Axels Lameness

So after blowing next months salary at the vet on x-rays and meds... I finally know the reason for Axels lameness: He has Panosteitis, basically 'growing pains' to give the simple answer.
http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/panosteitis-in-dogs/1051

Although it's painful for Axel I breathed such a huge sigh of relief. I was stressing about Elbow Dysplasia or Osteochondrosis which would have required surgery and resulting Arthritis in his shoulder. So many things can affect their long term health. Now we have to endure 6 - 12 months of potential flare ups and treat them as needed.

He gets Petcam for the pain and inflammation.

Poor boy.

The best news is that his elbows are about as perfect as you could ask for.

Well, that's good news, although not so good for your pocket!

I actually feel a bit bad, because I hear about this all the time on the GSD forums I post on. I should have thought of if - sorry!

Aww I'm glad it's nothin more serious.

It is a big relief.
Don't stress it Caryll.  
It was on my short list of possible conditions. There's just so much that can be the cause. Between the elbow and shoulder a 100 things can go wrong.
I saw my regular vet yesterday and it was what he diagnosed immediately. He then said let us just rule out everything else and know for sure.
We're going to x-ray him again at 18 months and I will do his hips and knees then as well. Just for my own peace of mind.

On a side note Caryll: What German Shepherd forum would you recommend. I joined germansheprherd.com but it's soooo big. I don't really like it.

I post on two...

http://www.ourgermanshepherds.co.uk/forum.php

and

http://www.mygermanshepherd.co.uk/

The first one is quite small, but friendly & informative, the second one is bigger and seems to have a bit more experience, but there are sometimes some heated excahnges on there, especially with a lady called Pam (username Wildmoor) who, although brilliant at pedigrees & knowing which lines carry which genetic problems, can be a bit of a know it all.

Thank you!
I'm going to go spy

Aww, poor thing! So glad it's not something that requires surgery!

What a huge relief!

And we learn something new every day - I never knew that dogs could suffer growing pains.

Makes 2 of us Linda.

I'd never really thought about it, although I think I remember somebody mentioning something about growing pains in Great Danes. I assumed it was just a joking comment!

My mum has had 6 Great Danes to date and not one of them have had these symptoms. I've known a fair amount of Shepherds as well and it's never been mentioned.

He's been lame on that leg twice before for a few days but this time we're heading for week 2 now.

Poor boy!

Beating on my drum here, but do you give him coconut oil? Not sure if it's easy to get in SA, but it's really great for all sorts of problems!

No. I've even seen it anywhere and it would probably cost an arm and a leg.

That's a shame.

How's Axel doing today?

He's still limping slightly but puts full weight on the leg when sitting. He's willing to run and looks more like his normal self. I can definitely notice when the meds begin to wear out and he needs his next dosage.

I'm glad he's improved a little!

Will he continue with his meds until he's completely better?

It's pain management.
If he's sore he gets meds, if he feel better he gets nothing. I have to play it by ear and just keep him as comfortable as possible till he outgrows the condition.

That's what I meant, sorry. So it's not just a set description for (for instance) one week, but rather medication as he needs it, when he needs it, until the cause of the pain has stopped.

Yup, that's about it.

That's good, then! No more nasty pain for Axel!