Panosteitis causes episodic bone pain in young large breed dogs, mimicking serious orthopedic disease but typically self-resolving with appropriate pain management.
Young dogs with panosteitis experience significant pain during episodes that limits normal puppy activity - running, playing, and exploring. The shifting nature of the lameness can confuse owners and delay treatment. Dogs may show behavioral changes including irritability and reduced social engagement during painful episodes. Because the condition is self-limiting, there is a risk of under-treatment - dogs should receive effective analgesia even if the condition will eventually resolve on its own.