Hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD) is an uncommon disease, please bear with my long descriptive answer.

It is a disease affecting the metaphyseal bone adjacent to the growth plates in young (3-7 months), large, rapid-growing breeds of dogs.

The cause is unknown. Many theories such as vaccine reactions or Vitamin C deficiency have been suggested but none proven.

Affected pups may have lameness and grossly observable swellings of the distal metaphyses of the ulna, radius and occasionally the tibia. Lameness may be episodic and the degree varies. Lesions of the mandible, metacarpals, scapula, ribs,and costochondral junctions have been observed during attacks of HOD, but involvement of these areas appears to be uncommon. There may be severe pain on opening the mouth which may account for loss of appetite in many animals. Hypersalivation has also been noted. As healing occurs, bone thickening of the metaphysis develops with extensive periosteal and bone remodeling which can result in limb deformities.

Systemic signs are often present and may include pyrexia, anorexia, pain, arched back, and a reluctance to move. Sometimes there is a history of diarrhea preceding these signs.

The diagnosis is based on age and breed, clinical signs, and radiographic findings. The blood work and urinalysis changes are non-specific for this disease and usually reflect dehydration and bone growth in the young patient.

Radiographs: This is how it is usually diagnosed and hopefully your dog has had xrays taken.

Treatment/Management/Prevention:
SPECIFIC
1) The clinical signs seem to improve with whatever treatments are administered as evidenced by one study which compared results of different treatments (antibiotics only; antibiotics and corticosteroids; or antibiotics, corticosteroids, and vitamin C) as well as no treatment. Most dogs recover from the systemic signs within 7-10 days. However bony changes may take months to improve.

SUPPORTIVE
1) Physical activity should be limited.

2) Supportive care and adequate nutrition should be maintained. I large breed premium puppy food such as Hills or Eukanuba.

3) Symptomatic treatment for fever and pain are indicated. Anti-inflammatories can be used to control pain. Though in theory they should all be equally efficacious, some patients appear to respond better to one over another; thus, failure to achieve an analgesic effect with one drug does not imply lack of response to all anti-inflams.

Here are some doses from my drug book which your vet will be able to understand (if you do not)

Aspirin or buffered aspirin: 10-25 mg/kg q8-12h or as needed: Discontinue if vomiting occurs.
Carprofen (Rimadyl): 2 mg/kg PO q 24h
Deracoxib (Deramaxx): For chronic dosing use 1-2 mg/kg PO q 24 hr as needed.
Etodolac (EtoGesic): 10-15 mg/kg PO q24h
Firocoxib (Previcox): 5 mg/kg PO q 24 hr. Do not use in puppies less than 7 months of age or in dogs weighing less than 7 pounds.
Meloxicam: 0.2 mg/kg first dose; then 0.1 mg/kg thereafter q 24 hr PO.
Tepoxalin (Zubrin): 20 mg/kg PO q24h x 1 treatment; then 10 mg/kg PO q 24 h. This is similar to carprofen and ketoprofen.

5) Corticosteroid use has been debatable. It could be harmful if the pup is immunosuppressed or has a bacterial infection. The use of these may explain why your pup is getting swollen tonsils and red eyes. The corticosteroids may be supressing the immune system making her prone to these infections.

6) Use of antibiotics if bacterial infection is suspected.

ALSO:
1) The more severe the disease, the more severe the bowing deformity of the legs
2) Bowing and deformities are permanent.
3) Disease tends to relapse and recur.

I hope this helps and please let me know if you have further questions.Veterinarian10140985.3558799421