Panosteitis
We have a
four month old German shepherd puppy that weighs 42 lbs. He was the
largest puppy in the litter. We have been giving him calcium supplements
and feeding him a premium puppy food four times a day. He walks on his
hocks and doesn't want to run and prefers to laying down a lot. Dog
was x-rayed, hips and elbows show no sign of dysplasia. Help!!
Fast
growing, large breed dogs are prone to a developmental disease called
panosteitis. Due to the high protein, high calcium diet and the genetic
predisposition to grow big fast, the bones outgrow their blood supply.
The long bones become weak and painful. With nutritional modifications,
puppies with panosteitis are able to outgrow the disease to lead a
normal life in the future. Panosteitis is diagnosed by a thorough
musculoskeletal examination and x-rays. Of course, other neurological
and musculoskeletal diseases are possible, to be investigated by your
veterinarian.
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