Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

dislocation problems

My dog has dislocated his front right shoulder 8 times in the last few weeks.  it takes very little for him to start yelping.  a simple jump or sometimes laying or just walking will cause it.  what can I do to keep this from happening??  I know it causes tons of pain for him and I cant stand it.
6 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
This may or may not be a dislocation.  You may be assuming that based on the pain you are seeing.  Actual dislocations of the shoulder are rare and would be severe pain and not resolve without medical/surgical intervention.  

What you may be seeing is pain from another cause like arthritis, joint or tendon / ligament problem etc.  

First a trip to your veterinarian and some diagnostic steps (Physical Exam and radiographs) are first.  Once you know what physical problem exists then you can treat that specific problem.  

Secondly we do have various ways we can control pain in pets.  But those are medications you get from your veterinarian.  

So tomorrow I would get your little guy in for diagnosis and treatment.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks.  We take him in but they just pull it back in place.  I know it sounds horrible but at 125 dollars a trip it adds up.  Just didnt know if i could do anything to prevent it.  Thank you for responding quickly.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Well, if you know for sure (and it sounds like you do) that this is a dislocation, I would ask one of our surgeons to chime in here.  I know there are various surgical corrections.  Living with a chronically dislocating shoulder is not fun.  Pain and the future development of arthritis needs to be stopped.  

Have you asked the Vet about surgical options??  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
yes sir we have asked, and long story short we are trying to find another vet in the area for some more advice or options.  I appreciate your help and hopefully I can get this fixed soon.  Thanks again
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I think you are going to need to find a veterinarian that is either board certified in surgery, or if not one nearby, then a veterinarian that does do a great deal of orthopedic surgery and knows some of the special techniques that are needed to permanently fixate a chronically dislocating shoulder.  But I do believe at this point it will require a surgical fix.

There are many different types of surgical options that will correct the chronically luxating (or dislocating) shoulder.  begin reading this article at page 4.  http://www.ivis.org/special_books/ortho/chapter_21/ivis.pdf and see what I mean.  

When a dislocated shoulder first occurs, it is sometimes possible to put it back in place then sling or bandage the leg tightly for a week or more.  This allows the joint and surrounding structures to heal and hold the joint in place in the future.  However, if it has happened 8 times, that will not be effective now.  I believe you only have two choices, surgery or no surgery.  Without surgery she may be able to live a normal life with modifications to her schedule, no jumping, pain and anti-inflammatory meds, etc.  Because she is a small and light weight dog this may work.  

But I would certainly get an opinion on what surgical options are available to you in your area.  

Best of luck to you and please keep us posted.  If you would like to ask us for guidance on your options after talking to a specialist, please do so.  Again, in the mean time I'll try to get in contact with either Dr. Zeltzman or Dr. Dew (our surgeons) and get their opinions on this case.  
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,

I would agree that you should consult with a board-certified surgeon to discuss your options.  I am not sure where you live, but your vet should easily be able to locate one for you.

Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS
www.drphilzeltzman.com
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Animal Health - General Forum

Popular Resources
Members of our Pet Communities share their Halloween pet photos.
Has your pet ever swallowed your prescription medicine? Vet tech Thomas Dock explores the top 10 meds that harm pets and what you can do to prevent a tragedy from happening.
Like to travel but hate to leave your pooch at home? Dr. Carol Osborne talks tips on how (and where!) to take a trip with your pampered pet
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.