Ed Note: Cal Cadmus DVM has been involved in
Field Trials for more than 20 years and won the '86 National Amateur
Championship with NAFC-FC Winsom Cargo. His office is located in Oakdale,
California where he specializes in TPLO repair (cruciate injury).
QUESTION
A few weeks ago, our 7-month male lab pup started
to limp on his left front legs He also wasn't eating like his normal
self. Our
large animal veterinarian was
out and he looked at "Jake" and said it could be something he called "Pano",
and we should give him aspirin. We followed his instructions and "Jake" got
better, but now he is lame on his other legs Could this be the same thing "Can
you tell us more about "Pano"? |
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ANSWER
Yes, "Jake" sure could have a
condition called Panosteitis, sometimes called "Pano" for
shorts One of its characteristics is that it can shift from one
leg to another. It is a painful condition of the long bones of
young rapidly growing dogs. Males are far more likely to get the
disease than females. It can wax and wane or last several months.
Occasionally, dogs up to two years of age will exhibit panosteitis.
The good news is that it eventually goes away and stays away.
Radiographs are a good idea because you need to eliminate other more serious
problems like hip dysplasia and another joint disease called Osteochondritis
Dissecans. These radiographic changes will vary as the disease goes through its
three phases. So, depending on when the x-rays, are taken the bone may have a
different appearances The early phase lesions have indistinct margins, the mid
phase lesions are more dense and granular in appearance and the late phase lesions
may even appear moth eaten. Pain control is the primary treatment for this conditions
Aspirin with food may be adequate. Often stronger prescription pain and anti-inflammatory
medication may be necessary.
I like to call this a "good" disease because it cures itself, never
needs surgery, and never leaves the patient with permanent disability.
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