Until the growth plates (areas of cartilage at the ends of the bones) have closed, the skeleton is soft and fragile.
The Consistency rule
Repeated trauma during growth (e.g. jumping out of the car boot every day) can mean 10 months of rehabilitation or treatment in adulthood.
🦴 Dysplasia (hip or elbow)
Malformation of the joint. Signs: A rolling gait, difficulty getting up, refusing to jump, lameness when “cold”.
⚙️ Arthritis
Wear of the cartilage. Signs: Stiffness on waking, the dog often licks one particular joint, less enthusiasm for walks.
🦵 Luxating Patella
Common in small breeds. Signs: The dog runs on three legs for a few metres, then carries on normally.
🔥 Panosteitis (Growing Pains)
Inflammation of the bone. Signs: Shifting lameness (left one day, right the next) in a young dog.
More irritable or quieter than usual.
Arched back, head held low.
The head “nods” when one leg touches the ground.
An essential first step. X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. Anti-inflammatories or chondroprotectors prescribed if needed.
For prevention: an annual visit is recommended. For follow-up: after a knock, or to ease a chronic condition (arthritis). Osteopathy does not replace surgery; it complements it.
