Dogs frequently suffer from shoulder joint injuries much like people suffer from rotator cuff problems. One reason for this is that the canine shoulder joint is the least stable joint found in the body.
A dog’s shoulder is a complex joint that relies on soft tissue structures for both function and stability. The shoulder joint, also referred to as the glenohumeral joint, has the widest range of motion and is capable of movements in any direction. When the dog is moving, the shoulder’s primary functions are extensions and flexions.
People have collarbones that serve to connect the shoulder blades. Dogs do not have collarbones. Instead, the humerus bone fits directly into the shoulder socket, providing a greater range of angulation and allowing the dog to stretch his or her front legs out when running or leaping in a forward motion.
In healthy dogs, the shoulder joint is vertically aligned with the dog’s forepaws and connected to the forelegs, spine, exterior rib cage and neck by numerous muscles. When the joints and muscles are functioning properly, a dog moves with ease. As a dog increases his or her speed, their gait changes from a trot to a run. As a result, the dog lowers its head to just above back level and extends slightly, allowing increased shoulder angulation.
Although shoulder injuries are common among dogs, working dogs, which include hunting and sporting breeds, often suffer more shoulder injuries than other canines. These injuries usually end up leaving the dog lame.
Shoulder joint injuries in canines cause limping that often looks like the lower foreleg is injured. The dog may refuse to put pressure on his or her paw. One way to tell if the problem stems from the shoulder joint is to stand in front of the dog and note whether or not the shoulders are even. Gently rub the shoulder area to check for injuries.
Veterinarians have a tough job when it comes to pinpointing the causes of shoulder lameness. X-rays can be helpful, but sometimes the views provide only limited diagnostic images. Magnetic resonance imaging (a.k.a. MRI) is a better means of determining the cause of shoulder problems because it can provide a comprehensive look at the soft tissue that holds the shoulder in place.
If you do take your dog to the vet’s office for a shoulder injury, it will help if you can describe what activities your dog has participated in. The type of activity may shed some light on the injury, but chances are still good that the vet will have to run diagnostic tests.
Fortunately, most shoulder injuries that involve muscle stress heal in about a week or two without treatment.
Shoulder dysplasia or osteochondrosis is a canine condition in which the cartilage of the shoulder does not develop correctly. The symptoms can mimic those of a shoulder joint injury. A little movement can cause quite a bit of pain for the dog. This condition can be determined by x-raying the shoulder and it is correctable with surgery.
It is important to see that your dog’s injuries are cared for. Failure to do so can easily result in a painful arthritic condition for the dog.
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