 |
One of the most common orthopedic issues found in young, particularly large breed dogs, is the development of limping. Limping can have many causes from trauma/soft tissue injury to infectious agents like Lyme disease. However, it’s important to not forget about many of the developmental bone disorders seen in young rapidly growing dogs such as Panosteitis or Hypertrophic osteodystrophy. Disorders like these are usually due to defects in elongation of the long bones of these dogs (the exact causes are often not known) and can lead to varying degrees of pain and limping in dogs from as young as 3-4 months of age most commonly up to 16 to 24 months of age. |
The limping can appear in one limb and then resolve, while only later to appear in another limb a short time later. Some dogs can develop fevers and stop eating in severe cases. It is important for animal guardians and veterinarians to work these dogs up appropriately so as to properly diagnose the cause of the lameness, as well as the treatment and prognosis. Most pet’s symptoms will resolve with rest and anti-inflammatory therapy including prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Rimadyl, Previcox, or other pain medications like Tramadol.
I have found natural supplements like Proanthozone as well as Yucca Intensive to be helpful in some dogs. While the exact causes are not known for most of these conditions, many veterinarians feel that over supplementation and/or excessive protein intake may be involved.
Read Related Posts on PetMeds Blog:
4 Comments
Dear Dr. Dym!
Mine old dog has disease \carpal laxity\ (see photo), she constantly gets cortikosteroid medicine ( she has collapse of trachea)
Yesterday we were at orthoped doctor who said that she can’t receive medication. She is very badly going, and I fear it will interrupt the ligament, it means the death of her.
If there are any medication that might help him in his short remaining life, please help.
Best regards.
György Varga
[Reply]
Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
January 26th, 2012 at 2:58 pm
Iwould ask your vet about possibly prescribing a drug called theophylline which may help dilate airways. Also supplements like glycoflex can also help with increasing the strength of the cartilage.
[Reply]
Dear D. Dym!
Thank you for your answer, but these drugs have not help her. They were trying.
Best regards
[Reply]
Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
January 27th, 2012 at 5:13 pm
You can also consider acupuncture and/or chinese herbs from a vet trained in these modalities.
[Reply]
Thank You Dr. Michael!
I will try.
Best regards
[Reply]
My dog has severe trachea collapse, he was just started on Prednisone 5mg 1 x a day for 5 days……….then 5 days off, he is also taking theophilline daily, and hycodan as needed, are there other meds better for this disease? any herbs? Someone advised that i should be giving a straight Narcotic instead of Hycodan not to dry out membranes? Can you please tell me in your experience what meds work best? He was diagnosed 2 years ago but only had 2 episodes where he was giving Hycodan and was fine. Now it has been starting again, he was not on any meds, until 2 weeks ago. I would appreciate any feedback he will be 8 years young, He is a Yorkie 9lbs Thank You Very Much! I need feedback as it is very hard to watch this pup having difficulties breathing,
[Reply]
Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
January 30th, 2012 at 11:20 am
There are special type of stent surgeries that can be done in this case. You can also see a holistic veterinarian in your area for possible chinese herbs or homeopathy.
[Reply]