Canine Perthes disease is a degenerative bone disease that is frequently diagnosed in small dog breeds. The symptoms of this disease are associated with the severe pain that canine Perthes disease may cause, and the disease must be treated or the dog will continue to experience worsening pain and progressive lameness. Fortunately, canine Perthes disease may be successfully treated through rest, physical therapy and surgical intervention.
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Identification
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Canine Perthes disease, also known as Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, is a condition that causes deterioration in the head of the femoral bone. This area of the bone is located at the top of the femoral bone, and any deterioration or abnormalities in the femoral head affect the hip joint. Canine Perthes disease is diagnosed most often in small toy and miniature dog breeds, and while the exact cause of the disease is unknown, experts suspect a genetic link.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of canine Perthes disease generally appear when dogs are younger than 1 year old. The most common symptoms associated with this disease include: chewing at the hip area, progressive limping or the inability to bear weight on the leg, pain and irritability. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease may affect either one or both of the hip areas, and as a result, these symptoms may appear on one or both sides of the dog's back legs and hip regions.
Diagnosis
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Legg-Calve-Perthes disease in dogs is diagnosed mainly through x-rays of the hip joints. The x-rays will usually reveal deterioration of the femoral head and hip joint or an abnormally shaped femoral head. Veterinarians will confirm their diagnosis through x-ray results, a physical examination, pet history and blood tests to rule out any underlying medical condition that could be causing the symptoms.
Treatment for Mild Cases
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In mild cases of canine Perthes disease, when the femoral head has a normal shape and structure, cage rest followed by physical therapy may successfully control the disorder. Dogs with mild forms of this disease will require yearly x-rays to keep close track of any femoral head deterioration, and they may also need short-term cage rest and physical therapy throughout their lifetime.
Treatment for Severe Cases
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Severe cases of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease in dogs (identified by femoral head deterioration or abnormal shape) require surgery that removes the neck and head of the femoral bone. Weeks of rest and recovery followed by physical therapy will stimulate the dog's body to form a new false hip joint out of muscle and tissue. Dogs that undergo this surgery have an excellent prognosis for a complete recovery, and they will eventually regain their ability to walk, exercise and play without any pain or lameness.
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