A medial shoulder luxation occurs when the ball of the shoulder joint (humeral head) slips inward (toward the chest) out of its normal position in the socket (glenoid cavity).

 

It is the most common form of shoulder luxation in dogs and cats.

 

- Usually caused by trauma

- Can also result from congenital ligament laxity

- Causes sudden severe pain and lameness

 

While early cases may respond to closed reduction, surgery is the gold standard for reliable long-term stability

 

When the condition becomes chronic, arthritic, or repeatedly unstable, shoulder arthrodesis (joint fusion) becomes a critical salvage option for pain relief and limb function.