My 10-year-old Boxer has symptoms like puppy HOD. Is it HOD?

There isn't a cure per say. The treatment is generally supportive. Since this is a very painful condition anti-inflammatories and painkillers such as carprofen (Rimadyl) is given. In addition, dogs are usually given a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Strict rest on a comfortable warm bed is recommended. Feeding a nutritious, highly palatable food will help to encourage some dogs to eat. In severe cases steroids may need to be given to control the pain.

These signs might be compatible with a neurological disorder involving the spinal cord. Difficult to say what it is exactly without having a look at him. Congenital and infective causes are quite common in such young puppies. I would strongly recommend to have him checked again at your local veterinarian to confirm this clinical suspicion and have him treated appropriately. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

There is no strict consensus on the best food for giant breed puppies. I suggest either large breed puppy or a Maintenance dog food that says it is formulated for all life stages. We do not recommend giving any supplements at this age. HOD is definitely a very painful and scary disease process, but not real common. I have only had 1 case in the last 10 years. Slow steady growth is the goal, Avoid rapid growth and over feeding. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Severe viral infection or congenital severe underlying heart disease could be responsible for the signs described. Ultrasound and ECG of the heart would be needed to confirm this clinical suspicion (of heart disease).

Hypertrophic osteodystrophy causes swelling and extreme pain of the joints along with a fever and general signs of illness. Most dogs do recover with rest, supportive care and heavy pain medication and do not have long term effects from the disease, but some dogs need to be hospitalized on IV drips to control the pain and a few dogs never seem to have their pain controlled. If the puppy is in extreme pain that cannot be controlled many owners elect euthanasia. You should be prepared for frequent veterinarian visits and daily pain medication. You may need to lift the dog to go outside or change bedding if he is too painful to walk.

Hello, it is not common for arthritis to occur this early in age. However, there are a couple of congenital or acquired diseases in puppies which can cause lameness. Elbow incongruity, patellar luxation, pre-mature closure of growth plates, inflammations of the bone and other infections. If he is in pain and lameness is rapidly progressing, he should be seen by a veterinarian today. If his lameness is stable and he does not seem to be in much discomfort then you should schedule an appointment with his vet to have him evaluated. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Hi! Thanks for entrusting us with Jeter's care today! Lameness or pain or an abnormal hair can be a sign of a few things that range from a muscle sprain to even a fracture. In some cases this is actually a nervous system abnormality. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian so that this can be further assessed which will likely include radiographs. Treatment will be dependent on findings though at the very least pain control medications can be prescribed. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!