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One of the most common orthopedic issues found in young, particularly large breed dogs, is the development of limping. Limping can have numerous causes from trauma/soft tissue injury to infectious agents like Lyme disease. However, it’s essential to not forget about numerous of the developmental bone disorders seen in young rapidly growing dogs such as Panosteitis or Hypertrophic osteodystrophy. Disorders like these are typically due to defects in elongation of the long bones of these dogs (the exact causes are typically not known) and can result in varying degrees of pain and limping in dogs from as young as 3-4 months of age many typically 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 essential for animal guardians and veterinarians to work these dogs up appropriately so as to correctly diagnose the cause of the lameness, as well as the treatment and prognosis. many 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 valuable in some dogs. While the exact causes are not known for many of these conditions, numerous veterinarians feel that over supplementation and/or excessive protein intake may be involved.