Darwin's Growing Pains

Poor Darwin. He’s got growing pains….

Growing Pains: Osteochondrosis, Ununited Anconeal Process, Fragmented Coronoid Process, Panosteitis

Panosteitis

Panosteitis is the most common and painful of the “growing pains” with the age of onset usually between five and twelve months of age. It has been reported in dogs as young as two months of age and as old as five years of age. While panosteitis usually affects large or giant breeds of dogs, it can also affect the Basset Hound.

CLINICAL SIGNS:

Clinically, there is pain in the long bones (humerus, ulna, radius, femur, and tibia) which is manifested by slight to severe lameness which can last from a few days to several weeks. Some animals may be reluctant to move at all. Often the lameness shifts from one limb to another every two to three weeks, with apparent lapses in clinical manifestations of up to three months between episodes. Multiple bone involvement is seen in about one-half of the cases. The classic finding on physical examination is pain on deep palpation of the long bones. Some animals may have reduced appetite and activity during the painful periods. The complete course of the disease is usually two to three months, but it can range from a week to six or eight months.

RADIOGRAPHIC (X-RAY) SIGNS:

Ultimately, the diagnosis of panosteitis is made radiographically. A radioisotope bone scan can be used to diagnose those with no radiographic lesions.

THERAPY:

Inasmuch as the cause of panosteitis is not known, only symptomatic treatment is recommended for those animals who need pain relief. Antiinflammatory drugs such as aspirin and corticosteroids are probably the most commonly used agents. The disease will eventually run its course and resolve at maturity.