Abstract:
CASE DESCRIPTION—A 4.6-month-old pot-bellied pig was evaluated because of non–weightbearing
lameness (grade 5/5) in the right forelimb of 4 days’ duration.
CLINICAL FINDINGS—Clinical and radiographic examination revealed a closed, lateral luxation
of the right shoulder joint.
TREATMENT AND OUTCOME—Initial attempts at closed reduction failed to provide adequate
stability of the shoulder joint. Open reduction and internal fixation by placement of 2 lateral
tension sutures with a system designed for canine cranial cruciate ligament repair provided
adequate joint stability and a successful outcome.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE—Stabilization of the shoulder joint with lateral tension
sutures after open reduction should be considered for management of lateral shoulder
luxation in pot-bellied pigs.
