Short- and long-term outcomes after shoulder excision arthroplasty in 7 small breed dogs

This study reports short- and long-term clinical outcomes following excision arthroplasty in 7 small breed dogs with shoulder pathology. Lameness and pain were scored before surgery, and reassessed at short- and long-term follow-ups with measurements of range of motion (ROM), scapulo-humeral angles of extension (EA) and flexion (FA), and muscle girth (MG) of the operated and contralateral limbs. All dogs improved clinically for lameness and pain. Range of motion, EA, and FA of the operated limb were not significantly different compared with the contralateral limb at short-term follow-up, but ROM and EA were significantly decreased at long-term examination. Muscle girth was not significantly different than the contralateral limb. Radiographic re-evaluations showed bony proliferation around osteotomies without interosseous union in most dogs and all owners were satisfied with the surgery outcome. Excision arthroplasty seems to be an effective treatment for chronic shoulder pathologies in small dogs. Range of motion and EA were decreased and a mild lameness remained present at long-term follow-up.