Wobbler Syndrome in Horses
By: Dr. Lydia Gray | Updated November 14, 2025 by SmartPak Equine
Wobbler syndrome in horses (also referred to as "wobblers") is a condition of neurological deficits caused by compression of the cervical (neck) spinal cord.
Signs of Wobbler Syndrome in Horses
The classic sign of wobbler syndrome is a wobbling or stumbling gait, like a horse that has been given a sedative or tranquilizer. Other signs include:
- An uneven, spastic, exaggerated gait
- Abnormal wear of front toes or unusual sores on front heels from over-reaching
- Knuckling over of the fetlocks and falling
Potential Causes of Wobbler Syndrome
A variety of conditions can lead to compression of the spinal cord in the neck, such as fractures, subluxation and arthritis. However, the term "wobblers" is generally reserved for horses with malformation of the cervical vertebrae, a developmental orthopedic disease (DOD).
Veterinary Diagnosis and Prognosis
Any horse displaying neurologic signs should have a complete physical examination and separate neurological exam by a veterinarian. If the signs continue to point to a neurological condition rather than lameness, then further tests should be performed to confirm the diagnosis. These may include bloodwork, a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tap, radiographs (x-rays) and a myelogram, which is the process of taking X-rays after a contrast dye has been injected into the spinal canal.
Some horses with wobblers may improve with simple nutritional and medical management. Other horses could require surgery and extensive physical therapy. The prognosis for horses diagnosed with wobbler syndrome depends on location of the lesion, the severity of the condition, how long the horse has showed signs before treatment, the quality of rehabilitation, and other factors.
Differences of EPM, Wobblers Syndrome & Lyme Disease
In this Ask the Vet video, Dr. Gray discusses the differences between diagnoses of wobblers syndrome, Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM), and Lyme disease in horses.