Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease, often called Legg-Calvé-Perthes Syndrome, is a degenerative and painful condition mainly targeting the hip joints of small breed dogs. It typically manifests in puppies, especially between 3 to 13 months old. Breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, and Manchester Terriers are particularly prone, but other small breeds may develop it as well.

What is Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease?

This disorder arises when the blood flow to the femoral head—the ball part of the hip joint—is compromised, causing necrosis or death of bone tissue. As the femoral head breaks down, it weakens and leads to hip joint collapse. This deterioration causes pain, lameness, swelling, and secondary osteoarthritis, drastically affecting the dog’s ability to move and overall wellness. Despite extensive investigation, the precise cause remains unclear, but the consensus is that abnormal blood supply is a key contributor.

Small Dog Breeds Most Vulnerable to Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease

This disease most often strikes toy, miniature, and small breeds, sometimes as early as three months of age. Breeds commonly impacted include:

• Yorkshire Terrier puppies
• West Highland White Terrier puppies
• Border Terrier puppies
• Dachshund puppies
• Manchester Terrier puppies

Anyone planning to bring home one of these breeds should be conscious of this condition and discuss health screening protocols with trusted breeders and their veterinarian.

Spotting Early Signs of Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease

Timely identification is critical for managing this disease and enhancing your dog’s quality of life. Symptoms often creep in gradually and may include:

• Increasing limp or lameness over several weeks
• Favoring or carrying one hind leg instead of using it normally
• Showing signs of discomfort like whimpering or reluctance to move around
• Noticeable muscle loss in the thigh of the affected leg
• Decreased range of motion in the hip joint

If you observe these behaviors, it’s essential to promptly consult a veterinarian for thorough evaluation.

How Veterinarians Diagnose the Disease

Diagnosis starts with a detailed health history and a careful physical exam focusing on the suspicious hip area and leg. Veterinarians often use X-ray imaging to assess the damage to the femoral head and changes in the hip joint. Early radiographs may reveal an unusually wide joint space, thinning of the bone, or fractures in the femoral neck. Accurate diagnosis depends on expert veterinary assessment using these imaging techniques.

Available Treatments for Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease

Treatment approaches depend on how advanced the disease is. Surgical intervention is typically recommended in cases where the disease is progressing or causing significant pain. The preferred surgery is femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHNO), which involves removing the damaged femoral head to relieve pain and allow a "false joint" to develop, aiding improved movement.

Conservative management like rest, anti-inflammatory meds, and cold therapy might be used for mild or very early cases but usually provide only temporary symptom relief. Post-surgery, consistent veterinary supervision and a rehabilitation program are vital for successful outcomes.

Recovery and Rehabilitation Following Surgery

After surgery, proper care is crucial to ensure your dog regains full function. Rehab strategies commonly include:

• Controlled, regular exercise to maintain muscle tone and flexibility in the joint
• Physical therapy and hydrotherapy, which are excellent for increasing joint mobility and building muscle without excessive joint stress
• Maintaining a healthy weight to minimize strain on healing joints
• Follow-up veterinarian visits every few weeks to monitor healing and adjust care plans

Some veterinarians in the U.S. may also recommend adding small weights to the dog’s leg near the hock to encourage weight-bearing and aid recovery.

Ethical Breeding and Responsible Dog Ownership

Because this condition can be inherited, breeding dogs diagnosed with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is discouraged. Prospective owners should seek puppies from reputable breeders who conduct health testing and avoid breeding affected bloodlines. Responsible breeding helps reduce disease prevalence and ensures healthier future generations of these small breeds.

Summary

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease is a painful hip condition primarily seen in young small breed dogs, caused by reduced blood supply leading to bone death and hip joint collapse. Recognizing signs early, obtaining prompt veterinary diagnosis, and pursuing appropriate surgical treatment significantly improve recovery chances. With ongoing post-operative care including physical therapy and weight control, most dogs regain strong mobility and enjoy a good quality of life.

If you're thinking about adopting a small breed like Yorkshire Terrier puppies or Dachshund puppies, make sure to work closely with responsible breeders and your veterinarian to support your new companion's health and happiness.