Shifting Lameness

Retriver Field Trial News - November 2004

Cal Cadmus DVM

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"?

 

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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