Growing Pains

[cwelch]

I've been told larger breeds may actually experience growing pains that can cause distress for some months. Has anyone experienced this problem?

 

[gmacleod]

Do you mean conditions such as Hypertrophic osteodystrophy, Osteochondritis dissecans and Panosteitis? They're each referred to in some way as "growing pains" but are actually diseases to which, indeed, large and giant breeds are more susceptible.

If you were to search the forums, I believe you'd find a thread or two on each of those conditions. None are exactly common in boxers, but do crop up every now and again. Both OCD and HOD have some link to dietary factors, including too much calcium.

Short veterinary articles on each of those 3 conditions here:
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1561&articleid=466
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?articleid=446
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1569&articleid=464

 

[cwelch]

Thank you. I'll research the sites. You're very informed and your boxer is absolutely breath taking.

 

[SILLY6PAK]

Thanks for the links. My brother and SIL got a GSD. I sent them the links.