Panosteitis in dogs

Written by Audrey Pavia Reviewed by Kristin Westafer, DVM

Overview

Panosteitis is a bone disease that can affect young, large breed dogs from the ages of about 5 months to 2 years of age. The illness results in inflammation with in the bones, near the growth plates, causing severe pain and lameness. It can affect front legs, hind legs or both. It is often seen in more than one leg at a time and can shift from leg to leg. The bones of the front leg are mot often affected.

No one knows the exact cause of panosteitis. It can appear overnight for no apparent reason, run its coarse with some periods of less severity and then go away on its own. This can take any where from a month to up to six months. The average time of this condition is about two to three months.

Panosteitis can be seen in several large breeds but German Shepherds or dogs mixed with German Shepherds seem to be most affected. It is also seen more often in males than females.

Panosteitis is common enough that it is easily diagnosed with an exam by your Veterinarian. Your vet may want to X-ray your dog as well to rule out any other orthopedic issues that can also develop in a young large breed dog.

Symptoms

Sudden pain in the limbs, which shifts from leg to leg
Lameness with no apparent cause
High fever
Lack of appetite
Vomiting
Lethargy
Pain when legs are touched
Depression

Prevention

Since the cause of panosteitis is unknown, there is no way to predict which dogs will be affected by the disease. Always check with your Veterinarian before giving supplements that may alter normal growth or development that is other wise achieved from a quality diet.

Treatment

Dogs suffering from panosteitis can be treated with painkillers and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). The goal is to help reduce the dog's discomfort until the condition goes away on its own.

It is not recommended to exercise your dog like you normally would while the animal is experiencing discomfort. Let the dog be the judge of how much it is willing to do while he is in pain. This is only a temporary condition and your dog will return to a playful pup when the pain subsides.

After treatment

Once the illness resolves itself, it does not normally recur, and for most dogs, the disease does not leave lasting injury or effects. Dogs affected by panosteitis as puppies usually live active, normal lives as adults.