What a morning!

[Andie]

Mom woke me up this morning to tell me that Bull was limping again which is nothing new because of his shoulder. This morning though he was hurting so bad that he didn't want to walk. So I called the vet and got him in. After some x-rays it turns out Bull doesn't have a chipped shoulder but has been having "growing pains". He is growing faster than his bones want to ( I can’t think of the technical term)and they are becoming inflamed causing some serious pain for the baby!:( The good new is it is usually outgrown after a year to a year and a half. That's means he'll probably be in pain til next Feb. :(

[tatsxxx11]

Awww, poor Bull! I'm not sure which is the better diagnosis. I'm sorry that Bull will be having his growing pains for another year or so. Any suggestions from the vet on how to keep him more comfortable? Hugs to brave little Bull:)

[Karen]

Doesn't it mean that he may just sporadically be in pain, not in constant pain? Is there pain medication or some physical therapy you you do with him that would help? Any behavior to avoid, like vigorous play or long walks, or does that not make any difference?

[Sudilar]

Panosteitis?
http://www.vetcentric.com/reference/encycEntry.cfm?ENTRY=7&COLLECTION=EncycIllness

[Andie]

Originally posted by Sudilar
Panosteitis?


Yes that's it!

The vet said that as long as he takes his steriods (taken for the inflamation) that he should be good pain wise. She told me not to carry him (it cause him to get stiff- but you know I'll have to sneak and do it every now and then cuz of those sad puppy eyes) but other than that there are no restrictions on what I can do with him. He seems to like it when I rub his leg, I think it's soothing to him so I think I'll continue to do that if the pain is too bad for him. I also got some antibiotics because the steroids lower his immune system and they wanted to cover all the bases. He seems to be feeling better since I started give him his meds.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Andie ~

Did the Vet mention a special food or type of food?

Several companies mix what they call a "Large Breed PUPPY Chow" that is supposed to help keep the puppy's body and bone growth at the same rate...

You might want to discuss Bull's diet with the Vet to be sure that you're feeding him the proper type of food for a dog of his size and age.

Hope yor start feelin better, Bull. :D

[anna_66]

Awww...poor little boy. I sure hope the meds help him get through these "growing pains". Take care sweetie!

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

Poor Bull! I hope the steriods help with the pain.

[Andie]

Bull's been doing pretty good since we started his meds. He's down to half a 20 mg steriod every other day. He's back to his goofy self, running after me, chasing Katie, annoying the cat, ect. LOL! Hopefully he won't have a relapse cuz those vet bills are starting to add up. I don't mind though as long as my lil boy is feeling good!

[tatsxxx11]

What great news!! So happy to hear Bull is doing so much better! Go get em, big guy!:D