| Panosteitis Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc. |
What is panosteitis?
Panosteitis is a bone disease of dogs that is characterized by bone proliferation and remodeling. It is often painful
and can last as long as 18 months, though more commonly it lasts from 2 to 5 months. It is characterized by lameness
that often comes and goes and changes from leg to leg. It is a common problem in several large breeds and the cause
is currently unknown. The treatment is symptomatic but the outcome is usually very good.
Who gets panosteitis?
Panosteitis is most common in large breed dogs between 6 and 18 months of age. Occasionally, middle-aged German
Shepherds will have a bout of panosteitis. It affects dogs worldwide and has been recognized and studied since the
1950's. Male dogs are much more likely to get panosteitis then females. There is a higher incidence in several breeds
including German Shepherds, Great Danes, Doberman Pinschers, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers,
Rottweilers, and Basset Hounds.
What causes panosteitis?
The cause of panosteitis is currently unknown. There have been many theories as to the cause of this disease.
Originally, it was suspected that the disease was caused by a bacterial infection. However, several investigational
studies failed to isolate any bacteria. In addition, the disease responds poorly to antibiotics, further suggesting a
cause other than bacterial.
Other studies showed that if bone marrow from affected dogs was injected into the bones of healthy dogs, the
healthy dogs would contract the disease. It has therefore been speculated that a virus may cause the disease. The
high fever, tonsillitis, and altered white blood cell count would also go along with the viral theory. Another interesting
twist to the viral theory is that panosteitis was first identified as a problem at the same time that modified live
distemper vaccines became widely available on the market. Since wild distemper virus can be isolated from bone
tissue, some researchers feel that there might be a link between distemper virus vaccine and panosteitis, however,
more research in this area will need to be done before any serious speculations can be made.
Another theory is that panosteitis might have a genetic link. Because of the greatly increased incidence in certain
breeds and families of dogs, it is very likely that there is a genetic component involved in this disease.
Lately, there have been some claims that nutrition, particularly protein and fat concentrations in the diet, may have
an impact on the incidence of the disease. But here again, more research needs to be done to substantiate these
claims. Most likely this is a multifactorial disease that has several different causes including viral, genetic, and
possibly nutritional.
What are the symptoms?
Presenting symptoms include a history of acute sudden lameness not associated with any trauma. It is usually a large
breed male dog between the ages of 6 to 18 months. There are periods of lameness lasting from 2 to 3 weeks and it
may shift from leg to leg. The most commonly affected bones are the radius, ulna, humerus, femur, and tibia, though
the foot and pelvic bones may also be involved. The dog may show a reluctance to walk or exercise. When the affected
bones are squeezed, the dog reacts painfully. Occasionally, affected dogs will have a fever, tonsillitis, or an elevated
white blood cell count.
How is panosteitis diagnosed?
Panosteitis is often diagnosed based on a combination of presenting signs and radiographs (x-rays). The presenting
symptoms are listed above. If a dog is suspected of having panosteitis, then radiographs are indicated to confirm the
diagnosis. Individual radiographs of each affected limb should be taken. Often, radiographs of the unaffected limbs
are also taken to compare the bone changes. In early forms of the disease, a subtle increase in bone density is
observed in the center part of the affected bones. During the middle part of the disease, the bone becomes more
patchy or mottled in appearance and the outer surface of the bone may appear roughened. In the late phase, the bone
is still slightly mottled, but is beginning to return to a more normal appearance.
How is panosteitis treated?
There is no specific treatment for the disease. Since this condition is often very painful, painkillers such as buffered
aspirin or carprofen (Rimadyl) are recommended. (Do NOT give your cat aspirin unless prescribed by your
veterinarian.) These products are used as needed to help control the pain. Antibiotics are not routinely used unless
there are indications of concurrent infections. In severe cases, steroids are used, but because of the potential
long-term side effects of these drugs, painkillers are often tried first. This disease is self-limiting and after it runs
its course, there are very few long-term side effects or need for further treatment. As mentioned earlier, the
disease usually lasts for two to five months, but can last much longer. There are several conditions with similar
symptoms, so if a dog continues to have symptoms after the normal period of time or is not responding to treatment,
she should be reevaluated.
How is panosteitis prevented?
There is currently no way to prevent the disease. However, because of the potential genetic link, breeding animals
should be screened to ensure that they are not potential carriers of the disease. Despite the numerous puppy foods
catering to large breed dogs, there is no current evidence that confirms that these foods will lower the incidence of
the disease when compared to standard commercial puppy food. If an animal shows symptoms of the disease, they
should be promptly diagnosed and treated and exercise and activity should be reduced until the symptoms have gone
away.
References and Further Reading
Brinker, W; Piermattei, DL; Flo, GL. Handbook of Small Animal Orthopedics and Fracture Treatment. W.B. Saunders
Co. Philadelphia, PA; 1983.
Ettinger, S. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine. W.B. Saunders Co. Philadelphia, PA; 1989.
'Panosteitis,' Compendium of Continuing Education. January 1996.
Panosteitis is a bone disease of dogs that is characterized by bone proliferation and remodeling. It is often painful
and can last as long as 18 months, though more commonly it lasts from 2 to 5 months. It is characterized by lameness
that often comes and goes and changes from leg to leg. It is a common problem in several large breeds and the cause
is currently unknown. The treatment is symptomatic but the outcome is usually very good.
Who gets panosteitis?
Panosteitis is most common in large breed dogs between 6 and 18 months of age. Occasionally, middle-aged German
Shepherds will have a bout of panosteitis. It affects dogs worldwide and has been recognized and studied since the
1950's. Male dogs are much more likely to get panosteitis then females. There is a higher incidence in several breeds
including German Shepherds, Great Danes, Doberman Pinschers, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers,
Rottweilers, and Basset Hounds.
What causes panosteitis?
The cause of panosteitis is currently unknown. There have been many theories as to the cause of this disease.
Originally, it was suspected that the disease was caused by a bacterial infection. However, several investigational
studies failed to isolate any bacteria. In addition, the disease responds poorly to antibiotics, further suggesting a
cause other than bacterial.
Other studies showed that if bone marrow from affected dogs was injected into the bones of healthy dogs, the
healthy dogs would contract the disease. It has therefore been speculated that a virus may cause the disease. The
high fever, tonsillitis, and altered white blood cell count would also go along with the viral theory. Another interesting
twist to the viral theory is that panosteitis was first identified as a problem at the same time that modified live
distemper vaccines became widely available on the market. Since wild distemper virus can be isolated from bone
tissue, some researchers feel that there might be a link between distemper virus vaccine and panosteitis, however,
more research in this area will need to be done before any serious speculations can be made.
Another theory is that panosteitis might have a genetic link. Because of the greatly increased incidence in certain
breeds and families of dogs, it is very likely that there is a genetic component involved in this disease.
Lately, there have been some claims that nutrition, particularly protein and fat concentrations in the diet, may have
an impact on the incidence of the disease. But here again, more research needs to be done to substantiate these
claims. Most likely this is a multifactorial disease that has several different causes including viral, genetic, and
possibly nutritional.
What are the symptoms?
Presenting symptoms include a history of acute sudden lameness not associated with any trauma. It is usually a large
breed male dog between the ages of 6 to 18 months. There are periods of lameness lasting from 2 to 3 weeks and it
may shift from leg to leg. The most commonly affected bones are the radius, ulna, humerus, femur, and tibia, though
the foot and pelvic bones may also be involved. The dog may show a reluctance to walk or exercise. When the affected
bones are squeezed, the dog reacts painfully. Occasionally, affected dogs will have a fever, tonsillitis, or an elevated
white blood cell count.
How is panosteitis diagnosed?
Panosteitis is often diagnosed based on a combination of presenting signs and radiographs (x-rays). The presenting
symptoms are listed above. If a dog is suspected of having panosteitis, then radiographs are indicated to confirm the
diagnosis. Individual radiographs of each affected limb should be taken. Often, radiographs of the unaffected limbs
are also taken to compare the bone changes. In early forms of the disease, a subtle increase in bone density is
observed in the center part of the affected bones. During the middle part of the disease, the bone becomes more
patchy or mottled in appearance and the outer surface of the bone may appear roughened. In the late phase, the bone
is still slightly mottled, but is beginning to return to a more normal appearance.
How is panosteitis treated?
There is no specific treatment for the disease. Since this condition is often very painful, painkillers such as buffered
aspirin or carprofen (Rimadyl) are recommended. (Do NOT give your cat aspirin unless prescribed by your
veterinarian.) These products are used as needed to help control the pain. Antibiotics are not routinely used unless
there are indications of concurrent infections. In severe cases, steroids are used, but because of the potential
long-term side effects of these drugs, painkillers are often tried first. This disease is self-limiting and after it runs
its course, there are very few long-term side effects or need for further treatment. As mentioned earlier, the
disease usually lasts for two to five months, but can last much longer. There are several conditions with similar
symptoms, so if a dog continues to have symptoms after the normal period of time or is not responding to treatment,
she should be reevaluated.
How is panosteitis prevented?
There is currently no way to prevent the disease. However, because of the potential genetic link, breeding animals
should be screened to ensure that they are not potential carriers of the disease. Despite the numerous puppy foods
catering to large breed dogs, there is no current evidence that confirms that these foods will lower the incidence of
the disease when compared to standard commercial puppy food. If an animal shows symptoms of the disease, they
should be promptly diagnosed and treated and exercise and activity should be reduced until the symptoms have gone
away.
References and Further Reading
Brinker, W; Piermattei, DL; Flo, GL. Handbook of Small Animal Orthopedics and Fracture Treatment. W.B. Saunders
Co. Philadelphia, PA; 1983.
Ettinger, S. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine. W.B. Saunders Co. Philadelphia, PA; 1989.
'Panosteitis,' Compendium of Continuing Education. January 1996.
| This site was created by and is maintained by Belinda Winters for BFH Bassets. If you have any questions or comments email belindawinters@bfhbassets.com |
