There is no superior treatment method for medial shoulder instability in dogs

Abstract

PICO question In dogs with medial shoulder instability, what treatment option results in the best patient outcomes medical vs. surgical management? Clinical bottom line To date only one retrospective case series is available to compare treatment options for shoudler instability. This manuscript suggests that surgical treatment of medial shoulder instability (MSI) may be superior to medical management, however, this was not a prospective randomly assigned study and thus is wrought with limitations. There is no evidence of superiority of one surgical intervention over another for the treatment of MSI. The clinician must evaluate each individual case and consider clincial experience when deciding on the ideal treatment for MSI. How to apply this evidence in practice The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources. Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.