Shoulder Instability in Dogs

Description of the Condition

Shoulder instability occurs when the ligaments, tendons, or joint capsule that stabilize the shoulder (glenohumeral joint) become stretched, weakened, or torn. This causes excessive joint movement and an unstable shoulder.

  • Leads to lameness, pain, muscle atrophy, and decreased performance in working or sporting dogs.

  • Instability may be subtle at first, showing only as stiffness after activity, or more severe with obvious limping.

  • Can be unilateral (one shoulder) or bilateral (both).

Common Causes

  • Repetitive stress injuries from high-impact activities (e.g., agility, flyball, field work).

  • Trauma, such as falls or twisting injuries.

  • Degenerative weakening of shoulder ligaments and tendons over time.

  • Poor healing after previous injury.

Breeds at Risk

  • Active sporting and working dogs (Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds).

  • Medium-to-large athletic breeds that frequently jump, twist, or sprint.

  • Can occur in smaller breeds after trauma, though less common.

Possible Treatments

  • Conservative Management: Rest, anti-inflammatory medications, controlled exercise, physical therapy, and external support.

  • Surgical Management: Stabilization procedures (e.g., imbrication of joint capsule, tendon repair, or prosthetic ligament) when conservative treatment fails.

Role of Rehabilitation

Post-Surgical Recovery

  • Controlled exercise plans to protect the repair while rebuilding strength.

  • Gait retraining to restore even stride and prevent compensation.

Temperature Therapies, Stretching, and Recovery Massage

  • Cold therapy early on to reduce swelling and pain.

  • Heat therapy later to encourage circulation and flexibility.

  • Gentle stretching to maintain range of motion without stressing the joint.

  • Massage for compensatory muscle tension in the neck, back, and opposite limb.

Strengthening and Stability

  • Targeted shoulder stabilizer exercises (controlled weight shifts, incline walking).

  • Proprioceptive training with balance discs, wobble boards, or cavaletti rails.

  • Core strengthening to support overall limb function.

Measuring Recovery and Communication

  • Goniometry to monitor shoulder mobility.

  • Progress reports with activity notes, photos, or videos.

  • Functional outcome measures: stride length, weight-bearing, ability to perform normal activities.

  • Owner participation with structured home programs.

What Owners Can Do at Home

While shoulder instability may need surgery or structured rehab, your home care is vital to your dog’s recovery and long-term comfort.

Safe Handling and Environment

  • Restrict high-impact activities: no running, jumping, or rough play until cleared.

  • Use leash-only walks during recovery phases.

  • Provide non-slip flooring to prevent sudden slips that strain the shoulder.

  • Use ramps instead of stairs when possible.

Protecting the Shoulder

  • Follow your veterinarian’s instructions on rest or bandage/sling use.

  • Avoid tug-of-war or high-resistance games that stress the shoulder.

  • Provide a supportive, padded bed to ease pressure on sore joints.

Home Exercises (When Cleared by Your Rehab Practitioner)

  • Passive Range of Motion (PROM): Gently move the shoulder through flexion/extension.

  • Isometric holds: Encourage your dog to push gently against your hand for muscle activation without movement.

  • Controlled short walks: Start with just a few minutes, gradually increasing duration.

  • Strengthening drills: Cavaletti rails, incline walking, or underwater treadmill once stable.

Long-Term Support

  • Maintain lean body weight to reduce shoulder strain.

  • Use joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids — ask your vet).

  • Keep activity controlled — even after recovery, avoid repetitive high-impact stress.

Monitoring and Communication

  • Keep a log of activity, pain levels, and performance changes.

  • Watch for signs of setbacks: renewed limping, stiffness after rest, reluctance to play.

  • Share updates regularly with your vet or rehab practitioner.

Final Thoughts

Shoulder instability can be career-ending in sporting dogs if unmanaged, but with rehabilitation, thoughtful home care, and safe exercise, many dogs return to comfortable, active lives. Your role at home — from limiting risky activities to performing daily exercises — is critical to long-term success.