May 03, 2011
My friend thinks my 11-month-old Mastiff's diet is the source of his 6-week limp on his front right paw. What advice do you have on this?
Full Question:
Mr. Frawley: I wrote to Cindy, and wanted to copy you on the same request for comment. I was referred to your site by a friend who thinks my 11 month old Mastiff's diet might be contributory to a 6 week limp on his front right paw. A round of x-rays of his entire front yesterday under anesthesia and a lime test, were negative. Yet, the limp is pronounced. The examination yesterday followed two 2 week rest periods with anti-inflammatories. I suppose I am next looking at a specialist and an MRI to rule out a soft tissue derangement. My friend thinks that the IAMS food that I have him on (with garlic supplement from springtime) is not doing him justice. I am told to go raw (as per your website) and supplement with longevity from springtime. Do you think the advice is sound for the problem? Best regards to you."Oz" and Charles.
Cindy's Answer:
The odds are the dog has pano. I have an article on my web site. It is in the list of training articles I don't have the exact URL here but you can look it up.
I would not do any MRIs or anything like this. Do what I say in the article.
Kind Regards,
Ed Frawley
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Diet most definitely plays a role in skeletal development and growth, especially for giant breeds.
Ed recommended you read about Pano (which I am guessing is the problem with your dog). Pano is basically an inflammation of the long bones and it is self limiting. It will go away eventually so pain and exercise management along with feeding an appropriate diet are key. Most vets can't see Pano on an x-ray, because they have to know what they are looking for and most don't. In my experience, grains of any type aggravate Pano. This includes normal dog biscuits and treats, and most commercial kibbles (unless labeled grain free). If you use treats or commercial dog food you are going to have to become a label reader, because many products have hidden grain products in the ingredient list.
Read this article on feeding a raw diet. It's a work in progress but there is a lot of good information there.
I would also recommend these books, Natural Nutrition for Dogs & Cats and Raw Dog Food.
You can also go to our Feeding Dogs Page for a list of articles and books that will be helpful to you.
I hope this helps.
Cindy
I would not do any MRIs or anything like this. Do what I say in the article.
Kind Regards,
Ed Frawley
---
Diet most definitely plays a role in skeletal development and growth, especially for giant breeds.
Ed recommended you read about Pano (which I am guessing is the problem with your dog). Pano is basically an inflammation of the long bones and it is self limiting. It will go away eventually so pain and exercise management along with feeding an appropriate diet are key. Most vets can't see Pano on an x-ray, because they have to know what they are looking for and most don't. In my experience, grains of any type aggravate Pano. This includes normal dog biscuits and treats, and most commercial kibbles (unless labeled grain free). If you use treats or commercial dog food you are going to have to become a label reader, because many products have hidden grain products in the ingredient list.
Read this article on feeding a raw diet. It's a work in progress but there is a lot of good information there.
I would also recommend these books, Natural Nutrition for Dogs & Cats and Raw Dog Food.
You can also go to our Feeding Dogs Page for a list of articles and books that will be helpful to you.
I hope this helps.
Cindy
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