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Health Condition

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is a hereditary orthopedic disorder causing degeneration of the femoral head due to disrupted blood supply, leading to hip pain and lameness in young dogs.

Detailed Description

This condition involves avascular necrosis of the femoral head, resulting in bone collapse and joint incongruity. It is most common in small and toy breeds and is believed to have a genetic basis. Progression leads to pain, muscle atrophy, and severe lameness if untreated.

Common Symptoms

  • Progressive hind limb lameness
  • Pain on hip manipulation
  • Muscle atrophy of affected limb
  • Decreased activity

Management Options

  • Femoral head and neck excision surgery
  • Pain management
  • Physical therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease painful?

Yes, it causes significant pain and lameness if untreated.

Can it be prevented?

Only by selective breeding; no environmental prevention.

How is it different from hip dysplasia?

LCPD is avascular necrosis in young dogs; hip dysplasia is a developmental malformation.

Is surgery always required?

Surgery is the gold standard for best outcome in small breeds.

Can my dog walk normally after surgery?

Most small dogs recover excellent function post-FHNE.

Condition Details

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Typical Age of Onset

4 to 12 months

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Testing Available

Yes

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Diagnosing Methods

Orthopedic exam; Radiographs

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Preventative Measures

Breeding only from unaffected lines; Early detection and intervention

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Related Conditions

Hip dysplasia, Patellar luxation

Affected Breeds

Affenpinscher

Prevalence: 1.6% Severity: 4/5

Affenpinschers are at higher risk for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease than the general dog population, with onset typically in puppies.

American Eskimo Dog

Severity: 3/5

American Eskimo Dogs have a higher than average risk for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease among small breeds.

Australian Terrier

Prevalence: 2% Severity: 3/5

Australian Terriers have a higher prevalence of Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease compared to the general canine population, with most cases presenting in puppies between 4–12 months.

Bichon Frise

Prevalence: 0.5% Severity: 4/5

Bichon Frises have a higher than average risk for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease among small breeds, with onset typically in puppies.

Biewer Terrier

Prevalence: 1% Severity: 3/5

Biewer Terriers are predisposed to this condition, similar to Yorkshire Terriers, with onset typically in young dogs.

Bolognese

Prevalence: 0.5% Severity: 4/5

Rare but documented in Bolognese; similar risk to other toy breeds. Sudden onset of hind limb lameness in puppies is a key sign.

Chinese Crested

Severity: 4/5

Chinese Cresteds are at higher risk for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease compared to the general canine population, similar to other small breeds.

Danish-Swedish Farmdog

Prevalence: 1% Severity: 4/5

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is rare but recognized in the breed, with risk similar to other small breeds.

Havanese

Prevalence: 1.5% Severity: 4/5

Havanese have a higher than average risk for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease among small breeds. Sudden onset of hind limb lameness in young dogs is a key sign.

Italian Greyhound

Prevalence: 2% Severity: 3/5

Italian Greyhounds are among the most affected breeds, with higher prevalence and earlier onset than average.

Japanese Chin

Prevalence: 2% Severity: 3/5

Japanese Chin are at higher risk for Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease than the general dog population, especially during puppyhood.

Lakeland Terrier

Prevalence: 1% Severity: 3/5

Lakeland Terriers are at higher risk than the general dog population, with the disease recognized as a breed concern. Most cases present in puppies or young dogs.

Lowchen

Severity: 4/5

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is rare but documented in Löwchen, with a slightly higher risk than average for small breeds.

Manchester Terrier (Standard)

Severity: 3/5

Manchester Terriers are at higher risk than average for small breeds, though less than some toy breeds.

Manchester Terrier (Toy)

Prevalence: 1.5% Severity: 3/5

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is recognized in Toy Manchester Terriers, with an estimated prevalence of 1–2%. The breed is at higher risk than average for toy breeds.

Miniature Pinscher

Prevalence: 2% Severity: 4/5

Miniature Pinschers have a higher risk than average for small breeds, with most cases presenting between 4–12 months of age.

Pomeranian

Prevalence: 1.5% Severity: 3/5

Pomeranians have a higher than average risk among toy breeds. Early surgical intervention leads to excellent outcomes.

Poodle (Miniature)

Prevalence: 1.5% Severity: 4/5

Miniature Poodles are among the top five breeds affected by LCPD, with a higher than average risk and typical onset in puppies.

Poodle (Toy)

Prevalence: 2% Severity: 4/5

Toy Poodles are among the top five breeds affected; usually presents in puppies and young dogs.

Portuguese Podengo

Severity: 4/5

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is rare in the breed but has been reported, primarily in the Pequeno variety.

Portuguese Podengo Pequeno

Prevalence: 1% Severity: 4/5

Rare but present; similar risk to other small breeds. Sudden onset of hind limb lameness in puppies or young dogs is a key sign.

Rat Terrier

Prevalence: 2% Severity: 3/5

Rat Terriers, like other small breeds, are at increased risk for Legg-Calvé-Perthes compared to large breeds.

Russell Terrier

Prevalence: 2% Severity: 4/5

Russell Terriers have a higher than average risk for this disease among small breeds. Early surgical intervention yields good outcomes.

Russian Toy

Prevalence: 2% Severity: 4/5

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is recognized in Russian Toys, with prevalence similar to other toy breeds. Early detection and surgical intervention yield good outcomes.

Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

Prevalence: 1% Severity: 4/5

Rare but present in the breed, with slightly higher risk than average for toy breeds.

Schipperke

Prevalence: 2% Severity: 3/5

Schipperkes have a higher than average risk for this condition among small breeds.

Silky Terrier

Prevalence: 1.5% Severity: 3/5

Silky Terriers have a higher than average risk for Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease compared to the general dog population, with most cases presenting in puppies between 4 and 12 months.

Smooth Fox Terrier

Severity: 3/5

Recognized as a breed concern; prevalence is higher than in the general dog population. Sudden onset of hind limb lameness in puppies should prompt evaluation.

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

Severity: 4/5

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is rare but has been reported in Teddy Roosevelt Terriers and related breeds. Early surgical intervention is highly effective.

Toy Fox Terrier

Severity: 4/5

Toy Fox Terriers are among the small breeds at increased risk. Sudden lameness in a young dog is a key warning sign.

West Highland White Terrier

Prevalence: 1.5% Severity: 3/5

Westies have a higher risk than the general canine population, especially among small breeds.

Wire Fox Terrier

Prevalence: 2% Severity: 3/5

Wire Fox Terriers have a higher than average risk for this disease, with onset typically in puppies. Early limping should prompt veterinary evaluation.

Yorkshire Terrier

Prevalence: 1.6% Severity: 3/5

Yorkshire Terriers are at higher risk than average for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, with juvenile onset and good prognosis after surgery.
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