“I have a young dog with a lameness that has been present for several days. Could this be serious?”

There are many causes of lameness. Most of these are relatively minor and are within the body’s healing capability. However, there are also causes that are not self-limiting and, if not treated promptly, may result in permanent lameness and/or arthritis. The large breeds of dogs (those with an adult weight over 25kg) have several bone diseases that occur during the period of rapid growth (up to two years of age). To minimise the likelihood of permanent lameness, we recommend an accurate diagnosis of a lameness lasting more than two weeks. Although in some cases diagnosis is obvious without x-rays, (radiography) radiography is necessary to ascertain the extent of the problem and decide on the best method of repair. It is usual not only to radiograph the affected limbs but also the normal leg. This allows the vet to compare the appearance of both legs to determine a problem and the extent of the problem. Several x-rays are generally necessary to build up an accurate picture of the problem and heavy sedation or a short acting general anaesthetic will be necessary in order to obtain radiographs of a good diagnostic quality.

What are likely diseases?

The following diseases will be considered as we radiograph your dog:

1. Hip Dysplasia: an improper formation of the hip Joint(s). This is a ball and socket joint. Hip dysplasia results in the ball not being round, the socket not being deep enough and the two not fitting together well. Hip dysplasia has several contributing causes, but a primary cause is genetic. A dog of the high-risk breeds for hip dysplasia should not be bred before radiographs of the hips are taken and a score is obtained under an accredited scheme. This involves your veterinarian taking the radiographs and taking them to a certified scorer and given a score. The lower the score the better the hips. The worst possible score they could be given is 53 for each hip making a total of 106. Since some hip dysplasia prone breeds, it is difficult to select animals that are free from the disease, the aim is to attempt to always breed with an animal with a lower score. There are several choices of treatment depending on the severity. Some involve medication; some require surgery.
2. Elbow Dysplasia: a lack of fusion of the top of the ulna at the rear point of the elbow. This is more properly termed ununited anconeal process. When this part of the ulna doesn’t fuse, the joint is unstable and is quickly subject to arthritis. Treatment often involves surgery to avoid the early onset of arthritic changes within the joint.
3. Fractured Coronoid Process: the fracture of the small process (protrusion) on the radius within the elbow joint. When this process fractures, pain and joint instability result. Unless surgery is done promptly after the fracture occurs, return to normal use of the leg is unlikely.
4. Panosteitis: an inflammation on the surface of the long bones. This is also called “long bone” or “growing pains”. This may occur in more than one bone at a time and may cause lameness in one bone or leg and then another. The pain may be relieved with several types of medication.
5. Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD): a defect in the smooth cartilage surface within one or more of the joints. It may affect the shoulder, the elbow, the hip, the knee or the stifle. Some of these defects may heal with confinement of the dog for several weeks. However, most do not and may result in a piece of cartilage breaking off and floating freely in the joint. This disease causes pain which varies in severity. It is best treated with surgery to remove the defective cartilage.
6. Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD): an inflammation in the growth plates of the long bones. It usually causes swelling and pain of the bones which may lead to a fever and loss of appetite. It is self-limiting in most dogs with no permanent damage. However, some dogs may suffer sufficiently severe damage to growth plates that the leg deformities can occur. Treatment is with medication to relieve the pain and suppress the inflammation.

Nutraceutical Support:

Nutraceuticals can play a supportive role in managing these conditions. Particularly in young dogs where many owners don’t want to be reliant on long-term pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals can play a supporting role alongside many medications.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids:

Probiotics: Research has clearly shown that reduced bacterial diversity is linked to various health issues in dogs, such as gastrointestinal dysbiosis, intestinal inflammation, and weakened immune function. A fresh, whole-food diet has been found to support greater bacterial diversity compared to a kibble diet.

Additionally, aging is associated with a decline in microbial diversity.

Studies suggest that probiotics can benefit dogs by:

• Enhancing digestion
• Boosting the immune system
• Mitigating gastrointestinal problems
• Reducing allergic responses
• Supporting nutrient production and absorption
• Detoxifying the body
• Promoting skin health
• Positively affecting mood and behaviours related to stress

Probiotic sources for dogs include supplements with strains like Lactobacillus Acidophilus, L Delbruekii, L Plantarum, L Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterum bifidum, Enterococcus faecium, Streptococcus salivarius. and Saccharomyces boulardii, as well as fermented foods like sauerkraut and kefir.

PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide): Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a promising compound for managing pain and inflammation in veterinary medicine. Its multi-faceted mechanism of action and natural occurrence in the body make it a valuable addition to the therapeutic arsenal for conditions like osteoarthritis and chronic pain in dogs. PEA has an excellent safety profile, and no supplement: drug interactions reported, so it can be used with conventional medications.

Collagen: Collagen can support healthy joints and mobility in pets that may be aging, injured or recovering from surgery or injury. Collagen for best bioavailability should be hydrolysed collagen peptides which are designed to stimulate joint cartilage metabolism and counteract joint discomfort.

Recent studies have shown when combined with hyaluronic acid and vitamin c that collagen synthesis is optimised in the body, and our blend does just that. Research on collagen has shown beneficial effects on mobility in dogs and cats and contributes to the maintenance of connective tissue, joints, ligaments, bone, and skin.

Lion’s Mane: Lion’s mane is recognised in western herbal medicine for its support in neurological, digestive and mood related conditions. Studies have shown it can help to:

• Support fatigue in pets who are debilitated or recovering from injury
• Relieves indigestion and gastritis
• Aids in the reduction of cognitive decline
• Supports mood balance
• Promotes and support neurogenesis