Foreleg lameness in rapidly growing dogs

Foreleg lameness caused by the interaction of diet and rapid growth rate is all too frequently encountered in the large and giant breeds of dogs. In this paper, the influence of rapid growth rate and growth hormone on bone formation is briefly considered. The importance causes of this problem are discussed. These are hypertrophic osteodystrophy, osteodystrophy II, retained enchondral cartilage cores, panosteitis an nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. Rickets and hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy are also considered. Emphasis is placed on the aetiology, radiographic diagnosis and rational treatment. A case report of a 6-month-old Great Dane with osteodystrophy II and retained enchondral cartilage cores in the ulnar metaphyses is presented as an example of such a problem.