Puppy Limping

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

It's been a ruff [sic] week for Bosco -- some digestive problems earlier in the week, followed by limping that started, with no discernible cause, yesterday. I took him to the vet who did not find anything in his paw pads, nothing unusual to palpation in his right paw though he did lick her/his fore paw a lot when she was moving the wrist-area joint. An Xray was offered but she agreed with my "let's try a conservative approach first" suggestion - so he's on Tramadol twice a day.  Still limping today, but no whimpering; seems fine otherwise though not eating as much He's never been a great eater (total opposite of how my Lab had been) which I attribute to his early tummy problems.
Any ideas/suggestions?

[Lynne B]

My 11 month old labradoodle was limping and I was about to take him to the vet until my husband told me that he saw him run across the deck and slip in some water..So, maybe it's something as simple as that!

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

Thanks, Lynne - it probably is a simple little bruise or sprain, especially considering how active he tends to get on some burst of energy rampages. His abdomen checked out okay, too, as did a canine they wanted to follow up on from when I first brought him home and there was concern about how it was hitting the gum, so I'm glad I had him checked out and got some medication to hopefully ease whatever discomfort he may be having. Our poor babies.
BTW, Beck has got some beautiful eyes....

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

The limping is getting worse, unfortunately. Bosco is just laying around this morning. I stopped by the groomer with him yesterday who did not see or feel anything herself but obviously today I'm more concerned. Any ideas as to what this could be?

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

Pup has PANOSTEITIS. Confirmed on xray done today (typically this does not appear on xray unitl 5-7 days after onset of symptoms, such as limping); a Valley Fever blood test was also drawn. Disease of mostly young, growing large breed dogs - long bones affected more, degeneration/regeneration of fat cells within the marrow. Waxes and wanes under conditions of stress - including heavy activity like running in the park which Bosco had done at the Doodle Romp shortly before this happened. Treated with anti-inflammatories and is generally self-limiting, resolving at sexual maturity. Although, of course, he was already neutered, leading to that debate of pro's and con's. At any rate, I certainly hope he's in that category. I'd hate, at 6 mos. old, for my poor dog to have a life-long illness.
If anyone has heard of this, please share any knowledge.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Susan, I was just about to tell you to post in the Health group and saw you have already done so.

I am so sorry about the diagnosis. Here's to hoping it clears up as he finishes growing/maturing.

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

Thanks, Allyson - I'm starting to get glimpses of my "old" young dog - he's back to being playful and putting some pressure on that paw. HOWEVER, don't know if he's feeling out of sorts brought this on: a series of accidents (of the bowel kind) on my beautiful Oriental rug in the living room! I'm hoping that is as temporary as his illness.

[Carol Hanr]

Susan, my LuLu had it at an early age. She was on anti-inflamatory drug (liquid) for about 2 months and thank goodness, she is almost 2 and has never been bothered with it again. I'll never forget when it started...she woke up one morning and did not want to get up. My dd managed to get her out of her crate and into the car for the vet visit. My vet gave her a shot and I started on the meds the next day. A day or two later she was walking, just could not let her run around.

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

I'm sorry to hear LuLu had this also -- but it's so reassuring to hear others have and healed so well. Another vet from the practice, who was filling in for mine who's away now, called yesterday and left a message that at least the Valley Fever profile came back negative -- but that he also reviewed the films and agreed with the diagnosis. He also said "good news" it shouldn't last too long - glad LuLu has shown no further signs. Can you feel that sigh of relief from me?

[Kyoko]

I am so sorry about Bosco's illness.... Hopefully, he would recover from it soon..... :-(
This Panosteitis sounds like "Osgood Shlatters Disease" in human adolescent....

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

Thanks for reminding me of that! I kept calling it "growing pains" like my kids used to get -- I totally forgot that one of my kids went to the dr. once and that's exactly what they called it - Osgood Shalatters. Even nurse that I am didn't recall that one. I was skeptical of the diagnosis at first but now that I know another vet concurred, and that it will -- and already seems to be -- passing with time I am counting my blessings that's all it is.
I appreciate your - and Kyoko's - kind words and support.

[Kyoko]

Both of my sons had it...( active athletes) It seemed to never going away at that time, but it eventually did... Anti-inflamatory was what they took as well.... I hope Bosco is feeling better...