Dislocated shoulders

Ashf

Well-Known Member
Joined
19 September 2005
Messages
791
Location
Cheltenham, England
www.stencilbum.co.uk
Hello there,

I have a miniature Yorkshire Terrier which is 12 years old and both of her shoulders keep dislocating. She has seen the vet numerous times and first off started with having the one leg and shoulder strapped up to stop all movement and hopefully keep the joint in place. After 4 or 5 weeks the strapping was taken off to find the shoulder was dislocated underneath. This resulting in having an operation on the one shoulder (to suture it in to place) to try and fix it. This operation failed, and so she had another operation on the same shoulder to try and correct it but this didn't work either as an x-ray yesterday shows that this shoulder is still dislocated. The vet couldn't put it back in to place and will not operate on her again but has said she can refer her to a specialist but they will more than likely give us the same advice.

The dogs 'good' shoulder dislocated after she had had her first operation and now keeps popping out at any chance. We have been taught how to put it back in, and occasionally she will put it back in herself. However this 'good' leg is now collapsing towards the toes where she's weight baring (hopping) on it all the time.

The dog seems happy enough in herself, she's eating well and is otherwise pretty healthy. If any body else has any experience of a dog with both shoulders dislocating, please would you mind giving us some help or advise in which to help our dog.

The option of PTS has been mentioned but as she is very healthy otherwise we are very reluctant to do so, so please don't just jump down that route, she is a very much loved family pet and we will do what's right when the time comes.

Any help, advice or suggestions to help our dog are very, very much appreciated. Thanks.
 
Is that 'healthy'? I know I am coming at this from a 'big dog' point of view, and I know you said it is not what you want to hear, but once a dog's mobility is compromised, then I start to think about PTS, sorry x

Would you consider a second opinion/a different vet? A different issue but I changed vets and have never looked back, you're under no obligation to just take one vet's advice and one alone.
 
Thank you CC. We haven't tried another vet, although I think we should now seriously look in to it. Our current vet has basically said eventually she will lose use of both front legs as the one which was operated on is permanently dislocated (although she can use it still to balance herself), and the other keeps popping in and out at any little odd movement which will eventually not want to go back in any more. I think as she is in no pain and is still healthy otherwise PTS is being put off for now. I know this may sound silly too but is there nothing which could be used to 'aid' her in walking?? Even to help her have a toddle up the road for 10 mins without getting so tired after 20 seconds! Bare in mind she is very small..
 
I think a towel would work in this situation, when Pip my Lancashire Heeler had an op on her vertabrae we were advised to use this method so she could go out for a wee etc.

My worry with your dog is if someone isnt with her 24hours a day and she gets in an awkward position and possibley hurts herself further how would you feel about this.

I think you are putting off the enevitable and it might sound harsh but your dogs welfare should be paramount before any human emotion.
 
Thank you, yes I think a lead would work.. well the idea could be used to make a form of sling for her, or maybe a harness with a couple of points to attach a couple of leads to, to support her!

She isn't left roaming the house when on her own, we have made a large pen for her which has her fluffy bed in it and food and water. Nothing which she can jump up and down off of, as that was how she put the first shoulder out in the first place was by jumping off of the bed!

Dobiegirl, which way do you mean by using a towel? You didn't make it very clear :)

Again thank you, this has opened up my mind a bit for a couple of fresh ideas which we can try. I just hope they work and will help her!!
 
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