“Panosteitis” bascially like growing pains in teenagers. He just had a flare up a few days ago and hopefully it won’t last much longer. First time I’ve ever experienced it with a dog. He’ll limp on his back leg, then later on his front, then the next day on his back leg again. He’s prone to it until he’s about 2 years old, so he’s got quite a while to go. I hope it doesn’t happen too often. He’s not acting like it hurts too badly, he’s limping but not crying when he does. But I have noticed he seems clingier (if that’s possible lol) so I think it’s bothering him. Trying to keep this boy down and not letting him play is a job all itself!
He’s not chubby, he’s perfect according to the vet- but we’re going to lower his food a bit and try to get him on the lean side of perfect. He won’t be thrilled with that either lol. 15 months old and he’s 93lbs as of 2 weeks ago and there’s not an ounce of fat on him.
Anyone’s big dog ever have this? It’s supposed to go away and be fine after 2 years of age with no effects, so I’m crossing my fingers.
Years ago my Dad had a GSD that had it. She was fine somewhere between her 2-3 year. However she did not live to old age so I have no reference for any affect into aging.
ETA also she was a heavy GSD. Big shoulders and neck, square head. All German breeding.
I wonder…does calcium play a roll in this? What are you feeding?
There is a paper out there that demonstrates anything above 1.7% is bad for growing dogs. Dogs are supposed to be able to regulate and waste any additional Ca after 6 months or so, IIRC, but perhaps it would be worth lowering his calcium if it is high?
Good luck!
He’s eating Blue Buffalo Fish and Sweet Potato. Has been since he was about 6 months old. It shows a calcium of 1% (minimum) but doesn’t show the maximum.
For his weight, he’s to get between 3 1/2 and 4 1/2 cups- he’s been doing really well on 4 cups a day. I’m going to lower that down to 3 cups a day- try to get him a little on the lean side although he’s really not chubby at all- he’s a big, heavy boned pup.
It is extremely common in GSDs, calcium is not a factor, nor is weight. It can move from leg to leg…in severe cases, you must crate rest the dog, and sometimes steriods are prescribed. Depends on the severity of the case. It is believed to be inherited in some breeds, GSD’s being among them.
Its common in large breed dogs. Great Danes, GSD etc. Sad as its VERY painful.
Unfortunatley its nothing related to what the dog eats, their weight, fitness etc. Some say its immune mediated and vaccines can trigger it. I dont think this has been proven. I dont believe electrolytes have any involvement in it, I dont remember any dog having high lytes specifically calcium.
If they are really bad, they need to be hospitalized with IV fluids and fentanyl CRI. Most cases can be managed at home with pain meds until the dog gets over it ( a few days to a few weeks). It sometimes reoccurs, but often dogs will outgrow it by an early age.
I radiographed a doberman the other day, 12 weeks old with severe Pano, all 4 legs had the classic “double line”. Luckily after only 2 days in hospital he went home and was 75% better.
Hopefully your dog will never get it again, 16 months is the oldest dog I have ever seen with it. Give your pup a (gentle) hug!
My 5.5 year old GSD had it when he was about 18 months old. I was surprised, since that is kind of old to show the first signs. But he only had two episodes and that was it.
My 8 year old GSD never had it. My 2 year old Aussie had it.
Sheilah
There is no such thing as “growing pains” (i.e. pain from no cause other than just growing up), pain signifies something is wrong somewhere even if people can’t figure it out. It certainly sounds like this is a very real disease. I hope you can find a way to keep the dog comfortable.
Panosteitis is known as “growing pains” by Journals of Veterinary Medicine since it is most prevalent in dogs (especially German Shepherds) that are between six months of age and two years of age (the musculoskeletal development period for large breed dogs,) generally, though can be earlier or later than that.
Generally the Vet will just tell the owner to use aspirin when there is a flare up and to limit the amount of activity the dog is involved in as well as keep in mind that during this maturation period to limit the amount of stress placed on joints and other bones from running/over play on hard surfaces.
Some people say calcium is a culprit.
Others say protein is a culprit.
The fact is there are no proven culprits for the cause of Panosteitis nor for the end of Panosteitis.
I have only had one German Shepherd with Pano (male : started at the age of 8 months and lasted only until 13 months of age when we switched to a raw diet. No idea if the diet change helped or whether he just “grew” out of it.)
Pano’s pretty common in big growing dogs. Most people nowadays think it’s due to general overfeeding of calories and/or overfeeding of calcium (or both) - if you think the pup is “just right” that probably means he’s actually a little overweight. Puppies should be kept on the lean side to avoid problems like this and also reduce the chances of them developing hip dysplasia.
I would consider switching foods- the BB you’re feeding is remarkably low in protein and high in carbohydrates, it’s not suitable for a growing puppy at all. Even the AAFCO agrees- it’s not labelled for “all life stages”, it’s labelled “for adults only”. I personally don’t think it’s ok for an adult either, but everyone should agree it’s not suitable for a puppy.
