Dislocated Shoulder in Dogs: Treatment Tips

A dislocated shoulder in dogs happens when their front leg bone pops out of place near the shoulder blade. This can make dogs limp, not want to use the hurt leg, and sometimes their shoulder looks wrong. They might get hurt like this from accidents or it could be a problem they were born with.¹

To find out if a dog’s shoulder is dislocated, vets do a full check-up, take X-rays, and might look inside the joint with a special tool. This helps them understand how bad the injury is and decide on the best way to fix it.¹

How to treat a dislocated shoulder in dogs can vary. If the injury is new, vets might try to put the bone back in place while the dog is asleep. They might use special wraps or slings to help the leg heal. But, if these first steps don’t work, surgery could be needed.¹

After any treatment, resting is key to getting better. The leg might need to be wrapped or splinted for about two weeks. Doing physical therapy can also help dogs heal better, whether they had surgery or not.¹

Key Takeaways:

• A dislocated shoulder in dogs occurs when the upper bone in their front leg is knocked out of its normal position in relation to their shoulder blade.
• Veterinary diagnosis involves physical examination, X-rays, and possible use of arthroscopy to assess the severity of the injury.
• Treatment options include closed reduction, bandage-type slings, splints, and surgery.
• Rest and physical therapy are crucial for successful recovery.

Recognizing Symptoms of a Dislocated Shoulder in Dogs

Knowing the signs of a dislocated shoulder in dogs early helps with getting them the right treatment fast. A key sign is limping, which might start all of a sudden or slowly get worse. Dogs may not want to use the leg that hurts, showing pain, swelling, and warmth in that area.¹ They might also lick the area a lot.

Watch how your dog walks and acts, looking for signs they’re in pain or if touching them seems to hurt. These signs might mean different health issues, so a vet check is essential. The vet will carefully check your dog’s shoulder to see how bad the injury is and decide on the next steps.²

“Limping is the most common symptom of a dislocated shoulder in dogs, along with lameness and reluctance to bear weight on the affected leg.”

– Study on dog shoulder injuries

If your dog shows any troubling signs, don’t try to fix it yourself. This could make things worse. Always take them to a vet for a proper look and treatment plan. Getting help quickly can really help your dog bounce back.¹

“Early recognition of dislocated shoulders in dogs is essential for successful treatment and optimal recovery.”

– Statistics on dog shoulder injuries

Treatment Differences Based on Dislocation Causes and Severity

The treatment for a dog’s dislocated shoulder depends on what caused it and how severe it is. For injuries from things like car accidents, fast vet help is needed. But, conditions dogs are born with might not need such urgent care. Figuring out what caused the dislocation helps vets find the best treatment.¹

If a vet can put the shoulder back in place without surgery, they might use a special bandage or splint after. The kind of bandage and how long it’s needed depends on the injury’s specifics.¹

Sometimes, if aligning the shoulder without surgery doesn’t work, or if the injury is complex, surgery might be needed. Surgery helps make the shoulder stable again, increasing the chances of a good recovery. The exact surgery used depends on the specific situation and the surgeon.¹

“Successful closed reductions of recent traumatic dislocations can avoid the need for surgical intervention in the majority of cases.”

– Study on dog shoulder injuries

Every dog’s path to getting better is different, based on the injury, treatment, and the dog’s own health. Keeping them calm and limiting their activity is key for healing. How long this lasts can vary, but a vet will guide you.¹

Adding physical therapy after treatment, like laser therapy or swimming, can really help. These methods lessen pain, better movement, and speed up healing.¹

“Physical therapy options, including laser therapy and hydrotherapy, have shown positive results in the rehabilitation of dogs with shoulder dislocations.”

– Statistics on dog shoulder injuries

Causes and Types of Dislocated Shoulders in Dogs

Dogs can get dislocated shoulders for many reasons, like being in an accident or born with unusual conditions. Knowing the different dislocation types helps vets treat this problem better.

Causes of Dislocated Shoulders in Dogs

Accidents, like car crashes or bad falls, are a common reason dogs get shoulder dislocations. These incidents can push the shoulder out of place.

Some dogs are born with shoulder issues that make their joints likely to dislocate easily.

“Dogs’ shoulders can be dislocated through trauma like a car accident or fall, or due to congenital conditions.”¹

Types of Dislocations

Dislocated shoulders in dogs can be medial or lateral.

Small and tiny dog breeds often face medial dislocations, due to either accidents or birth defects. Accidents or structural issues from birth can lead to such dislocations.

Lateral dislocations mostly happen in big dog breeds, usually because of accidents. The strong force from a fall or crash can move the shoulder joint to the side.

“Medial dislocations can occur due to trauma in any breed or congenitally in small and miniature dogs. Lateral dislocations commonly occur as a result of trauma in large breed dogs.”¹

Diagnosing and treating a dog’s dislocated shoulder requires a close look by a veterinarian. They need to figure out how serious it is and if there are other injuries.

If the shoulder keeps dislocating, surgery might be needed. The goal is to fix the joint for it to work right again.

“Shoulder dislocations in dogs may require surgery if the joint keeps dislocating despite initial treatment attempts.”¹

Dislocated shoulders in dogs also mean a lot of soft tissue damage. Dogs need a few months to recover. During this time, they have to rest a lot and may need rehab to get back to normal.

“A dislocated shoulder in dogs often entails significant soft tissue damage, leading to a recovery period of a few months.”¹

In short, dogs can dislocate their shoulders from being hurt or born with certain conditions. There are two key types: medial and lateral dislocations. Medial dislocations can be from birth defects or injury, while large dogs often get lateral dislocations from accidents.

Veterinary Diagnosis of Dog Shoulder Dislocation

Veterinarians are key in figuring out if a dog has a dislocated shoulder. They use different ways to make sure of the condition and find out how bad it is.

Physical examination: They do a detailed check of the dog, focusing on the injured shoulder. They look at how the dog stands, walks, and moves to spot any odd signs or dislocation clues.

Palpation: Vets carefully feel the shoulder joint to find any out-of-place areas or loose parts. This helps them get important info and know exactly where the dislocation is.

Assessing symmetry: They match the hurt shoulder with the good one to look for differences. Things like being out of line or strangely shaped can mean a dislocated shoulder.

X-rays: X-rays are often used to look into a dog’s dislocated shoulder. They let vets be sure of the dislocation, see any breaks or harm to the joint, and understand the shoulder’s state better. X-rays are crucial for confirming what’s wrong.

Arthroscopy: Sometimes, vets might use arthroscopy for a closer look. It’s a less harsh way to check the shoulder joint with a tiny camera through small cuts. This shows the inside parts of the joint and any harm or weird things.

The steps vets take to diagnose a dislocated shoulder in dogs are very important. They help decide the best way to treat it. With exams, feeling the joint, X-rays, and maybe arthroscopy, vets can figure out the right treatment for each dog¹.

Treatment Options for Dislocated Shoulders in Dogs

If your dog’s shoulder gets dislocated, how it’s treated depends on a few things. These include how serious the injury is and what caused it in the first place. The main goals are to fix the dislocation, ease any pain, and make sure the shoulder heals right. Let’s talk about the common ways vets treat a dislocated shoulder in dogs:

1. Closed Reduction: This method is tried first if the dislocation just happened and isn’t too bad. It involves the vet putting the shoulder back in place under anesthesia. It’s a delicate process that needs a lot of skill. After, the dog might need to wear a bandage-type sling or a splint to keep the shoulder stable¹.
2. Surgery: If putting the shoulder back without surgery doesn’t work or if the injury is really bad, surgery might be the next step. The surgery needed depends on how the shoulder was dislocated and what the surgeon thinks is best. They might use metal pieces like screws and plates to hold the joint together, or they might fuse the joint. Surgery usually comes into play when other treatments don’t work or if the injury is really serious².

Choosing the right treatment is just the beginning. Taking proper care of your dog after treatment is key to a good recovery. This includes:

• Keeping your dog calm and limiting how much it moves around. This helps avoid further harm and lets the shoulder heal.
• Giving your dog painkillers as the vet recommends to deal with any pain or discomfort.
• Starting a physical therapy program that fits your dog’s needs. Exercises, water therapy, and laser treatments can boost muscle strength, flexibility, and healing³.

Comparison of Treatment Options for Dog Shoulder Dislocation

Every dog is different, so finding the right treatment plan requires a vet’s help. Following your vet’s advice closely during and after treatment is super important. It helps your dog heal properly and get back to normal sooner.

Recovery and Rehabilitation for Dog Shoulder Dislocation

After treatment, it’s key to keep your dog’s activity low to help it heal properly.¹ A vet will tell you how long to keep your dog calm and how to slowly increase its activity. This is to make sure the shoulder heals right, without too much strain. They might also give medicine to ease any pain or swelling in recovery.³

Rest and pain meds are important, but rehab exercises are also vital. They help dogs get back their strength and movement. Techniques like laser therapy and hydrotherapy are great for healing and getting the shoulder moving again.¹

Laser therapy uses gentle lasers to speed up healing and cut down swelling. It’s a safe way to lessen pain and help cells repair. Meanwhile, hydrotherapy lets dogs exercise in water, which is gentle on their healing shoulder. It helps build muscle and make the joint more flexible.¹

Rehab might also include motion exercises to get the shoulder moving like before. These moves are slow and careful to avoid stiff muscles while boosting function.¹

Dog owners must listen to their vet team and follow the rehab plan closely. By making sure their pet rests, taking care of their pain, and going to therapy, owners help their dog recover.¹ With enough time, care, and patience, most dogs can get back to their happy, active selves.

Common Signs of Dog Shoulder Injuries

Dogs can get shoulder injuries that cause pain and make it hard for them to move. It’s important to know the signs of these injuries so you can get your dog help fast. Here are some signs to look out for:

1. Sudden lameness or limping: If your dog starts limping or not using one front leg well, they might have hurt their shoulder. This could happen suddenly or slowly over time.¹
2. Hesitation to walk or jump: A hurt shoulder can make dogs not want to walk, run, or jump. They avoid using the sore shoulder because it hurts.
3. Pain when the joint is touched or moved: Dogs with shoulder injuries might show they’re in pain when you touch their shoulder or when they move. They could yelp, whine, or act uncomfortable.
4. Swelling or warmth in the joint: An injury might make the shoulder joint swell up or feel warm. You can see this or feel it when you gently touch their shoulder.
5. Excessive licking of the joint: Dogs lick places that hurt. If they lick their shoulder a lot, they might be in pain.
6. Reduction in appetite: Shoulder pain can make dogs eat less. If your dog isn’t interested in food or is losing weight, they could be in pain.
7. Decrease in activity level: Injured dogs might not be as active. They may not want to do things they used to enjoy.

If you see these signs in your dog, see a vet right away for a check-up and treatment. What’s causing the pain will affect how it’s treated. Catching and treating the injury early helps your dog heal faster and feel better sooner.

Types of Dog Shoulder Injuries

Dogs can have three main shoulder issues: congenital shoulder luxation, acquired shoulder dislocation, and instability.

Congenital Shoulder Luxation

Small breed dogs often face congenital shoulder luxation, seen as lameness at about 4 months old¹. This issue comes from shoulder joints not forming right or weak ligaments. It makes the shoulder unstable and easily dislocated.

Acquired Shoulder Dislocation

Acquired dislocation usually happens after a shoulder injury, like from car accidents or falls¹. It’s more common in big dogs due to their size and weight. The impact can push the shoulder out of place, causing lameness and pain.

Dog Shoulder Instability

Dog shoulder instability means the shoulder’s ligaments, tendons, and muscles are weak¹. It’s seen in dogs of all sizes but mainly in older, bigger dogs⁴. The weakened or damaged tissues lead to a shoulder that easily dislocates.

Knowing about these shoulder injuries helps in diagnosing and treating them right. Each type needs specific care for the dog to recover well.

Conclusion

Shoulder injuries in dogs can happen due to accidents or they might be born with it. It’s key to spot the signs early and get veterinary help for the right treatment. Treatments may include setting the joint back in place or even surgery. Doing rehab is very important for the dog’s full recovery. Keeping an eye out for any signs of injury and regular vet visits can keep a dog’s shoulders healthy.

Dogs, especially big pups under two years old, are more at risk for shoulder issues⁵. Breeds like Labradors and Collies often have these problems⁵. Soft tissue damage usually gets better in 7-10 days with medicine and rest⁵. Younger dogs between five months to two years old often face OCD lesions⁵. Biceps Tendonitis is seen in older dogs, but many recover fully in three to nine months⁵. Athletic or working dogs might face longer recovery times from Supraspinatus Tendinopathy due to mineral buildup or arthritis⁵.

Adhesive capsulitis, though rare, leads to lasting front leg lameness in dogs⁶. Research on eight dogs with this condition shows severe motion limits and bone changes in the shoulder⁶. Despite treatment, these dogs didn’t improve much, showing the need for more research⁶.

Shoulder injuries in dogs can vary from simple dislocations to serious tendon damages⁷. Any injury can greatly hurt and cause symptoms like limping, less motion, swelling, and an odd walk⁷. For bad injuries, surgery might be needed to fix the issues. Gentle cases can heal with rest, careful movement, pain relief, and anti-inflammatories⁷. After injury or surgery, rehab exercises, laser sessions, and shoulder braces can help⁷. Keeping dogs fit, managing their weight, getting them checked, and using joint supplements can prevent shoulder problems⁷.

Source Links

1. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/musculoskeletal/dislocated-shoulder-dogs
2. https://tploinfo.com/blog/dislocated-shoulder-in-dogs/
3. https://www.kingsdale.com/shoulder-dislocation-in-dogs-causes-and-treatment-options
4. https://www.ridgereferrals.co.uk/pet-owners/factsheet/shoulder-injuries-in-dogs/
5. https://bettervet.com/resources/pet-symptoms/6-causes-of-shoulder-pain-in-dogs-and-treatments
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4943935/
7. https://zoomadog.co.uk/collections/dog-shoulder-dislocation-and-shoulder-injuries