What is Panosteitis?

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 at 12:32 pm

Panosteitis or “Pano” is a bone disease that can affect young, large breed dogs. It is characterized by inflammation near the growth plates in the bone, causing severe pain and leg lameness which can last anywhere from a month to 6 months. The bones of the front leg are most often affected but It can affect the hind legs, front legs or both and the pain can shift from leg to leg. This disease can occur in dogs from the age of 5 months to 2 years but it has also been found in dogs as old as 5 years. Typically, males are more affected than females.

What are the Symptoms?

Symptoms include a sudden, unexplained pain in the legs or pain when the legs are touched; lameness for no apparent reason; lethargic and lack of appetite; vomiting; high fever

Panosteitis can sometimes be referred to as growing pains and wandering leg lameness. This lameness can last from a day to a few weeks and is characterized through switching leg lameness; one leg will heal, after that another may be affected.

This disease is more common in German Shepherd dogs or dogs which are mixed with this breed. Nevertheless, many other factors can be associated with pano: diet, viral illnesses, autoimmune problems, hyperestrogen, as well as vascular problems.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis for Panosteitis is done through xray where it will show an increased density in the cavity of the bone, often near where the vessels enter the bone. Pano can sometimes be difficult to diagnose because the evidence may not be present until 7-10 days after the leg lameness has occurred.

Treatment

Panosteitis is treated with pain medication, exercise restriction and diet. Medication may consist of an anti-inflammatory, non-steroidal drug or NSAID. Some vets may recommend supplementing dogs with glucosamine and vitamin C or an anti-inflammatory drug to keep the dog comfortable.

There are no long-term effects with panoseitis and your dog will return to a playful pup when the pain subsides. Never assume any symptoms are considered Pano and always check with your veterinarian if you have any questions.