Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Shoulder fusion surgery outcomes in 14 dogs
By Fitzpatrick, Noel et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2012·Fitzpatrick Referrals, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Shoulder arthrodesis in 14 dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 14 dogs underwent shoulder surgery called arthrodesis to help with severe shoulder problems. After the surgery, most dogs showed improvement in their ability to use their legs, with many owners reporting positive outcomes. However, some dogs experienced complications, with varying degrees of severity. Despite these issues, the majority of dogs had good limb function several months after the procedure, and many showed only mild lameness. This surgery can be a viable option for dogs suffering from serious shoulder conditions, although pet owners should be aware of the potential for complications.
People also search for: dog shoulder surgery recovery · dog lameness after surgery · shoulder arthrodesis in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To report surgical technique and clinical outcome of shoulder arthrodesis in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter clinical case series. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 14). METHODS: Shoulder arthrodesis featured craniolateral plate and screw application, with application of a 2nd plate and screws craniolaterally or caudolaterally in 5 shoulders. Implants included the locking string of pearls (SOP)™ plate in 7 shoulders. Subjective preoperative, 5-8 weeks postoperative, and 11-16 weeks postoperative clinical and radiographic findings were documented. Owner questionnaire evaluation of outcome was performed 6-20 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Mean angle of arthrodesis was 114° (range 102°-122°). Progression of arthrodesis was noted in 13/14 cases at both the 5-8 and 11-16 weeks postoperative radiographic assessments. Nine complications occurred in 7/14 dogs, graded as catastrophic in 2/9, major in 2/9, and minor in 5/9. Where morbidity was successfully managed, 11-16-week and 6-10-month postoperative limb function was positive on both veterinary and owner evaluations in almost all cases, and in several, functional lameness was considered sufficiently mild as to be imperceptible on subjective veterinary evaluation. Where present, limb circumduction was noted as the major feature of persistent lameness. CONCLUSIONS: Shoulder arthrodesis in dogs results in acceptable limb function and should be considered for the management of debilitating shoulder pathology despite a high incidence of complications. Application of the SOP plate to aid shoulder arthrodesis warrants further study.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22882608/