This episode of the Good Dog Pod explores canine orthopedic disorders. Host Laura Reeves is joined by renowned veterinarian Dr. Marty Greer to discuss some common orthopedic issues, as well as their symptoms, causes, and treatments.

What should I do if my puppy is exhibiting orthopedic problems? Immediately contact your veterinarian, as many orthopedic issues are time sensitive and need to be treated as soon as possible. In addition to this, Dr. Greer outlines several questions you can ask yourself to better evaluate what disorder your puppy is experiencing. The breed and age of the dog is very important, as some orthopedic problems are found mostly in large breeds and others are found mostly in small breeds. Then, recall if there is any history of trauma/physical injury in the infected area. Determine if the hurt area is in one limb, multiple limbs, or constantly changing. Finally, take your puppy’s temperature as a fever can be an indication of a certain set of orthopedic conditions. 

What are some common orthopedic disorders? First, take note that some orthopedic disorders are genetic, while others are caused by infections. Dr. Greer lays out a list of common issues, as well as a comprehensive description of each. Panosteitis is a bone inflammation commonly found in large, rapidly growing breeds marked by shifting leg lameness. OCD is an abnormal development of bone cartilage seen in shoulders, and is often difficult to pinpoint in x-rays. HOD is a very painful flare at the growth plates. Legg-Calve-Perthes affects hip joints, mainly in small breeds. Hip dysplasia is one of the most commonly known issues, and mainly affects large breeds. Some infections that can cause lameness include lyme disease, cellulitis, and strep canis. Dr. Greer recommends keeping large breed puppies on a diet specifically created for them, which has been proven to reduce such orthopedic problems.