What is Joint Dislocation?
A joint dislocation, or joint luxation, is a condition where the ends of your dog’s bones move out of their usual positions and separate. This can occur with any joint, typically following some form of trauma. If your dog suddenly exhibits lameness, or if you detect swelling around a joint, schedule a veterinarian consultation immediately. A dislocated joint must be treated as soon as possible to prevent aggravation and more severe damage.
When the ligaments that hold a joint in place break, the two bones may separate, resulting in a joint dislocation or luxation. The joint will need to be returned to its original position and held in place so the surrounding casing can heal. The earlier the injury is treated, the better the prognosis.Joint Dislocation Average Cost
From 37 quotes ranging from $500 - $3,500
Average Cost
$2,100
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Symptoms of Joint Dislocation in Dogs
Signs vary depending on the location of the joint dislocation. Typically, dogs will exhibit lameness in the affected limb, which may progress over time. Your dog may be reluctant to walk because of pain, and you may see swelling around the joint. Other signs specific to a certain joint include:
- Ankle — Foot hanging loose or moving in unusual directions
- Elbow — Elbow carried flexed
- Hip — Shortening of limb
Causes of Joint Dislocation in Dogs
A dislocation occurs when a joint separates from the socket and is usually caused by trauma, such as a fall or a car accident. Joints are held in place with thick ligaments, which may break when subjected to severe trauma. Though dogs of any breed may suffer a dislocation, some are genetically predisposed to conditions that may lead to luxation. An example of such a condition is hip dysplasia in German shepherds.
Diagnosis of Joint Dislocation in Dogs
A physical examination and radiographs are the common tools for diagnosing a dislocated joint. If your dog is limping and unwilling to put weight on the affected limb, the veterinarian will request some information from you, such as the duration of signs and if your dog has been in a recent accident. Most cases of joint luxation present with a history of trauma or intense activity. The veterinarian may be able to tell the extent of the dislocation through a physical examination, though a radiograph is the most reliable method for inspecting a joint luxation and can reveal any fractures around the dislocated joint.
Though laboratory testing is not necessary for diagnosis, the veterinarian may recommend blood work or a urinalysis to determine your dog’s ability to withstand anesthesia as part of treatment.
Treatment of Joint Dislocation in Dogs
There are two methods of treatment for a luxated joint.
Closed Reduction
In certain cases, the joint can be returned to its original location through closed reduction, which does not require surgically opening the area around the joint. This is a non-invasive procedure but requires general anesthesia to relax the muscles. Following reduction, a radiograph confirms that the joint is in the correct position.
Surgery
If the ligaments surrounding the joint are too damaged, surgery may be required to repair the joint. The veterinarian may be able to sew the joint capsule back together in order to support the joint once it has been manipulated back to its original position. Depending on the extent of the damage, screws, pins, or washers may be used to replicate the torn ligaments and to hold the joint in place.
In both closed and open reduction, the limb will be held in position with a bandage or wrap following treatment, which provides support to the joint while the surrounding joint capsule heals.
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Recovery of Joint Dislocation in Dogs
Limit your dog’s activity following reduction. The sling or splint will need to remain in place for one to two weeks while the joint capsule heals, and you will need to visit your veterinarian for a follow-up examination prior to its removal to ensure that the joint is still in position. Keep the supportive bandage clean and dry during this time, and monitor your dog for signs of discomfort or swelling.
After the supportive devices have been removed, your dog will most likely remain reluctant to place weight on the affected limb. Continue to restrict your dog’s physical activity for several weeks to avoid placing additional trauma on the joint. Make sure that your dog has access to fresh food and clean water during the healing process, and provide a safe, quiet place where he or she can recover comfortably.
Joint Dislocation Average Cost
From 37 quotes ranging from $500 - $3,500
Average Cost
$2,100
Top
Joint Dislocation Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Doberman Pinscher
3 months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Crooked Legs
Why is my dobermans leg a little bit crooked
July 24, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello,
Your puppy could have a genetic defect causing this, a dislocated or a broken leg, or maybe something else. It would be best for your dog to see your vet. They can tell you exactly what is causing this and fix the leg.
July 24, 2020
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Boston Terrier
Twelve Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Leg Hanging Underneath Him. Sliding On Wood Floor.
Marcel doesn't seem to be in pain but he has always been quite the stoic one. He has a luxating patella which we have a look at during every Vet visit. In the last few months I notice that he is sliding on the wood floor (didn't used to) and when he stands his leg seems to hangs loosely underneath him.
Vet isn't saying much "the knee is really out now. doesn't seem to be in pain. he's gained weight and maybe putting his full weight on that leg is uncomfortable."
My gut says that I need to dig more. His leg just feels "different" and I fear something more may be going on. Please advise
July 20, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello,
So sorry to hear about your dog. This many just be from his luxating patella but most dogs whos leg is hanging under them crossed across their body can be a sign of hip dislocation. You may need your vet to take x rays to see what is wrong with this leg. They can also start him on pain medication if he starts to get more painful.
I hope your dog starts to feel better soon.
July 20, 2020
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Bichon Frise
Ten Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Right Right Side Shoulder Front
Limps a little bit and cries when he lies on the right
July 15, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Dogs can get arthritis, muscle problems or joint issues as they age, and there are many good medications that can help keep them comfortable. Ibuprofen can be hard on a dog, it is not licensed in animals, and it can cause long-term side effects. There are many safe dog medications available for pain control. The first step would be to have an appointment with your veterinarian, have them look at him, and see where the pain may be. They will be able to let you know more what's going on, and what safe medications he can have long-term to stay comfortable. I hope that he is okay.
July 15, 2020
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Whippet
Twelve Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Outside Toe Dislocated
outside toe out of joint. was able to pop back in but went out again. could her toe be broken
July 13, 2020
Answered by Jessica N. DVM
2 Recommendations
It is possible that her toe may be fractured. The only way to diagnose fully would be to have an x-ray taken by your veterinarian. Pain medication can then be prescribed to make sure she is not painful.
July 13, 2020
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Golden Doodle
10 weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Limping. Front Leg Injury. Not Crying, And Is Walking Fine Now. Slight Welling
Limping. Front leg injury. Not crying, and is walking fine now. Slight welling. Does he need to see a vet?
July 12, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello,
So sorry to hear about your dog. It would be best for your vet to look at your dog. They can start your dog on pain medication to help. Many times this is a soft tissue injury that can heal with just a little bit of time.
I hope your dog starts to feel better soon.
July 12, 2020
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Miniature Australian Shepherd
Astro
4 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pain
I have a four month old mini australian shepherd and 3 weeks ago he started making a loud yelping noise when he would be up on the couch with us or if we picked him up a certain way. It was scary because he would make that noise and then would go right back to playing and running. He wasn't limping, struggling to get up, etc. He loves to run and play. He started having a growth spurt and his legs are a lot longer. I noticed his back left hip bone was extremely prominent and sticking out. This past week he stopped eating as much and drinking water. I took him into his vet this morning and they did an X-Ray. She said his hip is dislocated but he doesn't need emergency surgery because he is walking on it without limping or showing signs of pain. Should I get a second opinion on the surgery? Are there other options? If I don't get the surgery will he have future problems? She gave him a few weeks worth of pain medicine to keep him more comfortable. I just feel so bad that he is so young and has to go through this. Plus the surgery cost is most likely to be around $2,000.
Labrador Retriever
Brodie
7 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hip Luxation
Hip Luxation Closed Reductuon
Our 7 year old Lab Brodie was clipped by a motorcycle and his rear left hip was displaced. The vet was able to do a closed reduction very easily and she said it went back easier than any she has done. The post reduction X ray looked really good and there din't appear to be any fluid in the joint. She did not give us a sling or bandage. She said she has had better results letting the joint heal without it.
He started putting weight on it rite away after the anesthesia wore off. Brodie is in peak contidion physically he is 65 pounds of pure muscle and as active as any dog could be. If you asked him rite now he would say he is 100% and ready to play. We are restricting his activity to leashed walks out to go potty and sitting in the sunshine on a cable. We took our bed frame and box spring out of our master so he can get on and off the bed without jumping. We haven't been letting him walk on stairs or get on or off furniture. He doesn't seem to be in any pain at all, there is no more swelling either. My question is how long should he be restricted and does some light activity help or hurt? He hates being penned up, and we want him to be active as soon as it is SAFE for him. Our vet said complete bed rest for 6 weeks or we risk it coming out gain and at the point surgery would be needed. Any experience or information would be greatly appreciated by us but more importantly Brodie. Thanks
Joint Dislocation Average Cost
From 37 quotes ranging from $500 - $3,500
Average Cost
$2,100
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
