Harger Chihuahuas

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Legg-Perthes Disease
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Legg-Perthes Disease (Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head)
Race Foster, DVM
Marty Smith, DVM
Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.

Legg-Perthes disease is a disorder of small breeds of dogs, especially Yorkshire Terriers and West Highland
White Terriers. With this condition, the puppy will grow normally until about three months of age. At this time,
the ball (femoral head) of the hip joint begins to degenerate. It is believed that the blood supply to the femoral
head decreases causing the bone to deteriorate and actually die. Similar conditions occur in humans. The
end result is a malformed hip joint and secondary arthritis.

What are the symptoms?

Even though the hip joint deterioration begins around three months of age, it is not until the puppy is six to ten
months of age that it becomes lame. One or both hip joints may be involved. The dog will limp on the affected
side(s).

What are the risks?

The hip joint will never be normal and some lameness will always be present. Arthritis will be the result in the
affected joint.

What is the management?

Surgery to remove the diseased bone, i.e., the femoral head, is successful. The hip joint will not return to normal
function, however, the destructive arthritic process will be greatly slowed. The secondary arthritis should be
managed similarly to other forms of arthritis.

© 2004 Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
Reprinted as a courtesy and with permission from PetEducation.com
(http://www.PetEducation.com)
On-line store at http://www.DrsFosterSmith.com
Free pet supply catalog: 1-800-323-4208

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