Panosteites

Dog panosteitis

Panosteitis is a disease of the growing dog between 5 and 15 months of age, mainly affecting the long bones of the skeleton, such as the femur, tibia, humerus, ulna or radius. It causes severe pain and sometimes fever. Dogs are usually downcast, may have difficulty moving and may limp. It mainly affects large-breed dogs such as Beaucerons, Dobermanns, Belgian Shepherds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Rottweilers, Leonbergers, Pyrenean Mountain Dogs, etc. A hereditary cause is suspected but not proven. A relationship between the onset of panosteitis and a diet too rich in protein during puppyhood is also suspected.

How can I tell if my dog has panosteitis?

Direct examination of your pet may point to this condition. Palpation of the bones can be very painful in certain places, which is highly suggestive. The definitive diagnosis is made on the basis of radiographic examinations. Characteristic lesions may indeed be present, but not systematically. In case of doubt, it is advisable to repeat the examination after 15 days. There is no correlation between the size of the lesions and the pain they cause. Very discreet lesions may be responsible for severe pain, and vice versa.

How do I treat my dog's panosteitis?

Treatment of panosteitis is essentially pain management, with drugs such as analgesics and anti-inflammatories. Resting the animal can also provide relief until the pain disappears.

Can my dog recover from panosteitis?

Symptoms usually disappear on their own as the animal matures. The prognosis is often favourable, provided there are no other associated problems such as elbow dysplasia or shoulder osteochondritis.

Panosteitis of the radius and ulna in a puppy

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