Panosteitis in Dogs
General Information
Panosteitis is a disease primarily affecting young dogs of large breeds. It is characterized by inflammation within the bones, especially those of the legs. Lameness of one or more legs is often apparent.
The disease may persist for 1-6 months, with the average case lasting 2-3 months. During the course of the disease, periods of pain and lameness are interrupted by intervals of good health. Lameness may switch from one leg to another, and the degree of discomfort may vary. Full recovery is common and is usually expected.
Important Points in Treatment
1. Panosteitis is considered a self-limiting disease. This means recovery occurs after the disease runs its course. The only treatment presently used is oral anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving drugs.
2. Repeated radiographs (x-rays) may be required to evaluate the progress of the disease and to rule out the occurance of other orthopedic conditions which may occur at the same time as panosteitis.
3. Exercise: Inactivity is to be expected during the painful periods of the disease. Limiting exercise during this time is beneficial. There is no need to restrict your pet's activity during the non-painful time.
4. Diet: Follow the instructions checked.
____Feed the normal diet.
____A special diet is required. Feed:
Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:
* Your dog's legs become swollen.
* Your dog seems unusually uncomfortable.
* There is a change in your dog's general health.
Understanding Your Pet's Medical Diagnosis
What is panosteitis?
Panosteitis is a self-limiting, painful condition affecting one or more of the long bones of young, medium-to-large breed dogs. German shepherd dogs, and dogs that are crossbred with German shepherds, are most commonly affected.
What causes panosteitis?
The cause of panosteitis is unknown. Attempts to isolate germs such as bacteria or viruses as the causative agent have not been successful. Theories of nutritional, allergic, endocrine (hormone) or metabolic (involving buildup and breakdown of tissues and energy), causes are also unproven.
What are signs of panosteitis?
Lameness of varying intensity usually starts in the forelegs, but may then affect the hind legs, resulting in a "shifting" leg lameness. Mild depression, loss of appetite, and weight loss may occur in severely affected patients. Affected dogs generally show signs of pain upon deep palpation of the long bones of the affected leg(s). There may also be low-grade fever and muscle wasting (atrophy).
How is panosteitis diagnosed?
Your veterinarian may suspect panosteitis after examining your pet. Radiographs (X-rays) are required to confirm the presence of the disease.
How is panosteitis treated?
Since the cause for panosteitis is unknown, there is no specific treatment for this condition. Treatment of the signs of pain is helpful to the pet, but appears to have no influence on duration of clinical signs. The primary goal of treatment is to minimize pain and inflammation with pain relieving drugs. Although limited activity has not been shown to hasten recovery, it does seem to lessen the pain associated with the condition. Signs of pain and lameness may last for several weeks.
What is the prognosis for animals with panosteitis?
The long-term prognosis for a dog with panosteitis is very good. While clinical signs of lameness and soreness may last several weeks, complete recovery is typical. However, recurrence of clinical signs and lameness is common up until two years of age.