Hi Kelli, No limping is not the norm for growing puppies and we do tend to hear on the list about concerns that people have and not hear the happy news posts! This gives a distorted impression that the breed is unduly fragile. While care should be exercised when raising puppies it is necessary for them to play and develop good muscle tone. Oftentimes it is the puppy whose owners are working full time that have these sprains causing lameness simply because they are resting long term and then short bouts of excitement and arduous exercise when they are not "warmed up" properly. It is advisable for owners to make provision for midday playtime to help even out activity and rest times more appropriate for the young developing body.
Now puppies and young dogs are just like kids, sometimes they are going to have a slight sprain or bruising and in short order all will be well. A good rule is to keep the youngster on gentle leash walks and confine to a large area rather than crating so that any stiffness can be alleviated. A buffered aspirin will help to make them more comfortable. If after a few days the lameness is still evident or returning easily then a visit to the vet is in order. Obviously if lameness is extreme then visit the vet sooner. An eight month old is susceptible to OCD injury and the more common joint is the shoulder. Personally I would like to see shoulders included in the routine xraying of breeding stock as I have seen movement in adult dogs that indicate earlier bi-lateral injury, also many people think their dogs are having a bout of pano without checking the shoulders. OCD in the shoulders can be troublesome particularly if a cartilage tear is large or broken free and "floating". Lameness can be more evident some days than others hence the confusion with Panosteitis. Good rule of thumb is when in doubt see the vet:-) Rose Tierney
