Subluxation in Dogs

Subluxation means dislocated joint, or that a bone has been partially dislodged from its socket. If it completely comes out, then it is called luxation. In dogs, the spine, kneecaps, hips, shoulders and bones in the legs are the most common areas that get subluxation, according to "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook." There are many causes for subluxation in dogs and not all of them are treatable.

  1. Causes

    • Causes of luxation or subluxation in dogs are serious injury, such as getting hit by a vehicle, complications from other illnesses such as cancer surgery on the joint area or birth defects. Some puppies may be born looking normal, but during growth spurts suddenly develop subluxation, especially in the stifle joint and the hips.

    Breeds

    • Dog breeds with a tendency to develop joint subluxation, especially slipping of the kneecaps or patellar luxation, are very small dogs such as the Yorkshire terrier, Maltese, papillion, Jack Russell terrier, Pomeranian and Pekingese, according to "The Veterinarian's Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms." Breeds prone to hip subluxation include larger, heavier breeds such as the German shepherd, the golden retriever and the Labrador retriever.

    Prevention

    • Injury and accidents that can cause subluxation in dogs are hard to prevent, but keeping a dog from roaming or jumping from a great height can help prevent injuries. Puppies from breeds prone to hip subluxation should not be given too much exercise until they are 2 years old. Keeping a dog of any breed at a healthy weight puts much less stress on the joints and prevents aggravating conditions such as arthritis. Dogs with genetic subluxation should never be bred. A list of approved healthy breeding dogs can be found at the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

    Treatment

    • Treatment of subluxation in dogs depends on how the dog got the condition and how bad it has degenerated. In some cases, such as a mild injury, a joint may be able to be pushed or manipulated back into its socket. But in most cases, X-rays and surgery are required. In the worst cases, limbs may need to be replaced or amputated. The dog will also need physical therapy, painkillers and possibly supplements to help prevent complications.

    Complications

    • The sooner subluxation is treated in a dog, the better the dog's chances of regaining a normal, active life. Subluxation left untreated not only causes pain and lameness, but also can cause malformations of the limbs and makes a dog far more likely to develop crippling arthritis.