Panosteitis in Dogs (Growing Pains)

Description of the Condition

Panosteitis, often called “growing pains,” is an inflammatory condition affecting the long bones of young, rapidly growing dogs.

  • It causes shifting leg lameness (lameness may move from one leg to another).

  • Typically affects the radius, ulna, humerus, femur, or tibia.

  • The condition is self-limiting — dogs usually outgrow it once bone growth slows.

  • While it can be painful, panosteitis does not cause long-term damage to the bones or joints.

Common Causes

  • Exact cause is unknown, but suspected factors include:

    • Genetics in predisposed breeds.

    • Rapid bone growth in large and giant breed puppies.

    • Possible nutritional factors (excessive calories or protein).

  • Not caused by injury or trauma.

Breeds at Risk

  • Large and giant breeds such as German Shepherds, Basset Hounds, Great Danes, Dobermans, Golden Retrievers.

  • Typically occurs between 5–18 months of age.

  • More common in males than females.

Possible Treatments

There is no cure, but treatment focuses on managing pain and keeping the puppy comfortable until the condition resolves.

  • Medical Management: Short-term use of pain relief and anti-inflammatories as prescribed by a veterinarian.

  • Lifestyle Management: Controlled activity to avoid worsening lameness.

  • Condition usually resolves on its own by adulthood.

Role of Rehabilitation

Pain and Comfort Support

  • Cold therapy during flare-ups to reduce inflammation.

  • Heat therapy in recovery phases to relax muscles.

  • Massage to ease tension from compensating muscles.

Stretching and Mobility

  • Gentle stretching of unaffected joints to prevent stiffness.

  • PROM (passive range of motion) if a limb is unused for long periods.

Strengthening and Stability

  • Once pain is controlled, short leash walks to maintain conditioning.

  • Avoid strenuous or high-impact activities during flare-ups.

  • Swimming may be used for safe, low-impact exercise when tolerated.

Measuring Recovery and Communication

  • Owners can log lameness episodes (which leg, severity, duration).

  • Rehab practitioners track gait, pain level, and muscle balance over time.

What Owners Can Do at Home

Daily Care

  • Provide rest during flare-ups — avoid running, jumping, or rough play.

  • Keep walks short and controlled until lameness improves.

  • Offer a soft, supportive bed to reduce pressure on sore limbs.

Comfort and Pain Relief

  • Use cold packs during acute lameness for 10–15 minutes.

  • Apply warm compresses or gentle massage when stiffness develops after a flare-up.

  • Follow your vet’s instructions for medications as needed.

Nutrition

  • Feed a balanced large-breed puppy diet — avoid over-supplementing calcium, protein, or calories.

  • Keep puppies at a healthy body weight to minimize stress on growing bones.

Monitoring and Communication

  • Track when lameness appears and which leg is affected.

  • Expect lameness to “shift” between legs — this is a hallmark of panosteitis.

  • Report persistent or severe pain to your veterinarian to rule out other conditions.

Final Thoughts

Panosteitis can be worrying for owners, but it is a temporary, self-limiting condition. With proper management — including rest, comfort care, controlled exercise, and good nutrition — most puppies recover fully as they mature.