Starting with a focused refresh of the key anatomy of the shoulder joint and surrounding musculature, this combined lecture and practical session will guide delegates through a systematic and thorough clinical examination of the canine shoulder. Emphasis will be placed on precise palpation of soft tissues, identification of skeletal landmarks and assessment of joint motion, enabling participants to recognise common abnormalities and generate clear differential diagnoses. Special attention will be given to the frequent clinical overlap between shoulder and elbow pathology, exploring how these regions are biomechanically linked, and providing practical strategies to differentiate primary shoulder disease from secondary or concurrent elbow involvement.