1. Angular Limb Deformities

Etiology:

• Congenital: Often inherited, particularly in certain breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, Dachshunds, and Basset Hounds.

• Acquired: Can result from trauma or injury to growth plates (e.g., fractures or infections) during the growth period, disrupting normal bone development.

Clinical Signs:

• Shortened Limb: One or more limbs may be shorter due to abnormal bone growth.

• Angular Deformities: Visible bowing or angular misalignment, especially at the elbow or carpal joint.

• Lameness: Painful lameness and reluctance to walk or run.

• Joint Displacement: Partial displacement of the elbow or carpal joints may be evident.

• Reduced Range of Motion: Decreased joint mobility in the affected areas.

• Swelling: Mild swelling may be seen around the joint.

Diagnosis:

• Clinical Examination: Check for visible limb deformities, lameness, and restricted range of motion.

• X-rays: Crucial for assessing the severity of the deformities, growth plates, and any joint involvement.

• CT/MRI (optional): Advanced imaging may be used for detailed assessment, especially in complex cases.

Treatment:

• Conservative Management: Includes restricted activity, anti-inflammatory medication, and joint supplements.

• Surgical Intervention:

  • Corrective Osteotomy: Realignment of the bones (radius/ulna) through surgery.

  • Joint Stabilization: Internal fixation (plates and screws) or external fixation may be needed.

  • Elbow/Carpal Arthrodesis: Fusing affected joints in severe cases.

• Prognosis: Early detection and correction typically result in good functional recovery, but severe cases may lead to permanent lameness or arthritis.

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2. Craniomandibular Osteopathy

Etiology:

• Genetic Predisposition: Inherited, most commonly seen in Terrier breeds (e.g., West Highland White Terriers, Cairn Terriers).

• Pathogenesis: Abnormal bone remodeling, where normal bone is resorbed and replaced by immature, fibrous bone. Exact cause remains unknown.

Clinical Signs:

• Painful Jaw Enlargement: Swelling of the lower jaw (mandible) and tympanic bullae (behind the ears).

• Mouth Discomfort: Difficulty eating or chewing, leading to preference for soft food.

• Weight Loss: Due to reduced appetite from mouth pain.

• Fever: Common along with other signs of systemic illness.

• Depression and Lethargy: Dogs may show less activity due to pain.

• Excessive Salivation: Increased drooling due to discomfort.

Diagnosis:

• Clinical Examination: Palpate the mandible and tympanic regions for swelling and pain.

• X-rays: Characteristic findings include periosteal bone proliferation and thickening of the tympanic bullae.

• CT/MRI (optional): Advanced imaging for detailed bone changes.

• Differential Diagnosis: Rule out infections, dental issues, and bone tumors.

Treatment:

• Pain Management: NSAIDs or corticosteroids for inflammation and pain relief.

• Dietary Management: Soft food diet to reduce discomfort while chewing.

• Supportive Care: Regular monitoring, and physical therapy if required.

• Prognosis: Condition stabilizes as the dog matures, with a good overall prognosis, though permanent jaw deformities may persist.

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3. Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD)

Etiology:

• Unclear Cause: Believed to involve abnormal bone metabolism. Environmental factors, genetics, and rapid growth may contribute.

• Breed Predisposition: Primarily affects large and giant breeds, such as Great Danes, Dobermans, Rottweilers, and Weimaraners.

Clinical Signs:

• Painful Swelling in Long Bones: Swelling typically affects the radius, ulna, and femur, around the metaphyseal (growth plate) regions.

• Fever: Affected dogs often have a fever associated with inflammation.

• Lameness: Dogs exhibit pain and reluctance to move, particularly in affected limbs.

• Pain on Palpation: Tenderness when bones are palpated.

• Appetite Loss: Reduced appetite due to pain and fever.

• Depression: Lethargy and reduced activity levels are commonly observed.

Diagnosis:

• Clinical Examination: Palpate long bones to identify pain, swelling, and inflammation.

• X-rays: Double physis (growth plates) and radiolucent bands are classic indicators.

• Blood Tests: Elevated white blood cell count (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) suggest inflammation.

• Differential Diagnosis: Ruling out fractures, infections, and metabolic bone diseases.

Treatment:

• Pain Management: NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and control pain.

• Dietary Support: Low-calcium, low-phosphorus diet to manage growth.

• Rest and Restricted Activity: Limit physical activity to reduce stress on the affected bones.

• Prognosis: Good recovery with appropriate treatment; most dogs improve as they mature, but severe cases may result in bone deformities or arthritis.

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4. Osteochondromatosis (Multiple Exostoses)

Etiology:

• Genetic Factors: Typically an inherited condition in young dogs, often diagnosed before 2 years of age.

• Hereditary: Autosomal dominant inheritance with multiple osteochondromas developing on bone surfaces.

Clinical Signs:

• Palpable Bony Growths: Hard, non-painful masses on bones, usually on the long bones, ribs, or vertebrae.

• Lameness: Lameness may develop if the osteochondromas affect joints or cause mechanical irritation.

• Pain: Masses can be painful when touched or manipulated.

• Deformities: If growths are large, they may lead to visible bone deformities in affected limbs.

• Intermittent Symptoms: Lameness may occur intermittently, particularly if osteochondromas impinge on surrounding tissues.

Diagnosis:

• Clinical Examination: Palpation will reveal bony masses. Note any lameness or discomfort.

• X-rays: Osteochondromas appear as bony growths on the surface of long bones, ribs, or vertebrae.

• CT/MRI (optional): For further detailed imaging if the growths affect deeper tissues or if surgical intervention is being considered.

• Differential Diagnosis: Rule out bone tumors (e.g., osteosarcoma) or infections.

Treatment:

• Observation: In asymptomatic cases, osteochondromas can be monitored without treatment.

• Surgical Intervention: If lameness or pain occurs, removal of osteochondromas through surgery is recommended.

• Prognosis: Generally good after surgery, although the condition can recur. Long-term outlook depends on the severity of the condition.

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5. Panosteitis

Etiology:

• Genetic Factors: Panosteitis has a genetic predisposition, particularly in large-breed dogs like German Shepherds.

• Rapid Growth: Occurs in dogs during rapid growth phases (6 to 18 months of age).

• Environmental and Immune Factors: Stress, infections, and immune responses may play a role in triggering the condition.

Clinical Signs:

• Pain and Swelling in Long Bones: Swelling and pain are most commonly found in the humerus, femur, and tibia.

• Lameness: Affected dogs often limp, and the lameness may shift between limbs.

• Pain on Palpation: Dogs show tenderness on palpation of the affected long bones.

• Fever: Mild to moderate fever is a typical symptom.

• Appetite Loss: Due to pain and fever.

• Intermittent Episodes: Lameness may come and go over several weeks or months.

Diagnosis:

• Clinical Examination: Palpate affected long bones for tenderness and swelling.

• X-rays: Panosteitis shows as areas of increased bone density in the diaphysis of long bones, especially around the medullary cavity.

• Blood Tests: Mild leukocytosis and elevated CRP may indicate inflammation.

• Differential Diagnosis: Exclude fractures, infections, and other bone conditions.

Treatment:

• Pain Management: NSAIDs (e.g., Rimadyl) or other analgesics to control pain.

• Rest and Restricted Activity: Limit physical activity to prevent further strain on the affected bones.

• Dietary Adjustments: Avoid high-protein, high-calcium diets, which may exacerbate the condition.

• Prognosis: Generally resolves by 18-24 months of age as the dog matures. Long-term prognosis is good, though some dogs may experience recurrence.

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6. Retained Ulnar Cartilage Cores

Etiology:

• Growth Plate Abnormality: Caused by failure of ossification in the growth plate of the ulna in large-breed puppies.

• Dietary Influence: Excess calcium or phosphorus in the diet may contribute to improper ossification.

• Genetic Factors: Some large-breed dogs may have a genetic predisposition to this condition.

Clinical Signs:

• Lameness: Affected dogs show pain and reluctance to weight-bear on the affected leg.

• Angular Limb Deformities: Visible bowing of the limb or abnormal joint alignment.

• Swelling: Mild swelling around the affected growth plate.

• Pain on Palpation: Palpation of the ulna or affected limb causes pain.

• Reduced Range of Motion: Limited mobility in the carpal or elbow joints.

Diagnosis:

• Clinical Examination: Visible deformities and palpable pain in the ulna or affected limbs.

• X-rays: Show retained cartilage cores and incomplete ossification in the ulna, with associated limb deformities.

• Differential Diagnosis: Rule out angular limb deformities, panosteitis, and fractures.

Treatment:

• Nutritional Management: Cease dietary supplementation and ensure a balanced, appropriate diet for growing dogs.

• Surgical Treatment: In severe cases, osteotomy or removal of the retained cartilage core may be required.

• Prognosis: If detected early and treated, many dogs can recover with good long-term limb function. Severe deformities may limit recovery.