Legg-Perthes disease, also known as aseptic necrosis of the femoral head, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, Perthes disease or simply Legg’s disease, is defined as the spontaneous degeneration, lysis and necrosis of the head and neck of the femur, leading to collapse of the hip (coxofemoral) joint and, ultimately, to osteoarthritis. The femur is the long thigh bone that forms part of the knee joint at one end and part of the hip joint at the other. With
Legg-Perthes disease is a painful disorder that primarily affects young, small-breed dogs and terriers. For some unknown reason, the neck and head of the dog’s femur (the long upper leg bone that joins the pelvis to form the hip joint) spontaneously degenerates and dies, causing the ball-and-socket hip joint to deteriorate and, ultimately, to collapse. Once this happens, the affected dog cannot bear weight on that hip, because the joint has completely lost its
Legg-Perthes disease is not particularly difficult for a veterinarian to diagnose. However, the symptoms of Legg-Perthes disease can mimic those resulting from other causes of hind limb lameness, such as patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, trauma/injury/fracture of the femur or pelvis, degenerative joint disease and septic arthritis of the hip joint, among others.Most veterinarians presented with a limping dog will get a complete history from the owner and then conduct a thorough physical examination. Of course,
Legg-Perthes disease is an irreversible disorder that causes hind limb lameness, pain and disfigurement of affected hip joints. Left untreated, this condition will progress, the hip joint will continue to deteriorate and the dog’s pain and other symptoms will worsen and become more obvious. Fortunately, despite the progressive nature of Legg-Perthes disease, surgical and non-surgical treatment options are available to help alleviate pain and improve the dog’s quality of life. The choice of treatment will