Joint injury and subsequent instability is a common problem in both canine companions and canine athletes. Excessive repetitive loading over time can result in joint trauma and instability, which ultimately will result in poor function and osteoarthritis. While some injuries can be repaired with the goal of getting a canine athlete back to work or sport, other injuries can be career ending; yet need to be addressed to ensure a pain free quality of life. 

This course will discuss diagnosis and treatment of common injuries affecting both the companion and canine athlete such as hip luxation, collateral ligament injury, shoulder lameness/instability, and carpal/tarsal /metabone injuries. Following the lecture and case review, participants will utilize bone models and cadavers to perform various surgical techniques such as a hip toggle, collateral ligament repair, shoulder reconstruction, and partial arthrodesis. Post-operative radiographs will be taken to evaluate the participants’ repair technique.

1. Understand and review the pathophysiology and decision making on hip luxation as well as demonstrate the ability to perform a hip toggle procedure.
2. Recognize the diagnostic techniques needed to diagnose tarsal ligamentous injuries and discuss how to surgical stabilize and unstable tarsus.
3. Introduce the concept of medial shoulder syndrome, diagnostics, treatment decision making, and ultimately medial shoulder reconstruction.
4. Understand how to diagnose instability of the tarsus and carpus along with case selection for partial carpal and tarsal arthrodesis.
5. Appreciate the importance of injuries to the digits and meta-bones and review treatment options to ensure bony union.