Authors
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate clinical outcomes for dogs surgically treated for medial shoulder joint instability (MSI) by extracapsular stabilization with a prosthetic ligament.
DESIGN Retrospective multicenter case series.
ANIMALS 39 client-owned dogs.
PROCEDURES Medical records of 3 veterinary medical centers were searched to identify dogs with MSI diagnosed by clinical examination and arthroscopic assessment and treated by extracapsular stabilization with a prosthetic ligament. A minimum 6-month follow-up period was required for study inclusion. Signalment, function or use of the dog, duration of clinical signs, clinical and diagnostic imaging data, MSI grade (1 [mild] to 4 [complete luxation]), follow-up duration, complications, and outcome data were recorded.
RESULTS All grades of MSI were represented. Implants were placed successfully in all dogs. Complications (4 major and 2 minor) were recorded for 6 of 39 (15%) dogs; all were treated successfully. Function at the time of last follow-up (6 to 68 months) was deemed full in 30 of 39 (77%) dogs and acceptable in 9 (23%).
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Surgical treatment of MSI in dogs by extracapsular stabilization with a prosthetic ligament was associated with a complication rate considered acceptable for orthopedic procedures. All patient outcomes were considered successful.
