Joint Luxation
The bones act as the architectural framework for the body in all mammals. The skeletal system is a rigid structure that helps to maintain the bodies shape and it’s such a masterpiece of design as it also protects vital organs. The joints, are designed so that there is a structure where two or more bones unite together. Generally most of the body’s joints have capsules that connect the bones together. This capsule is a thick, fibrous layer that stabilise the joint. Most bone joints have additional ligaments that help to keep the joint capsules completing movements within normal ranges. However, if joints become damaged, disrupted, or undergo abnormal development, they then become unstable and the joint can dislocate, or in medical terms this is called a joint luxation.
The term luxation is used to describe the dislocation and complete disruption of a joint. In this condition, the supporting structures, for example the ligaments present around the joint, are damaged or completely missing. A milder form of this disease is called subluxation; this term represents a partial dislocation of a joint.
Symptoms and Types
Causes
There are basically two forms of joint luxation; firstly there is the trauma-induced luxation. This is where the dog is in an accident, or sustains an injury through physical activity. Then secondly a congenital luxation; this is where the dog is born with this condition. The latter is aggravated by stress at later stages. Also in smaller breeds of dogs, there is a predisposed condition where the shoulder joint luxated, this is for example in such a breed as the miniature poodles.
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will normally ask for a detailed history of your dog, asking such questions about the nature and frequency of the symptoms. They will then perform a complete physical examination on your dog, and especially looking at the areas around the joints.
Your veterinarian will probably take multiple X-rays of the affected joints, which will then help to confirm the diagnosis. This is basically due to the fact that routine laboratory tests, such as complete blood panel, and a biochemistry profile, andurinalysis, are usually normal in dogs with this condition and there are no other pre existing diseases present.
Treatment
The main goal is to provide complete rest in order to reduce the swelling and help with the pain. The joint may need to be further stabilised to prevent further exacerbation of symptoms. Bandages or a brace can be used to stabilise the affect joints, and the use of a cold compress to reduce inflammation. However, in some cases, surgery may be the only option to correct the abnormality.
Living and Management
Complete cage rest in a stress-free location in your home is vitally important for complete recovery and to greatly decrease the likelihood of further aggravation. Your veterinarian may also recommend a weight loss diet for your dog, as obesity can cause further stress on the affected joint’s in the long run. However, recurrence after treatment is unfortunately very common, which makes prognosis very poor in these cases. If surgery is required to stabilise the joint and correction of defects, your dog may feel some discomfort for a few days, but the prognosis is very favourable.
Your veterinarian will prescribe medications for pain control (NSAIDS), which may need to be administered for few days at home. Also it is imperative that your contact your veterinary immediately if you see any concerning symptoms post surgery.
The bones act as the architectural framework for the body in all mammals. The skeletal system is a rigid structure that helps to maintain the bodies shape and it’s such a masterpiece of design as it also protects vital organs. The joints, are designed so that there is a structure where two or more bones unite together. Generally most of the body’s joints have capsules that connect the bones together. This capsule is a thick, fibrous layer that stabilise the joint. Most bone joints have additional ligaments that help to keep the joint capsules completing movements within normal ranges. However, if joints become damaged, disrupted, or undergo abnormal development, they then become unstable and the joint can dislocate, or in medical terms this is called a joint luxation.
The term luxation is used to describe the dislocation and complete disruption of a joint. In this condition, the supporting structures, for example the ligaments present around the joint, are damaged or completely missing. A milder form of this disease is called subluxation; this term represents a partial dislocation of a joint.
Symptoms and Types
- Pain
- Swelling at site
- Inability to use affected limb
- Partial weight bearing
- Lameness
Causes
There are basically two forms of joint luxation; firstly there is the trauma-induced luxation. This is where the dog is in an accident, or sustains an injury through physical activity. Then secondly a congenital luxation; this is where the dog is born with this condition. The latter is aggravated by stress at later stages. Also in smaller breeds of dogs, there is a predisposed condition where the shoulder joint luxated, this is for example in such a breed as the miniature poodles.
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will normally ask for a detailed history of your dog, asking such questions about the nature and frequency of the symptoms. They will then perform a complete physical examination on your dog, and especially looking at the areas around the joints.
Your veterinarian will probably take multiple X-rays of the affected joints, which will then help to confirm the diagnosis. This is basically due to the fact that routine laboratory tests, such as complete blood panel, and a biochemistry profile, andurinalysis, are usually normal in dogs with this condition and there are no other pre existing diseases present.
Treatment
The main goal is to provide complete rest in order to reduce the swelling and help with the pain. The joint may need to be further stabilised to prevent further exacerbation of symptoms. Bandages or a brace can be used to stabilise the affect joints, and the use of a cold compress to reduce inflammation. However, in some cases, surgery may be the only option to correct the abnormality.
Living and Management
Complete cage rest in a stress-free location in your home is vitally important for complete recovery and to greatly decrease the likelihood of further aggravation. Your veterinarian may also recommend a weight loss diet for your dog, as obesity can cause further stress on the affected joint’s in the long run. However, recurrence after treatment is unfortunately very common, which makes prognosis very poor in these cases. If surgery is required to stabilise the joint and correction of defects, your dog may feel some discomfort for a few days, but the prognosis is very favourable.
Your veterinarian will prescribe medications for pain control (NSAIDS), which may need to be administered for few days at home. Also it is imperative that your contact your veterinary immediately if you see any concerning symptoms post surgery.
