Torn glenohumeral ligament

[Kriszty]

Hi Laurie,
What would you do with a dog that has a suspect completely torn glenohumeral ligament? Dog is sound, agility dog, no pain on shoulder palp or extension but when the shoulder is taken into abduction it subluxates.
Currently she is doing push ups and bows with back legs on peanut, theraband pulling in all directions with back legs up, walking in warm water, hill walking. Had shockwave txs x4
Thanks
Kriszty

[lehughes]

Hey Kriszty!

Sounds like a great case! Reminds me of one I had a number of years ago.

Your plan sounds fabulous!
If all is going well, I'd just add more dynamic components (two peanuts, do a 3-leg stand, and theraband pulls on the affected limb).
I also like walking backwards on a land treadmill (to get more active extension). You can then use the theraband dynamically as the dog is walking on the treadmill.
Tug of war would be a good way to do some additional strengthening (and again get more active extension).

I'd say keep up the good work!

Laurie

[Kriszty]

Thanks! We have been doing walking backwards uphill as I dont have a land treadmill (this is my other dog).. havent worked out how to do the theraband thing at the same time doing that, though!
She tugs a lot already.
Will do the 3 leg stand etc on 2 peanuts.
I hope she stays sound.. I would assume she is at higher risk for OA for the shoulder (if it is subluxating when she moves..? ) I think she is not a surgical case at the moment.. ?
Thanks
Kriszty

[lehughes]

Hypermobility in and of itself is does not cause a greater risk of OA. Poor biomechanics, muscle weakness, and loss of proprioception can impact how cartilage is loaded. So with this dog... you now get to play with building the front end. Fortunately, dogs are mostly "Front Wheel Drive" and so they are already using their front end musculature more than the rear. Just add a few front end specific exercises / balance /etc to increase it even further.

Your dog is sound and competing actively... in my opinion, don't mess with that. When you say it subluxates, what do you mean? You get a pop? or you feel it clunk in and out of place?
A pop is 'common' in many hypermobile shoulders in dogs with either abduction or overpressure into GH extension.

Laurie

[Kriszty]

Sorry missed the reply on this!
I mean the shoulder actually subluxates and clunks out of position on abduction. Not the pop you describe on the shoulder hypermobility vid.
I figure I should continue to strengthen her shoulders throughout her career..currently we are doing push ups with her back end up on a big peanut, theraband pulling all directions laterally with back legs up, play bow with back legs up. I am also doing the pelvis stuff with her, and trying to strengthen the rear leg medial muscles, as it seems like these are common to injure (I have 1 dog at each end). And she does a LOT of swimming, retrieving in water, approx 20mins twice daily (since its summer here).
Thanks again, sure wish your clinic was over here!
Kriszty

[lehughes]

Sounds like your plan for this dog is a good one then!

Cheers,

Laurie