Panosteitis!?

[Joan and Hunter]

My 8 month old doodle, Hunter, has been limping for a week and a half now.   It was very slight at first and seemed to alternate between both front legs. Now the past 3 days it is only his left leg.  He does not act any different in general, and does not show that his leg is hurting when I probe all up and down. He was on large breed puppy food as he is a medium weighing about 60 lbs now.  But now I am understanding that they should be off puppy food earlier as too much protein may cause this lameness. Any thoughts or anyone else having this problem with their doodles.  I feel so bad for him but he doesn't seem to really care too much.  I know it bothers him because he will hold up his paw and of course not want to put any weight on it.  I am brand new to this forum and this is my first discussion.  Thanks so much for any help and advice!   

Hunter and Joan

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Hi Joan,

I am so sorry that Hunter is suffering with this. I never heard of until reading you post so I googled it. Does sound like it is something he will outgrow but it will take some time.

Did you vet recommend a food for him? Did he say how much protein is good for him?

I have no info to offer except for this one - join the Food Group here in DK and post this. I am sure that there is someone who will know of a good, low protein kibble for Hunter.You can cook for him and limit the meat protein.

Good Luck to you and Hunter!!! I hope he feels better soon!!

Adrianne

 

[Joan and Hunter]

Hi Adrianne

Thank you for responding!  You know when we first took Hunter to our vet they kind of pushed Science Diet and I knew that because Corn is the FlRST ingredient, it must be inferior food.  So I don't really trust their nutritional knowledge!  Ha...  They said something like  "oh corn is a good source of protein!"  Really??? So I have done my own research and thank you for recommending the food group.  I will do that.  I am gradually switching Hunter off puppy food as we speak.  Today he is still limping, but I am hoping it wont last too much longer!

Thanks!!

Joan

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I have known of some doodles who will limp after some activity, with no insult or injury to the limb. Some have been told that if their pup grew really quickly or put on weight quickly as a pup that it can stress the joints and ligaments as they are growing and it can take some time to grow out of it being an issue.   Is he very active or play with other dogs?  Our one dog would limp at times too during his first year after hard playing, but i always attributed that to rough housing. Just a though./

[Joan and Hunter]

Yes,  you know Hunter is VERY active and I take him to the dog park almost every day.   Plus walks and trails etc.Perhaps his high activity level has brought this on also?   I did not SEE him do anything where he may have injured his front legs but he does wrestle with other dogs and he loves that.  Thank you for the information!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/healthandmedicalissues/forum/topi...

[Joan, Louie and Mila]

Louie was diagnosed with this when he was almost a year old. He had been diagnosed with Lymes, a month or so before and then he began to limp again. The xray showed an area of increased density in the bones...that with the fact he was a male, large breed dog...got us the diagnosis. We stopped the puppy food to decrease the protein and rimadyl for the pain. Louie was better in a week or two.

You should see improvement soon.

[Joan and Hunter]

Oh I am glad Louie did not have to suffer  too long, but yea even a day is too long and we feel bad for them. Thank you!  Yes I hope it does not last  and also that it does not keep reoccurring as I hear some people say!

I gave baby aspirin for a couple of days and perhaps it helps with the pain.  He still wants to run and play!

Thank you !

Joan

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

When researching grain free diets for our Apollo I remember reading about the effects that high protein can have on large breed dogs.  I do remember reading that it helps to keep the dogs weight on the lean side and maybe a little under.  Less weight, less pressure on the bones/joints.  Which makes sense know that I've read how it affects the bones growth.  I would suggest posting in the food group.  Karen is an excellent resource when it comes to nutrition questions.

Sorry to hear Hunter is in pain.  Hopefully it doesn't last much longer. 

[Melissa & Wesley]

Hi Joan,

My then 4 1/2 month old Goldendoodle Bailey (now almost 6 months) was recently diagnosed with Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD). Here is what I had posted in the food group about a month ago:


"Sorry it has been a couple days since I have been on. Just trying to catch up on some things I neglected while taking care of my doodle baby. 
The good news, Bailey is basically back to himself! :)  He is barking, playing with the kids & his toys, wanting to run, etc.  So here is what has developed since I last informed you all:
The vet called us on Tuesday to tell us that Bailey's urine culture came back negative, so no UTI & no kidney infection. HUH???  That is exactly what we were thinking! So, Bailey stopped the antibiotics Tuesday. The irregular white blood cells in the urine seemed to be linked to the HOD diagnosis. another huh? Anyway, he is taking 3 more days worth of Rimadyl, then we see how he does off it.  The vet wants us to keep a close eye on him.  They scheduled a follow up appointment for 2 weeks from this Friday, as they have been poking and prodding him for over a week and they feel he needs some time to recuperate.  He is to not get the Lepto vaccine until they are certain he is doing 100% better. 
So, now it is a wait and see game.  The next growth spurt will tell all.  Either he is going to get through it with no problems and his bones will grow at a normal rate OR he will have the same problem he went through recently with the lack of eating, lethargy, painful legs, high temps, etc.  His front legs definitely are growing abnormally, with a bow to them (the left being worse than the right).  His left paw is starting to point outward.  The vet feels if he keeps his weight steady and does not do a lot of physical activity (ie. running out doors on the concrete), his paw and legs may correct themselves.  But again, it is a wait and see scenario.  So right now, we are just happy he is feeling better, more himself, and are loving him and pampering him!
I spoke with the breeder we purchased Bailey from and she said she has not had a report of any of her puppies coming down with HOD (or bone disease).  We faxed her the diagnosis from Bailey's vet, so she can have this information in the event of a future puppy coming down with HOD.  The breeder has been great!  We are to keep her posted as to how Bailey his doing.
So, that is it for now.  All is quiet in our household.  We are all relaxing and enjoying each day that we all are healthy!
Thank you again for all your support and kind words!  I really appreciate all of you!
Big hugs and kisses to you all!
Melissa & Bailey "

Today, Bailey is showing signs again of the HOD flaring up. His blood results showed that his white blood cell count was elevated again (not as high as before, but way out of normal range). I just wanted to let you know that your Hunter's symptoms do not sound like Bailey's and I do not want you to feel like I am diagnosing your puppy. I just wanted to let you know about Bailey's diagnosis and yes, he is currently on a lower protein/calcium/calories food...he is eating Fromm Chicken A La Veg right now. He felt much better when he was taking Rimadyl (which we are getting for him tomorrow in the event he has issues with pain and walking again). Bailey at one point was unable to walk and we had to carry him outside to go to the bathroom and hold him as he went. I hope this info helps you! And please remember you are not alone! My vet actually had hoped Bailey had pano, and was upset when all the signs pointed to HOD. Right now his paws are starting to point outward and his front legs are a little bowed. We are hoping the change in food helps to slow his growth down so he does not have problems with his legs. Only time will tell. Another 2-3 months should tell. Bailey has a good chance of survival, but we hope there is not too much deformity to his front legs so he is able to get around without problems.

Please feel free to contact me any time. I am here for support!

I hope Hunter feels better soon!

[Joan and Hunter]

Hi Melissa

OH poor Bailey.  I am so sorry to hear this!  Thank you for all the information.  Knowledge is power!!  Today Hunter is still limping on the left leg.  And from what I hear it may last a bit.  Yes, I am changing his food from the large breed puppy food to adult food and also the amount.  He is very active so that has been monitored  also.

  How is Bailey doing today??  What a heart breaking ordeal for you.  I hope he is better.  As suggested I will join the Food group as nutrition is so important.  Thank you for sharing!

Joan

[Joan and Hunter]

Hi Tina

Yes, I will join the food group!  I wish I would have heard about pano before.  The large breed puppy food I was giving  has 26% protein and recommends 6 cups a day for the age and weight of Hunter.  I thought that was crazy but then thinking this was large breed puppy food, maybe that much is needed.   Now I think after more research, that is way too much for any type of food.  So he is being taken off that gradually and cut back.  He is not fat, but probably needs to be more on the lean side!!  OH  Thank you so much for your thoughts!

Joan

[Joan and Hunter]

Thank you for all who responded and giving such great advice.   I will join the Food group also as nutrition is so important and I think some times we take it for granted that vets and manufacturers of pet food know what they are talking about!!  Hunter is pretty much the same today. Limping on the left foot.  He does still want to go and play and romp.  I am glad his energy is still up and he "seems" fine!  Just that annoying limp!  Time I hope will take care of it!

Thanks all !!

Joan and Hunter