Shoulder dysplasia in pets - Causes, treatment & recovery

Shoulder dysplasia is an umbrella term for developmental disorders of the shoulder joint in pets. It mostly affects young dogs of medium to large breeds, while it occurs extremely rarely in cats. The spectrum of shoulder dysplasia includes conditions such as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), shoulder instability, and biceps tendon problems (tendinopathies of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and so on).

In this article, we discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of shoulder dysplasia in pets.

What is shoulder dysplasia?

Shoulder dysplasia refers to a developmental disorder of the cartilage (OCD).

Overuse then results in tendinopathies and/or joint structural changes that lead to abnormal loading of the shoulder joint. This can result in pain, lameness, and premature wear (osteoarthritis). It is a significant cause of orthopedic complaints in young dogs.

Which animals are at risk?

Shoulder dysplasia mainly occurs in medium to large dog breeds, such as the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, Border Collie, and others. The first symptoms usually appear between 4 and 12 months of age. In cats, shoulder dysplasia is an exceptional phenomenon and is only described sporadically.

Symptoms in dogs and cats

In dogs:

• Lameness in one or both front legs
• Pain during shoulder movement
• Reduced muscling of the shoulder region
• Reduced performance or reluctance to run and jump

In cats:

• Very rare; when present, usually subtle complaints such as reduced jumping or mild lameness.

Diagnosis of shoulder dysplasia

The diagnosis is made based on physical examination combined with imaging. X-rays often provide the first indications, but CT or MRI offers more detail. For a definitive diagnosis and assessment of severity and treatment, arthroscopy may be performed.

Treatment of shoulder dysplasia

Treatment depends on the specific abnormality and the severity of the complaints. In mild cases, a conservative approach with rest, physiotherapy, and anti-inflammatory medication may be sufficient. In many cases, however, surgical intervention is needed, such as arthroscopic flap resection for OCD or stabilization for instability. Surgery generally has a good prognosis with timely intervention. Large defects sometimes require cartilage transplantation.

In cats, a conservative approach is usually chosen, given the rare occurrence and the often milder course.

Recovery and aftercare

Recovery after treatment of shoulder dysplasia generally takes several weeks to months. Controlled movement, physiotherapy, and sometimes hydrotherapy support good recovery. In dogs, rehabilitation often takes 6 to 12 weeks, depending on severity and treatment. The prognosis is good in most cases, although secondary osteoarthritis may develop in the long term.

In cats, recovery is usually faster, but the limited number of cases makes clear guidelines difficult.

Want to know more?

Read more about our services in orthopedics, arthroscopy, and rehabilitation. Our specialized veterinarians at Nesto have extensive experience with shoulder conditions and are ready to provide advice.