Archive Case #144: Equine Cervical Vertebral Stenotic Myelopathy

Clinical Clues

1. During a neurologic work-up, a rapidly growing young horse shows incoordination in all four limbs.
2. The gait deficit has advanced gradually over several months.
3. Neurological examination shows symmetric ataxia that is worse in the hindlimbs.
4. There is no obvious cranial nerve involvement.
5. Imaging of the cervical vertebral column supports dynamic compression of the spinal cord.
6. Cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy is a common cause of wobblers syndrome in young horses.

Diagnosis

Equine Cervical Vertebral Stenotic Myelopathy

This case is most consistent with Equine Cervical Vertebral Stenotic Myelopathy because the horse has symmetric cervical spinal ataxia with supportive neck imaging. The most important clues are the age and hindlimb-worse wobbling pattern, which make EPM less likely.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.