Panosteitis
Young dogs ofarge breeds such as German Shepherds, Dobermanns, Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, Labradors and Bassets most often have panosteitis. Seeds of the disease are unknown. At one time there were many theories that it's the result of virus and bacterial infections, but these myths were eventually dispelled. Now vets believe that a greater role play heavy bones of large dogs, heredity and metabolic diseases.
Panosteitis usually starts with sudden limp, which isn't the result of an injury. The limp may be mild and almost unnoticeable, but in some cases the dog at all, ceases to stand at the affected leg to avoid the pain. Sometimes there is low-grade fever and white blood cells are elevated. Symptoms may last from two to five months.
Panosteitis usually affects the elbow, shoulder, astragalus and shinbone, but also can affect the ilia. To confirm the diagnosis the X-ray is done.
Unfortunately, there is no medecine to completely cure panosteitis. They can only relieve the pain that occurs periodically. Antibiotics and steroids are useless. Sometimes the homeopathic medicine is used. Puppy needs rest and a special anti-inflammatory diet.
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
This is bone disease of young and large dogs also has other names: skeletal scurvy, Cheadle disease, osteodystrophy of second type. It may disease puppies of 3-6 months old (usually male dogs). Severe limp and pain usually occur in all feet simultaneously. Other symptoms are lethargy, loss of appetite and intermittent fever. Sometimes there are swellings around the elbow and shinbone. As in the case with panosteitis symptoms may disappear over time. Swellings are dangerous which have long held. Sometimes there are changes in the skull and teeth, but this is rare.
The presence of the disease can be seen by a barely noticeable dark lines at the ends of bones. They are visible on X-ray. The bones don't harden and don't develop as they should.
Many dogs affected by this disease, vitamin C is low. But it also happens that osteodystrophy affects those animals who received excessive doses of vitamins. That is, during the active phase of growth it's very important that feeding and supplements were balanced. If the dog has osteodystrophy you should reduce exercise and feed the puppy with anti-inflammatory properties food.
Osteochondrosis
It's a disease of cartilage around various joints, which usually begins at the age of 4-10 months. The cartilage is separated from the bones, becomes dry and lose its integrity. The causes can be trauma, heredity, hormone imbalance, lack of any nutrients and too rapid growth. Osteochondrosis usually affects the shoulder, elbow, knee or ankle. Some dogs are almost limp, while others completely lose the ability to move. Bones changes are visible on X-ray.
To treat it conservatively anti-inflammatory pain medecine are prescribed, as well as a complete rest for 1-2 months. The surgery is recommeded for dogs with large affects.
Disease prevention.
Abiding by a few rules, you can greatly reduce the risk of panosteitis, osteochondrosis and osteodystrophy.
Firstly, at young age of the puppy it's better not to give grains and carbohydrates, as these energy products promote rapid growth.
Secondly, excessive exercise and high jumps are very dangerous for dogs under one year old.
Thirdly, it's necessary to take additional measures for puppy's safety, too slippery floor at home can cause injury of limbs. Puppies are clumsy, so hard and smooth surface isn't suitable for them.
Finally, you can add to its diet eggshell bellow (don't confuse with the shell that contains calcium!), which nourishes the cadtilage and improves the integrity of the joints. Don't feed the puppy with a single mineral, as it can lead to unpredictable consequences. Only a balanced mix of vitamins and minerals specifically designed for growing dogs, provides the normal growth of bones.
