a role, as young, large, fast-growing animals (often males) are affected.