What are the signs and symptoms of Legg Perthes disease in dogs?

Signs of Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease in Dogs

• Lameness or limping that gets gradually worse.
• Stiffness in one or both rear limbs.
• Licking or chewing the skin over the hip area.
• Muscle atrophy in the affected limb.
• Reclusiveness, restlessness, lethargy, anxiety, or aggressive behavior (due to pain)

Is there a cure for Perthes disease?

In most cases only one hip joint is affected. Most children with Perthes’ disease eventually recover, but it can take anywhere from two to five years for the femoral head to regrow and return to normal, or close to normal.

What causes Legg Perthes in dogs?

What causes Legg-Calve-Perthes disease? The exact cause of this condition is unknown. Studies suggest that disrupted blood flow to the hip may be involved and this disruption may be due to clots within the blood vessels. The bone begins to weaken and deteriorate, leading to small fractures.

How is Legg-Calve-Perthes disease diagnosed in dogs?

Legg-Calve-Perthes is diagnosed by radiographs (x-rays). The radiographic appearance of an affected hip changes over the course of the disease, so multiple, repeated radiographs are often necessary to confirm the diagnosis. In the early stages, radiographs may show only a subtle flattening of the head of the femur.

When does Legg Calve Perthes disease occur in dogs?

What is Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCP)? Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCP) is a disorder of hip joint conformation occurring in both humans and dogs. In dogs, it is most often seen in the miniature and toy breeds between the ages of 4 months to a year.

Can a Yorkshire Terrier get Legg Calve Perthes?

Legg-Calve-Perthes is typically a hereditary disease that affects small breed dogs. Yorkshire Terriers are most often affected, but several other types of small dog breeds can develop the disease. In rare cases, the disease can be brought on by an injury.

How long does it take for Legg Calve Perthes to heal?

Recovery of Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease in Dogs. It can take a while – up to 1 year – for complete recovery to occur. During this time the dog should gradually experience improvements in functioning, and pain should decrease as a result of surgery.

What kind of pain does Legg Perthes cause?

Legg-Perthes is a painful condition that affects the hip. Poor blood supply to the ‘ball’ part of the hip joint causes the bone to die and crumble. This leads to a stiff, painful hip joint which causes a limp, and eventually arthritis.