Puppy Limping on front legs

[anna30]

I was wondering if anyone could help or have had this issue with there pup. We have a Rottweiler pup that is around a year old. He seems to be limping on his front legs. It's odd because he is limping on one leg and then he will be fine on that leg and start limping on the other. It really seems to go back and forth. There are times he does not limp at all??? He doesn't seem to hurt when I touch it are move his leg joints back and forth. He is having a good time playing chase with my Golden Retriver.

I read an article about something called Pano. I guess it is growing pains large breed dogs encounter from tendings growing and streching? My husband and I are scrathing our heads on this one?

He is a Rescue and think he is between 12 & 14 months old. We are taking him to the vet next week for his shots but are going to ask about this as well. Anything you can tell us is helpful.

Thanks!!!!

[brunie's mom]

You really should get him checked out by your vet, and have x-rays done.
I agree with you, it does sound like Pano...they can tell from the x-rays.

What are you feeding your pup? Feeding puppy food or having the pup grow too fast is a cause of pano. A change in diet, rest and often aspirin or some type of anti-inflammatory is often advised. The dog does eventually grow out of it.

Finger's crossed that it is pano...and not elbow dysplasia.

Gina

[anna30]

Thanks for answering. I am feeding him a high protein and high fat diet. The protein is 30% and the fat is 18%. I was told to keep him on puppy food until 18 months. However, everyone says I should go with an adult food now.

I will go tomorrow and buy a lower % protein food. I use Exclusive food that I get from the feed store. It has the Omega-3 & 6 plus Glocumane (Sp?) in it as well. If it were elbow displasia would the the limping be consistant??? I hope your right and it is pano. I really love him and would hate to see him with something major. He is weighting 110. He is tall at 27". I just want him to be healthy.

[Ayoka]

My guy is about the same age and had similar symptoms...last week. I was very worried, of course until a friend of mine, who runs her dog with mine, mentioned that her dog's paws were sore...Sure enough Bear's pads are worn down...not to pink but thin... and he limps on gravel more than on our smooth floors indoors. We went to the vet to double check and she thinks we're on the money BUT we're going back in a few weeks if the limp comes back after his paws have time to heal.

Your pup might not have pano but it's worth a vet visit to have it checked out and give you some peace of mind...I know it was for me. Either way, if I were you I'd keep your pooch quiet and confined (no rough playing) until you get to the vet so that he doesn't further irritate whatever's ailing him.

[brunie's mom]

Originally Posted by anna30

Thanks for answering. I am feeding him a high protein and high fat diet. The protein is 30% and the fat is 18%. I was told to keep him on puppy food until 18 months. However, everyone says I should go with an adult food now.

I will go tomorrow and buy a lower % protein food. I use Exclusive food that I get from the feed store. It has the Omega-3 & 6 plus Glocumane (Sp?) in it as well. If it were elbow displasia would the the limping be consistant??? I hope your right and it is pano. I really love him and would hate to see him with something major. He is weighting 110. He is tall at 27". I just want him to be healthy.

No..I would not be feeding puppy food or a food that is so high in protein and fat. I just raised my pup..he will be 2 years old in March and he has never had one bite of puppy food. I raised him on Canidae ( All Life Stages food) and Innova Adult...he grew slowly and steady and never had any growth problems. The Rott I had before this one...grew WAY too fast ...unknowingly I fed him puppy food..and he suffered from hip dysplasia and pano too. This is why I did research after watching my poor Bruno suffer so and with Baxter I vowed to have him grow slowly and fed him much more carefully..

Not sure what is in Exclusive??...but if you can get him on a good quality Adult food... such as Canidae, Innova, Wellness, Solid Gold, Natural Balance...you may see improvements.

Gina