Panosteitis, or “pano” for short, is an orthopedic disease in dogs that’s sometimes referred to as “growing pains.” The disease’s name breaks down to pan- (“all”), osteo (“bone”), -itis (“inflammation”).
It’s not exactly the same as the “growing pains” associated with children, but like those pains, it’s an unpleasant condition of unknown origin that affects the limbs and resolves with time. It occurs when bone grows within the marrow, and it typically affects large dogs, generally when they’re under two-years-old.
It can be difficult to see a dog in pain, especially as their puppy energy is curbed by sudden discomfort in their limbs, but pano is a “self-limiting disease” meaning that it will naturally resolve without treatment. And in the meantime, a veterinarian can advise on how to manage a dog’s pain. Here’s more to know about pano.
What causes panosteitis?
Panosteitis occurs when, in simplified terms, a fibrous tissue grows into bone within the marrow. The disease is idiopathic, meaning its cause is not known. However, since certain breeds are predisposed to it, the veterinary community suspects that genetics may play a part. German Shepards, Doberman pinschers, Golden and Labrador retrievers, Saint Bernards, and Great Danes are among the dogs who experience higher than average instances of pano in their early years.
Likewise, there have been multiple proposed hypotheses that a diet too high in calcium content may contribute to the development of panosteitis. Feeding a diet that’s formulated by board-certified nutritionists to be complete and balanced and appropriate for puppies will ensure that the right nutrients in the right amounts—including calcium and protein—will be available for your puppy to grow at a healthy rate. It’s also important that growing large-breed puppies maintain a lean body condition so they avoid carrying excess weight. Veterinarians use a Body Condition Score to assess healthy weight, and our on-staff veterinarian and board-certified nutritionist, Rae Sires, recommends keeping these puppies at about a four out of nine.
What are the signs of panosteitis?
The signs of pano are a sudden-onset limp or what vets call “shifting leg lameness” in any of the long bones in the four legs that can’t be explained by a trauma to the affected area (“shifting leg lameness” means that an owner will report that a puppy is favoring one leg at one point in the day, and then a different leg altogether at another point in the day). The disease resolves relatively quickly on its own—sometimes within a couple weeks and other times within a month—but may appear in a different leg later or come and go. The area is painful to touch. Sometimes the pain is so great, dogs with pano will resist getting up or using the leg entirely. They may also have a fever and a lack of appetite.
How is panosteitis diagnosed?
Since the affected area is painful to touch, a veterinarian’s physical exam will often indicate pano if it’s present. They can confirm a diagnosis with an X-ray, which will show a cloudiness in the bone marrow where extra bone growth is. Symptoms are variable and pano usually resolves itself entirely by the dog’s second birthday, so imaging might seem like overkill, but it can be helpful to rule out more serious causes of lameness. The vet may recommend other diagnostic testing as well, like blood work, to rule out tick-borne illnesses that present similarly.
What is the treatment for panosteitis?
Because the causes of panosteitis aren’t fully understood, there is no real way to prevent or cure it. Most often, a vet will recommend palliative care, and the condition will resolve with time. To mitigate pain, your vet can prescribe an anti-inflammatory or other type of pain medication, and may advise you on the right amount of activity for your pup during this time. Shortening play time or going on controlled leashed walks rather than running or playing ball can help minimize stress on your dog’s frame.
In general, it’s important to give your growing puppy food that provides the right amount and balance of nutrients for their size and stage of life. It’s critical that puppies don’t grow too fast, as it can cause orthopedic problems. And although puppies can seem adorably soft, it’s essential to keep their body condition lean. The Farmer’s Dog fresh food is made for the needs of growing puppies, including large-breeds, and comes in pre-portioned packs so it’s easy to keep them at that ideal body condition.
