“Pano,” also called wandering lameness, growing pains, or long bone, is inflammation on the long bones in the dog’s legs.
The lameness will occur very suddenly and for no apparent reason. The dog may limp on his front right on Monday and his left rear leg on Tuesday and his front left on Wednesday. There is no reason for these sudden changes.
Veterinarians can take x-rays to diagnose the problem, but few things can be done to help the dog until he grows out of it within a year.
The debate rages on as to the importance of diet. Some people believe that a low-protein, low-calcium diet will help slow the dog’s growth and decrease the chances for or the effects of pano.
The problem with this treatment is that the dog must consume more food to maintain his energy level and the dog risks obesity if not exercised enough. But too much exercise is also considered by some experts to be a risk factor for pano.
Others say that lowering protein and calcium is ineffective, or that slowing the growth of the dog is unnatural and therefore unsafe.
Overall, owners should appropriately feed and exercise their Dobe to keep off excess weight, which exacerbates pano.
Vets often prescribe painkillers for a pup with pano, but owners should be careful to restrict the dog’s activity to make sure that he isn’t playing too much while painkillers mask the pain. Remember, painkillers should simply make the dog more comfortable; they do not solve the problem. The dog should have plenty of time to rest which will help his growing bones heal.
Experts are uncertain as to what causes pano. Because it only seems to occur with large breed dogs, it is believed to be genetic.
If you notice your Dobe limping after experiencing neither trauma nor excessive exercise, visit your veterinarian. As with any dog health condition, your best bet is to have your veterinarian check it out. He or she can accurately diagnose the problem and give you all the options for treatment. That way your Dobe’s health will be safe and he will be comfortable.
Go To Page: 1
