Dog shoulder dislocation is a painful condition that occurs when the upper bone in a dog’s front leg is forced out of its normal position in relation to the shoulder blade. This condition can cause limping, inflammation, and grinding of the joint. It can be caused by trauma or a congenital condition.
In this article, we discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of dog shoulder dislocation, as well as ways to prevent it.
Definition and Causes of Dog Shoulder Dislocation
Dog shoulder dislocation is a condition in which the upper bone in a dog’s front leg is displaced from its normal position in relation to the shoulder blade. It can be caused by trauma or a congenital condition.
Trauma can cause the joint capsule to tear, resulting in a medial dislocation. On the other hand, a congenital condition can cause a lateral dislocation. In some cases, the dog may experience instability, grinding, or localized pain in the shoulder area.
To confirm the diagnosis and check for fractures or joint damage, X-rays are used. Treatment for recent traumatic dislocations may involve closed reduction, bandaging, or splinting. However, surgery may be necessary for recurrent or congenital dislocations.
During the recovery process, it is important to restrict the dog’s activity and provide pain medication. Physical therapy may also be offered to aid in the healing process.
Symptoms of Dog Shoulder Dislocation
The most common indication of a shoulder dislocation is limping, which can be sudden or develop gradually. Other signs of a dislocated shoulder in dogs may include inflammation, grinding, or instability in the affected area. Dogs that have suffered a traumatic injury may avoid putting weight on the affected limb, while those with a congenital condition may still bear weight while limping.
In addition, dogs with a malformed shoulder from birth may not display any signs of limping at all. All of these symptoms can be diagnosed with physical examination, X-rays, and, in some cases, arthroscopy.
Treatment typically involves closed reduction or surgery, depending on the severity of the injury, and is usually followed by a period of restricted activity, pain medication, and potential physical therapy.
Diagnosis of Dog Shoulder Dislocation
Veterinarians can diagnose a shoulder dislocation in a dog by performing a physical examination of the affected limb and shoulder, looking for localized pain and asymmetry or misalignment. X-rays are used to confirm the diagnosis and check for fractures or joint damage. In some cases, arthroscopy is used to further examine the joint with a camera. Anesthesia may be needed for these diagnostic procedures.
X-rays can reveal if the joint has a malformation from birth or if it is the result of trauma. Additionally, the direction of the dislocation can be determined, which is useful for deciding the appropriate treatment.
Treatment of Dog Shoulder Dislocation
Recent dislocations can be treated with a closed reduction, where the joint is put back into place under anesthesia. If successful, a bandage-type sling or splint should be applied for two weeks.
If the dislocation occurs again, surgery is necessary and the specific procedure depends on the type and the surgeon’s preference. After surgery, the limb is typically bandaged and/or splinted for two weeks.
During recovery, physical activity should be restricted, pain medications prescribed, and physical therapy recommended for both non-surgical and post-surgical patients.
Prevention of Dog Shoulder Dislocation
In some cases, providing proper training and conditioning and avoiding high-impact activities can help reduce the risk of shoulder dislocation in dogs. It is important to ensure that puppies and young dogs gradually increase their activity levels and are not pushed too hard.
Dogs should be supervised when playing and jumping, and should not be allowed to run on slippery surfaces. Strength and flexibility training can help keep the muscles and ligaments around the shoulder joint strong and reduce the risk of injury.
Additionally, keeping a dog at a healthy weight can reduce the stress on the shoulder joint. In summary, preventive measures such as appropriate training and conditioning, avoiding high-impact activities, and maintaining a healthy weight are important for reducing the risk of shoulder dislocation in dogs.
