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Westonka Animal Hospital & Laser Surgery Center
Mound, MN
Phone: (952) 472-4900
“Where Smart Pets Bring Their People”
www.westonkaanimalhospital.com
Panosteitis
What Is Panosteitis?
Panosteitis is an acquired inflammatory condition of undetermined cause that affects the fatty bone
marrow of long bones in large and giant breed dogs. It then has secondary effects on the bone. It is
one of the most common causes of lameness in young large breed dogs, usually between 5 and 12
months of age, but can occur in younger and in older dogs. It
has been found in dogs as old as 7 years of age.
Panosteitis Radiograph
Panosteitis results in degeneration of fat cells within the marrow
of the bone followed by inflammation and connective tissue
proliferation. It is often cyclic in nature, meaning that the patient
has episodes that wax and wane.
What Are The Symptoms of Panosteitis?
Males are more commonly affected than females. Symptoms of
panosteitis include sudden lameness, a "shifting leg" lameness,
and lethargy. Signs may resolve after several days or in 1 to 2
weeks; however, recurrence of symptoms is common up to 18
months of age. Anorexia and fever may also be present. Pain is
elicited with palpation of the affected long bone. German
shepherds, Doberman pinschers, and Basset hounds are most
commonly affected, though it occurs in most large breeds. Of
the three mentioned breeds, German Shepards are the most
commonly affected breed.
How is Panosteitis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis: The diagnosis of panosteitis is based on physical
examination findings and radiographs. The characteristic
radiographic findings include an increased density and blurring of
the marrow cavity of the long bones. This is often described as patchy and mottled. Multiple sites may
exist simultaneously. In some cases, the radiographic appearance of panosteitis does not correlate
with clinical signs.
Panosteitis is often over-diagnosed in young dogs when another cause of the lameness cannot be
confirmed. It is important to remember that panosteitis often occurs concurrently with other causes of
lameness in young dogs, including hip dysplasia.
Panosteitis is frequently found in dogs with an abnormal factor VIII or von Willebrand's disease and
therefore dogs with panosteitis should be checked for von Willebrand's disease. Abnormal factor VIII
and von Willebrand’s are both blood clotting disorders. Panosteitis and “hypertrophic osteodystrophy”
(HOD) may easily be confused because they both appear in young dogs with fever and lameness. Pain
due to panosteitis is restricted to the long shafts of the bone and the pain due to HOD the is found
closer to the ends of the long bones.
How Is It Treated?
Panosteitis is a self-limiting disease. Most clinically affected dogs will show complete resolution of signs
by 18 to 20 months of age. No specific therapy exists and treatment is aimed at supportive care for
dogs with fever, anorexia and pain. Strict rest and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
therapy are commonly prescribed. Corticosteroid medications (such as prednisone and prednisolone)
are generally not warranted.
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Nutrition
It is still unclear, whether or not nutrition plays a role in this condition. In general for large breed dogs,
it is recommended that their growth rate be slowed. Thus, we recommend feeding a super premium
diet designed for large breed dogs, a diet lower in protein, calcium, and calories than a regular puppy
diet. For more specific information regarding our nutrition recommendations, which includes
recommendations for large breed dogs, ask for our client information handout titled Feeding Puppies
and Kittens.
What Is The Prognosis For Panosteitis?
The prognosis for panosteitis is excellent. Even though panosteitis can cause intense discomfort ,
sometimes for months, it does not cause permanent lameness, arthritis or other deformities.
Genetics: It is still unclear just what role genetics plays in the
development in this disease. It is clear that certain lines of dogs, most
commonly German Shepards, seem to have a higher incidence rate.
Our recommendation is that if more than one puppy, that the puppy
breeder research the depth of the problem within the line they are
associated with. We do not recommend that an individual pet be
neutered or spayed based solely upon a diagnosis of Panosteitis.
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