Lateral glenohumeral ligament rupture in three dogs

Three adult large breed dogs were evaluated for chronic forelimb lameness. Clinical examination localised pain to the area of the shoulder joint. Traditional imaging methods, including radiography, arthrography and ultrasonography, were unrewarding. Arthroscopy performed via a lateral portal demonstrated complete tears of the proximal part of the lateral glenohumeral ligament in all cases. Two of the three cases responded to treatment with intra-articular methylprednisolone and rest with a resolution of the lameness, while the third failed to improve. Surgical intervention in this third case involved lateral capsulorraphy, and re-examination at five weeks postoperatively showed the dog to be without lameness. Tearing of the lateral glenohumeral ligament should be considered in the differential diagnosis of shoulder lameness. Surgical stabilisation should be considered in cases refractory to conservative treatment.