Panosteitis

Also known as wondering lameness or growing pains.

Pano is a common disease of the dog that manifests as wondering lameness. One day your dog may be lame on their front and one day on the back, other owners see that it affects one limb only. Mostly seen in large, fast growing puppies, Panosteitis usually resolves itself by the time the dog is month 24 months. The onset of Panosteitis is usually very sudden and quite often without a knock or fall although some owners report the onset after incidents such as collisions with other dogs. At this stage in the dogs life the bones are still soft and have yet to fully calcify and mature and it is often the long bones that are affected eg: ulna & radius and humerus (to make the elbow joint) and fibia &tibia and femur to make the stifle or knee joint)

The nature of this dis-ease means it is cyclical. You may see sudden bouts lasting a few weeks and then nothing for a few months. The cause is unknown but has been put down to viral infections, genetics, trauma to the bone following a knock or fall, stress and metabolism.

Panosteitis is characterized by the formation of osteoblasts (a cell that makes bone) and fibroblasts (cells used for connective tissue and wound healing) in the periosteum (outer lining of bones) and endosteum. (inner lining of bones) which aggravate your dog as they grow and change. Your vet can diagnose panotsteitis via x ray and palpation.

Massage can help panosteitis by:

• Increasing the blood flow and circulation to the affected area to speed up the body`s natural healing process
  Aids areas of overcompensation from the affected limbs so your dog is more comfortable.
• Preventing your dog from developing holding patterns during the pain cycle eg:gait irregularities may be held if your dog begins to see this as their normal way of walking.
• Soothing areas of soreness and tension.

Commonly seen in German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Irish Red Setter, Pointers and any fast growing medium to large breed.