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.

[Jim Humphries, B.S., D.V.M.]

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.  

[cea1]

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.

[Jim Humphries, B.S., D.V.M.]

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??  

[cea1]

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

[Jim Humphries, B.S., D.V.M.]

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.  

[Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS]

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