Re: [pyrnet] Fw: (Fwd) Panosteitis

["Barb Bowes" <greatpyr@enter.net>]

As the original author says, one must treat this with caution. Albon can 
have some pretty nasty side effects in some dogs. Other than my very first 
Pyr, I've not had Pano in any of my dogs. And tonight I learned that my 
male's sire had Pano pretty badly as a pup, but Bo, to my recollection never 
had it or at least never showed symptoms. All dogs from my except for my 
first Pyr  were fed adult food, except for Chelsea, who was fed large breed 
puppy from Abady. But males do tend to get Pano more than females anyway. 
But Chelsea was also the first pup that was NOT raised on kibble. I can only 
report what I've seen. And Joe, are there any scientific studies out there 
that Albon helps Pano? I guess not or the use of it for Pano would not be 
"off label". So therefore  the evidence that it helps Pano is merely 
anecdotal. Perhaps we should not then discount anecdotal evidence? Another 
case in point. The use of Glucosamine and other supplements such as MSM for 
arthritis and joint disease. There were no studies but it seemed to help 
many. I took Glucosamine and MSM myself for a bad knee. It did wonders for 
me, so I started giving it to my old dogs who were arthritic. Helped them 
tremendously as well. I have 2 Rescues here that are both on it along with 
my now 15 year old Pyr Shep. One Rescue is a 5 year old bitch with a very 
bad left hip. It has not taken away her limp, but she sure is more playful 
and happier. Sheba, the almost 8 year old Rescue was a bit stiff in front, 
the Glucosamine/MSM has helped her as well. And it's made all the difference 
in the world in my 15 year old Pyr Shep, at least as far as her stiffness is 
concerned. My point is, just because evidence is anecdotal, we should keep 
an open mind and not discount it. It just might help! But we should also 
weigh the benefits as well as the side effects very carefully. And make an 
informed decision on whether or not it is the right course to pursue. I 
still am not sold on the use of Albon unless the possible side effects are 
made known, but I must also say, I never want to have another dog suffer the 
way my very first Pyr suffered. And one also needs to have a Vet that will 
prescribe it "off label" for use in Pano.

Barb Bowes
Chelsea (Pyr)  Twister (Pyr)
Flopsy (Pyrenean Shepherd)
The more people I meet, the more I like my dog!
greatpyr@enter.net
http://www.penndutchrescue.org
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/PA364.html