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
Our four-year old field trial dog, "Rex," has been intermittently
lame in his left front legs Our veterinarian suspects it is his shoulders
His x-rays however, did not show fractures, dislocations or signs of
arthritis. The doctor prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and rest. "Rex" got
better, but when we start to train him again, his lameness comes
backs It also seems to be getting worse. What could be wrong with him? |
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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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