Panosteitis is a self-limiting but painful inflammatory bone condition affecting large breed puppies, causing episodes of lameness that require welfare-centered management.
Panosteitis causes genuine bone pain during a critical developmental period when puppies are establishing social bonds, learning, and developing normal behavior. Episodes of lameness can be severe and shifting - affecting one limb for weeks before resolving and appearing in another - creating confusion for owners who may suspect different injuries each time. The unpredictable, cycling nature of the pain means puppies experience repeated episodes of significant discomfort during their first year. While the self-limiting nature of panosteitis means the condition resolves without long-term consequences, appropriate pain management during episodes significantly improves puppy welfare and maintains normal social and physical development. Recognizing the condition prevents unnecessary diagnostic procedures chasing multiple apparent injuries.