Accepted Answer

Thanks for the question XXXXXXX.

While I cannot diagnose this over the internet I can tell you what would be going through my mind if I was presented with such a case.

Large breed dogs such as yours can have various medical conditions which can cause a shifting lameness when they are in this age group. The best way to come to some diagnosis may well be via x-ray, without that you will be stabbing in the dark. The main condition I can think of is panosteitis, I will tell you what I know about it :


1. The age range for dogs to be affected is between five and eighteen months, so that fits in your case.

2. It affects larger breeds dogs like Labs and GSDs, again this fits in your case.

3. The hallmark of this disease is a marked lameness, it can be that this is a shifting lameness meaning first one leg is affected and then another, both front and back legs can be affected. One leg will appear to recover then lameness will appear elsewhere.

4. Some dogs have a fever when they are lame but others do not, some dogs are just a little lame and others can be very lame indeed.

5. It can be diagnosed via X-ray, the main thing you would be looking for would be signs of inflammation and loss of bone density. Sometimes changes can be very subtle, so I often sent the X-ray plates away for specialist opinion.

6. The only possible treatment is rest plus non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, personally if this was the diagnosis I would not use steroids.

7. The good news is that almost 100 % of cases this diseases will spontaneously resolve when the dog reaches the age of around two years whatever happens.

8. I have never had a satisfactory explanation as to cause of this disease.

Here is a link for panosteitis so you can research more on the subject : LINK

If I have not covered your question fully enough or you would like to ask more I will be online for the next hour or so and I will be at your disposal.

Scott Nimmo BVMS MRCVS

Expert:	Scott Nimmo BVMS, MRCVS.
Pos. Feedback:	99.9 %
Accepts:
Answered:	10/15/2009

Dog Veterinarian

I have 28 years experience in all aspects of canine medicine and surgery.