Internet-based survey on diagnosis and treatment recommendations for medial shoulder syndrome and instability in dogs.

Objective: The aim of this study was to document perceived frequency of medial shoulder syndrome and instability (MSS/MSI) among dogs, and preferred diagnostic and treatment options related to the condition, among American or European Colleges of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS/ECVS) diplomates, American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR) diplomates, and dual diplomates of ACVS/ECVS and ACVSMR (double-Boarded diplomates).

Procedure: An invitation to complete an online survey was sent to diplomates via email listservs.

Results: The known response rate for the survey was 15.8% (160 of 1014 email addresses). There was a difference (P = 0.006) among groups in number of cases of MSS/MSI seen, with ACVS/ECVS diplomates and double-Boarded diplomates seeing 0 to 5 cases per year (80.7 and 72.7%, respectively) and ACVSMR diplomates (32% of total respondents) seeing 11 to 26+ cases annually. The majority of all respondents (56.4%) felt the likely cause of MSS/MSI to be chronic/repetitive strain. Diagnostically, most respondents (78%) relied on shoulder abduction angles; however, most felt it was a questionable or somewhat accurate diagnostic test. The ACVSMR diplomates (88%) relied on musculoskeletal ultrasound as their preferred diagnostic modality, compared to only 35% of ACVS/ECVS diplomates and 45% of double-Boarded diplomates. Preferred treatment was rehabilitation with surgery for unresponsive cases, as reported by 86.9% of all respondents. Preferred surgical treatment was prosthetic ligament reconstruction (62.7%).

Conclusion: Despite the low known response rate of this survey, there were significant differences among specialties regarding frequency of MSS/MSI cases seen per year and preferred diagnostic modalities. However, there were no differences among specialties regarding the suspected underlying causes of MSS/MSI and initial treatment strategies.