Shoulder joint luxation in large animals: 14 cases (1976-1997).

OBJECTIVE

To determine clinical and radiographic findings in and treatment and outcome of large animals with shoulder joint luxations.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

ANIMALS: 5 horses, 3 goats, 1 calf, 1 sheep, 1 Himalayan tahr, 1 pot-bellied pig, 1 reindeer, and 1 white-tailed deer.

PROCEDURE: Medical records and radiographs were reviewed to determine signalment, history, physical examination findings, type of luxation, treatment, and outcome. Owners and referring veterinarians were contracted for follow-up information.

RESULTS

Goats, sexually intact males, and animals < 1 year old were overrepresented, compared with the general hospital population during the study period. Closed reduction was attempted in 3 animals and was successful in 1. Open reduction and internal stabilization was attempted in 4 animals, including 1 in which closed reduction was unsuccessful. Long-term stabilization of the joint was achieved in 3 animals, but overall results were poor because of osteoarthritis and chronic lameness. Three animals were not treated, and 5 were euthanatized because of a poor prognosis.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Large animals with shoulder joint luxation and concurrent fractures had a poorer prognosis than did those with shoulder joint luxation alone.