Panosteitis (“Growing Pains”) in German Shepherd Dogs

Why Lameness ≠ Dysplasia

What Breeders and Owners Need to Know

Panosteitis is a painful inflammatory condition that primarily affects young, growing German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs). While it is usually temporary and self-limiting, it can cause significant discomfort during active episodes and is an important condition for breeders and owners to understand — particularly as it is often confused with more serious orthopaedic disease such as hip or elbow dysplasia.

What Is Panosteitis?

Panosteitis is not dysplasia and is a completely different medical condition.

It is a painful inflammation affecting the long bones of the legs, most commonly the humerus (upper arm), but it may also involve the radius, ulna, femur and tibia. The condition is thought to involve inflammation within the bone marrow and/or increased pressure within the bone, with stimulation of pain receptors in the periosteum (the sensitive outer lining of the bone).

Because more than one bone can be affected at the same time — or sequentially — panosteitis often causes a characteristic “shifting lameness”, where pain appears to move from one leg to another.

The condition occurs most commonly in young, fast-growing, male German Shepherd Dogs, although females and other large and giant breeds (including Great Danes, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and Basset Hounds) may also be affected.

What Causes Panosteitis?

The exact cause of panosteitis remains unknown. It is widely considered to be multifactorial, with several proposed contributing factors, including:

• Genetic predisposition (GSDs are particularly over-represented)

• Rapid growth during puppyhood

• Nutritional imbalance, especially excessive calories, protein, or calcium

• Circulatory changes within the bone marrow

• Stress, which may trigger flare-ups

• Infection or immune-mediated components

• Possible association with blood clotting abnormalities such as von Willebrand’s disease

At present, no single cause has been proven, and no definitive genetic mechanism has been identified.

Signs and Symptoms

The hallmark sign of panosteitis is sudden-onset lameness, often without any history of trauma or excessive exercise.

Common clinical signs include:

• Limping that may be mild to severe

• Lameness that shifts from leg to leg

• Pain when the affected bone is palpated

• Reluctance to exercise or play

• Lethargy

• Reduced appetite

• Fever

• Weight loss in more prolonged cases

Symptoms tend to be cyclical, with episodes of worsening pain followed by periods of improvement. Individual flare-ups may last from a few days to several weeks and episodes may recur monthly or intermittently during growth.

Welfare Impact

Panosteitis is not a benign condition during active episodes. Veterinary literature describes the pain as potentially severe and, in some cases, excruciating.

Pain control is essential. Denying analgesia to a dog experiencing panosteitis is inhumane. Management commonly involves anti-inflammatory and/or pain-relief medications, which may carry side effects such as gastrointestinal irritation and therefore require veterinary supervision.

Exercise restriction during flare-ups is necessary for welfare reasons and can be frustrating for both dog and owner. Between episodes, light to moderate activity is appropriate, but strenuous exercise and long walks should be avoided during growth.

How Long Does Panosteitis Last?

Panosteitis typically begins between 5 and 18 months of age, though signs may appear as early as 2 months or as late as 18 months.

Most dogs experience complete resolution by 18–24 months of age, once skeletal maturity is reached.

However:

• Many dogs experience recurrent episodes during growth

• Individual episodes usually last days to a few weeks

• Persistent lameness beyond 4–5 weeks without improvement should prompt investigation for other orthopedic disease

• Rarely, signs may persist into adulthood

How Common Is It?

Panosteitis is considered common in German Shepherd Dogs, with males affected more frequently than females. Exact prevalence figures are not currently available, but the breed is clearly predisposed.

Diagnosis

Panosteitis cannot be diagnosed on lameness alone.

Diagnosis typically involves:

• Orthopedic examination

• Pain elicited on palpation of the affected bone

• Radiographs (X-rays)

Radiographic changes often show increased bone density in affected areas, but these changes may lag behind clinical signs by 5–10 days, meaning early X-rays can appear normal. Repeat imaging may be required.

Radiographs are essential not because panosteitis is dangerous, but because other, more serious bone diseases of growing dogs can present in a similar way and must be ruled out.

Blood tests may show elevated eosinophils, and dogs diagnosed with panosteitis are often advised to be screened for von Willebrand’s disease, as the conditions can co-occur.

Treatment and Management

Panosteitis is a self-limiting condition, but treatment during active episodes is supportive and focused on welfare:

• Adequate pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication

• Strict exercise restriction during flare-ups

• Controlled, gentle exercise between episodes

• Ensuring a balanced, palatable diet

• Avoiding excessive caloric intake and rapid growth

• In some cases, supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids or antioxidants may be beneficial, although evidence is limited

Owners should be cautious of unproven “cures” found online, as some may be ineffective or harmful.

Can Panosteitis Be Prevented or Eliminated?

There are currently no formal breeding schemes and no genetic tests for panosteitis.

However, sensible risk-reduction strategies include:

• Feeding a large-breed puppy diet formulated for controlled growth

• Keeping puppies lean and avoiding overfeeding

• Avoiding breeding from dogs that experienced significant or recurrent panosteitis

• Monitoring lines where repeated cases occur

• Minimising stress during growth periods

In Summary

Panosteitis is a painful but usually temporary condition seen most often in young German Shepherd Dogs. While it can cause distressing and sometimes severe episodes of lameness, the majority of dogs recover fully with time, appropriate management and veterinary support.

Understanding the condition helps prevent misdiagnosis, unnecessary panic about dysplasia, and — most importantly — ensures affected dogs receive proper pain relief and care.

What We Do at Swish Sheps

At Swish Sheps, the health and long-term welfare of our dogs is central to every breeding decision we make.

While the causes of panosteitis are not fully understood and no genetic test currently exists, we believe that thoughtful, evidence-based breeding practices can help reduce overall risk.

A key priority within our program is maintaining genetic diversity. Reduced genetic diversity is associated with an increased risk of inherited and developmental conditions across many breeds. By carefully selecting breeding pairs to avoid excessive line concentration and by prioritising diverse, well-researched bloodlines, we aim to support healthier skeletal development and overall resilience.

In addition, we:

• Avoid breeding from dogs that have experienced significant or recurrent panosteitis

• Closely monitor growth, nutrition, and development in our young dogs

• Emphasise balanced, appropriate diets rather than rapid growth

• Provide ongoing support and guidance to puppy owners during critical growth periods

• Encourage open communication about any health concerns

While no breeder can eliminate all health risks, we believe that genetic diversity, transparency and informed management provide the strongest foundation for producing sound, healthy German Shepherd Dogs.

Dawn & Phil 🐾