Canine Shoulder Instability

Who is usually affected?
-Smaller breeds are such as toy poodles, Yorkshire terriers, and Shelties are more commonly affected by non-traumatic problems
-Any breed may be affected with trauma

What is happening?
-Soft tissues that normally support the bones of the shoulder joint (particularly the glenohumeral ligaments) are stretched or torn
-Inflammation and pain result from the unstable joint mechanics and cartilage destruction

Clinical signs you might notice in your pet
-Limping on a front leg, that may become worse after rest or exercise
-Head bobbing during walking or running
-Sitting or standing crookedly with a front leg turned outward

Model of glenohumeral ligament reconstruction Click to enlarge

Diagnosis
-Careful orthopedic examination to identify the source of pain
-Sedated examination to demonstrate abnormal shoulder motion (sedation causes patient relaxation and allows the most thorough assessment of joint motion)
-X-rays are used to evaluate the shoulder region

Surgical treatment
-If the joint surfaces remain in good condition, the function of the damaged ligaments can be restored with artificial ligaments
-If the joint surfaces are badly damaged (usually in long standing non-traumatic cases), the shoulder can be fused (arthrodesis) or altered to eliminate painful bone contact (excision arthroplasty)

Postoperative patient in a non-weight bearing sling Click to enlarge

Special postoperative care
-To protect the surgical repair and maintain comfort, a sling or splint is applied to the operated leg for several days
-Physical therapy may be prescribed after bandage removal

Expected results after surgery
-If artificial ligaments are placed, appropriate joint mechanics should be restored and pain relieved
-Ultimately, results are dependent on the amount of joint damage prior to surgery
-If the shoulder is fused or joint surfaces altered, a limp will likely remain but pain should be relieved