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Panosteitis, Wandering Lameness
The cause of panosteitis (inflammation of the lining of the bone), also called "growing pains", is unknown, but there is a tendency for the disease to run in families. German Shepherds, German Shorthaired Pointers, St. Bernards, Basset Hounds, Great Danes and Doberman Pinschers are commonly affected. Male dogs are four times more frequently affected than females.
Signs of Panosteitis
A characteristic sign is the tendency for pain and lameness to shift from one location to another over a course of several weeks or months. The disease often is accompanied by fever, eosinophils in the white blood count, muscle wasting, and unthriftiness, although in many dogs the blood test may show normal chemistry.
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Eosinophil is a type of white blood cell which is a reddish color when stained and examined under a microscope. They increase in number when the patient has an allergic condition or when there is an invasion of the body by parasites (worms, etc.). Eosinophilia is an abormally large number of eosinophils in the circulating blood.
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Pressure over the shaft of the affected bone elicits pain. X-rays show the characteristic picture of increased density in a long bone. The femur (thigh bone) and the humerus (upper arm bone) are most frequently affected. Your dog can suddenly become unusually lethargic, may have decreased appetite and is reluctant to exercise.
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Treatment of Panosteitis
As the cause is unknown, treatment is directed at the relief of bone pain. Most dogs recover spontaneously, but if severely affected, may never regain full muscle strength and condition. Once an individual bone recovers, the condition usually does not occur in that limb. Buffered aspirin is usually an analgesic of choice (). Restricting exercise is recommended to prevent flare-ups of inflammation.
References:
1. The Dog: Its Behavior, Nutrition and Health. Linda P. Case
Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.
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