Panosteitis in Cats: Vet Guide 🐱🦴 2025

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, veterinarian & founder of Ask A Vet.

Panosteitis, often called “growing pains,” is a painful, self-limiting inflammation of the long bones—most often seen in young, medium- to large-breed cats aged 5–18 months. Though rare compared to dogs, it's important to recognize and treat it promptly to ease your kitten’s discomfort and support full recovery. 🚶‍♂️

🔍 What Is Panosteitis?

Panosteitis is bone inflammation affecting the medullary cavity and shaft, causing intermittent lameness that "shifts" from leg to leg. Radiographically, it’s marked by:

• Decreased opacity near nutrient foramina
• Increased medullary opacity and fuzzy endosteal/periosteal new bone

These changes often lag behind clinical signs by days or weeks :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

⚠️ Who Is Affected?

• Typically kittens aged 5–18 months; sometimes as young as 2 months :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• More common in medium-to-large breeds, male cats slightly overrepresented :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Episodes may recur until around 2 years old and then resolve :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

🚨 Clinical Signs

Watch for:

• Sudden lameness in a limb, shifting from one to another :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Pain on palpation of long bone shafts
• Sometimes accompanied by fever, anorexia, lethargy, muscle wasting :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

🧪 Diagnosis

1. Physical exam and palpation to localize pain
2. Radiographs—may lag; repeat imaging can confirm diagnosis :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
3. Rule out other causes (fracture, osteomyelitis, arthritis)
4. Occasionally nuclear scintigraphy detects early changes :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

🛠️ Treatment & Management

Treatment focuses on pain control and gentle activity restriction:

• NSAIDs (e.g., meloxicam) to relieve inflammation and fever :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Other pain relievers like tramadol or gabapentin if needed :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Short-term cage rest during flare-ups; normal light play in between episodes :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Encourage appetite and hydration; consider palatable wet food or supplements
• Some anecdotal use of omega-3s, antioxidants, or CBD—but vet-prescribed standard therapy is preferred :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

📆 Prognosis & Follow-Up

• Symptoms typically last 2–5 weeks per episode :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• Recurrence until ~2 years; after that complete resolution is expected :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Radiographic abnormalities resolve as bone normalizes
• If lameness persists past 4–5 weeks, reassess for other orthopedic diseases :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

🏠 At-Home Care Tips

• Monitor gait and comfort daily
• Keep activity mellow during flare-ups
• Ensure a comfortable padded resting area
• Offer easily digestible, nutritious meals
• Track episodes and response to treatment
• Follow-up exams every 2–4 weeks until lameness resolves :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

🤝 Role of Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz

Ask A Vet offers:

• 📱 Telehealth support for flare-up advice and pain management
• 💬 Guidance on NSAID dosing, rechecks, and treatment adjustments
• 🏠 Help on home environment, rest, and safe movement tips

Woopf & Purrz products support joint and bone health with balanced nutrition and anti-inflammatory elements—ideal for growing kittens.

✅ Key Takeaways

• Panosteitis = self-limiting “growing pains” in young cats; shifts limbs, causes bone pain
• Diagnosis by exam & radiographs; scintigraphy in early/subtle cases
• Treat with NSAIDs, rest, and supportive care
• Recovery expected by 2 years; monitor for persistent issues
• Telehealth and nutrition support enhance comfort and healing

📞 Final Thoughts

Though panosteitis can be concerning, it’s temporary and treatable. Most kittens recover fully with pain relief, gentle care, and regular follow-up. With Ask A Vet’s expert telehealth and supportive nutrition from Woopf & Purrz, you’ll guide your kitty through growing pains with confidence and care 😊.

Want dosing tips, recheck reminders, or flare-up support? Visit AskAVet.com and download the Ask A Vet app today!